Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lauren Zavala. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Lauren, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
As an artist, one of my go-to strategies for keeping my creativity alive is by embracing diversification. I love exploring various motifs, experimenting with different mediums and styles – it keeps things exciting and fresh. Whenever I sense the possibility of burnout creeping in, I take it as a sign to pivot and try something new. Some days, I’ll immerse myself in the fluid beauty of watercolors, while on others, I’ll venture into the rugged charm of leather paints or dive deep into my canvas series.
Dabbling in different mediums not only keeps me creatively charged but also allows me to enhance my skills in each area. Each medium has its unique intricacies, and by working with them, I get to enrich my artistic toolkit.
When the dreaded artist’s block threatens my creativity, I find solace in digital art on my trusty iPad Pro. I can doodle and edits old designs to try and help spark something new. Sometimes playing around with things is the best way to stumble upon your next best design.
Of course, there are days when the creative spark isn’t shining as bright, and that’s alright. I’ve learned not to be too hard on myself during those times. Instead, I take the day to focus on other aspects of my artistic journey, particularly the business side of things. Unfortunately, painting isn’t the only part of my job. I end up reaching out to businesses or magazines that I think can help my business grow, or perhaps most importantly, work on my social media. There’s so many aspects to making a business run, it’s helpful to take breaks from certain things so you can feel refreshed.
So, that’s my approach to keeping the creative fire burning while balancing the practical aspects of my art career. By exploring different avenues, embracing challenges, and allowing myself to grow both creatively and professionally, I find the perfect rhythm to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of being an artist.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My name Lauren Zavala, and I am a painter specializing in leather paintings to create stunning customized designer pieces that seamlessly blend fine art with fashion. Additionally, I work with acrylics on canvas, where I am currently engrossed in an exciting series featuring historical figures, particularly those from monarchy, infused with motifs and elements like butterflies, gemstones and skulls. My creative journey thrives on motifs that embody the essence of life and metamorphosis, infusing my artwork with captivating narratives.
My educational background is rooted in a passion for art history, having pursued my undergraduate degree in this field at the University of Colorado. Building upon that foundation, I moved to London to complete a Masters in Decorative Arts and Historic Interiors at the University of Buckingham in the UK. These academic experiences have instilled in me a deep appreciation for the significance of art history, which I love incorporating into each of my pieces.
Recently, I had the pleasure of completing a large scale canvas centered around the iconic Louis XIV (France’s Sun King). My art is a true reflection of myself, showcasing the diverse influences that have captured my heart. The spirit of impressionism, the boldness of pop art, the captivating lines and shapes of architecture, the elegance of fashion, and the richness of history, among other inspirations, all find their place in my creative process.
Through my art, I aim to convey the essence of a multi-faceted identity, which is a harmonious blend of various artistic and historical elements. I hope that each piece I create reflects my passion for these diverse influences and resonates with those who encounter them. My ultimate goal is to evoke emotions, provoke thought, and inspire a profound connection between the viewer and my art.
As I continue to explore the intersections of fine art, fashion, and history, my artistic journey remains a boundless voyage of self-discovery and creative expression.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The three most impactful qualities and skills have been:
1. Patience to learn.
2. Willingness to try new things.
3. Finding your own voice.
I think I have advice for all of these. Firstly, nobody really knows what they’re doing all of the time – Especially at the beginning. At least, I didn’t. I wanted to start painting on leather so I bought three colors and started practicing on anything I could. I even went to Crate and Barrel asking if they had and spare leather so I could practice on different types of leather. And eventually you just fall into a rhythm. Before I knew what I was doing, I was kind of bad. I messed up a lot. I had to learn to be patient and take my time to achieve what I was going for.
Secondly, in everything you want to do but are too intimidated to, you have to have at least try. Even if it ends badly. Just give it a go. Lot’s of things won’t work. People will ignore your emails. Sometimes the idea you love will flop. But that’s how you see what works. And that’s how you move forward. It’s deeply scary, but honestly worth it.
Thirdly, you have to find a voice. The more you create, the more you’ll start noticing what seems like “you”. Follow that lead! Lean into the things that feel like you.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
Stop drop and roll! For me, I over analyze. So I have to stop over thinking, drop what I’m doing and roll with it. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed – we all do! But I can’t just keep going. I have to take a little bit to refresh. I feel like I’m going to get roasted for this, but I go and get an iced chocolate milk from Starbucks. It has just enough mocha to pep me up, but it’s got that relaxing vibe that a hot chocolate gives you. Do anything that gives you 15 minutes to yourself.
I have anxiety, so I work better to prevent being overwhelmed rather than fixing it after it’s happened. I like to prepare. I make lists I can cross off to help me feel like I’m on track. I show up everywhere 10 minutes early. I take lots of tiny breaks. All of these strategies help prevent me feeling overwhelmed.
Contact Info:
- Website:ZavalaBespoke.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zavalabespoke
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zavalabespoke
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/zavalabespoke
- Other: I’m Zavala Bespoke on all platforms. – Pinterest – Youtube – Threads – TikTok
Image Credits
All images are mine.
