We were lucky to catch up with Natalia Navarra recently and have shared our conversation below.
Natalia, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
Creativity is the ability to use imagination or original ideas to generate fresh, innovative concepts. It opens the mind, allowing us to explore, grow, and think in all kinds of new ways. Through creativity, we can connect with others, learn about ourselves, and explore so much! So, how do I keep this creative spark alive?
Exploring new mediums and working on a variety of projects is key (for me). Sometimes, I have multiple projects going on at once, which really keeps my creativity flowing. If I start feeling stuck with one idea, I can easily switch to something different and keep the creative momentum going. Small trinkets in my studio also help create inspiration, whether souvenirs from travel or reminders of loved ones, these little trinkets help inspire me – evoking special memories and reminders of the life I’ve lived, and the people I love. I also think learning new things is a powerful way to stay inspired and creative. I’m always eager to learn – may it be about other artists, mediums, history, language, or current events. Learning new things keeps me feeling inspired and connected to the world around me, which really helps out with the creative juices! Connecting in general is also a great way to stay creative. Collaborating with others and connecting with artists that share the same interests as you is such a great way to stay inspired! Traveling also really sparks my creativity. Even if it’s just discovering a new pocket of my neighborhood, traveling and exploring allows me the opportunity to see the little things in life. I’m always carrying a sketchbook around in case I see anything that may spark some interest for a new idea! Taking breaks from work, especially from screens, also helps with giving my mind the rest it needs to regain focus and inspiration for creativity. These breaks are essential for me during a long work day in the studio. Lastly, I’d have to say that sleep is essential for my creative process. Being well-rested before a drawing session helps me feel refreshed and ready to create – and there’s no better way to achieve that than through some good, solid sleep.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
My name is Natalia Navarra. I’m a freelance illustrator, multi-disciplinary artist, and Visual Arts teacher based in Philadelphia. I earned her BA in Art Education and since then, I’ve been honored to teach a wide array of art courses to a broad spectrum of students. In addition, I’ve led a number of public and virtual art workshops within my community, and have participated in multiple art exhibits on both the East and West coasts.
I work with a range of mediums but particularly favor digital and traditional illustration. Each piece acts as a portal through which the viewer enters a surrealist dreamscape – constructed of vibrant colors and bold lines. My work invites the viewer to step into this augmented reality, where symbolism and basic elements of everyday life are combined. My art demonstrates a strong appreciation for depth, balance, and symmetry.
As both an artist and teacher, I make it a priority to create every day, aiming to inspire growth in myself and those around me. I focus on establishing safe spaces where others can comfortably explore and develop their own artwork. I believe that art is a powerful tool for reflection and personal growth.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Stay focused and pursue your dreams! Also, explore and practice your mediums, it’s the best way to grow – connect with other artists, collaborate on projects, find opportunities to keep making and creating everyday!
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Absolutely – I’m always looking for a collaboration. I love working with others. Collaboration sparks fresh ideas and inspires innovative approaches. Whether it’s taking on new clients or simply working with fellow artists, exploring unfamiliar mediums or techniques pushes us to step outside our comfort zones. This not only broadens our skills but also deepens our creative experience!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://natalianavarra.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natalianavz/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@natalianavarra1286
Image Credits
Illustrated by Natalia Navarra
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
