We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tania Torres. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tania below.
Tania, 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?
Keeping my creative juices flowing is all about being plugged into community, where love, friendship, and family are like the fuel that keeps the engine running. Creativity for me is like this big ol’ group project with everyone I care about. Love? adds meaning to everything I do. Friends are like my family, always cheering me on and giving me that extra push to think outside the box and chase my wildest dreams.
But it’s not just about the inner circle, you know? It’s also about soaking up the stories from the wider world. Every person I meet, every story I hear, it’s all part of this wild tapestry of inspiration that feeds my creativity. From exploring different cultures to just chatting with strangers at the coffee shop, each interaction adds a little spark to my creative fire. So yeah, community—it’s not just where I belong, it’s where my creativity thrives, soaking up all the good vibes and turning them into something creative.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Tania Torres, also known as Goopy Banana Co, is an artist and illustrator hailing from Southern California. From a young age, they have always had a penchant for doodling, and over the years, they have honed their skills and developed a unique style. Their work is often simple and child-like, with a focus on creating comforting and cute pieces that resonate with their audience. As a queer Latinx artist, Tania’s journey in the arts has largely been self-taught. Art was never seen as a realistic professional goal, and Tania rarely showcased their work to anyone outside of their closest friends. Through collaboration, dedication and hard work, Tania has overcome these obstacles and has begun to publish their work online, in galleries, and art sales.
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?
Looking back on my journey, three qualities that stand out as being incredibly impactful are resilience, adaptability, and continuous learning. When faced with challenges or setbacks, it was my resilience that allowed me to bounce back, learn from the experience, and keep moving forward. Adaptability was also key, as the ability to pivot and embrace change enabled me to navigate through uncertain times and seize new opportunities. And perhaps most importantly, a commitment to continuous learning has been instrumental in my growth and development. Embracing a mindset of lifelong learning has allowed me to stay relevant, expand my horizons, and adapt to evolving circumstances in both my personal and professional life.
For those who are early in their journey, my advice would be to prioritize the development of these three qualities. Cultivate resilience by reframing setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning. Embrace adaptability by being open to change and actively seeking out new experiences that challenge you to step outside your comfort zone. And never stop learning—whether through formal education, mentorship, or self-directed study, make a commitment to constantly expanding your knowledge and skills. Remember that setbacks are not failures, but opportunities for growth, and that the journey is just as important as the destination. By embodying these qualities and embracing a mindset of growth and resilience, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the twists and turns of your own journey and emerge stronger and more resilient on the other side.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I am always looking for new friends and collaborators. If you need someone with a amateur illustration background, I’m your guy. I look for folks that are Latinx, LGBTQIA+, POC, or general allies of the communities I am apart of. I am also based in Los Angeles, and are always seeking to grow in community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.goopybananaco.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goopybananaco/
