Meet Tiara

We were lucky to catch up with Tiara recently and have shared our conversation below.

Tiara, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.

There was a point in my life where I was constantly comparing myself to my peers. During my undergraduate studies, I was an illustration major before changing my major to printmaking. I was in a class full of awesome creatives, however, I found myself comparing myself to them. I was in a class filled with talented artist who were more experienced in illustration and knew how to work in a fast pace. Because of my insecurities, I burnt myself out from constantly comparing. During this period of my life, I fell in love with printmaking, especially the process. I took a leap of faith and decided to change my major.

I found joy throughout the process and began studying more. Through printmaking, I was introduced to a whole new community and many different opportunities. Furthermore, I met people that I respect and admire. my eagerness to learn led me to various experiences that made me into the artist that I am today. I received cosigns from respected artists that I now call my peers. Through achieving my goals, slowly but surely, I gain a confidence in my skillset and craft.

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?

Hello, my name is Tiara Tiana. I am a Charlotte based printmaker and artist. I create artwork using printmaking techniques such as screen-printing, intaglio, lithography, and collagraphy. What I love about printmaking is the ability to create reproductions by hand. Printmaking is a very technical medium and consists of various processes. However, it is exciting once you get the groove of it. I love talking about printmaking with loves and enhancing my own craft. If you are interested in following my creative journey, check out my Instagram: artisticflacko

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back at the beginning of my artistic journey, I will say that patience, practice, and having a mentor or teacher who understands your vision or creative desires will help you go a long way. Patience and practice is needed in my line of work. It is okay to fail, just fail fast so that you can learn. We are always learning.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

When I feel overwhelmed, I tend to step away from the situation or whatever I am working on. Sometimes, you need a breather to help you process whatever you are feeling. I like to sit in my backyard, read, or listen to music. Or go to a body of water, water is healing, calming. Stepping away helps me reenter with a fresh pair of eyes or a fresh perspective.

Contact Info:

• Website: tiaratianaart.com
• Instagram: artisticflacko

Image Credits

Portrait photograph by Brenton Bent