Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Renata Rodrigues. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Renata, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
I have developed confidence in the work I do by doing it a lot. Practice makes you better, always. And as long as you don’t quit when it gets tough, the only outcome is to get better at it. I believe that self-esteem is developed by taking risks and trying new things along your journey, being teachable, working constantly on your craft and learning the value you bring to the table.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am Brazilian and have graduated in Graphic Arts by the University of Fine Arts of São Paulo. I worked as a graphic designer for many years, designing websites and doing digital photo restorations. After going overseas to learn English and working different jobs, I came to live in West Palm Beach in 2016 and got married to a local artist, Craig McInnis. He guided me back into using pencils and paints instead of a computer and I restarted my art career here, going analog. My work varies from very small paintings to big murals, public art and live painting. No matter the size I am working on, my favorite thing to paint is commissions. Bringing a client’s idea to life gives me a lot of joy. My main medium is acrylics, but I use an array of others from time to time, when time calls for change. I also taught arts integration in South Florida schools for over 3 years, and now I still teach, but privately only. I specially like to work with teens who are getting ready to apply for art school and need help with preparation. It’s my way to give back and pass on what I have already learned to the next generation of artists.
You can view some of my work at studio 3 at The Peach, Palm Beach County’s new Art Collective. The best day to do so would be on the monthly art walks or during open hours, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 5:30 to 8:30pm. The Peach is a great place to connect with fellow artists and I highly recommend checking out the artists talks on Wednesday nights with Craig.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I am brave to try new things, eager to develop different skills and I don’t take myself seriously. I try to keep myself teachable and say yes to new opportunities. This approach gave me a broad set of skills that I can reach for when challenges arise. I believe the best way to know if you are good at something is doing it, and to be good at something you must fail at it many times. We should not see the word fail in bad connotation, just a stepping stone in the development of skill.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
My ideal client is someone who wants an original and personal work of art. I want to paint scenes that reminds the client of people, animals, places and feelings. I want it to be a source of love, strength and energy every time they look at it and I want it to last for generations to come. I want to create memories and history of things they don’t want to ever forget, about their family, traditions and their heart.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @renatarodriguesart
- Other: Text me and let’s meet! 5612559525
Image Credits
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