Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Veronica Ortiz. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Veronica , so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
I have been interested in art since I was a kid, it is something I have always gravitated toward, but I do still get imposter syndrome. It is seldom that I do feel like an actual artist, but I do love tattooing and painting so that is what keeps me going, and not worry so much about those thoughts. I believe we all do have these thoughts, but at the end of the day, it doesn’t do me any good. If I listen to them I wouldn’t do what I love, so I just do what I love regardless of the negative thoughts.
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?
I am a tattoo artist, I have been tattooing since 2008. Although I do enjoy tattooing, I feel like I get more artistic freedom when I paint. I paint my perceptions of my life, I can explain myself but easier with art, than with words. I also enjoy other people explaining their interpretations of my art, I feel like it says more about them than the art itself, so it’s like a window into their minds. It is rare that someone does really get it, so far I have had one person understand one of the paintings. Right now, I am selling prints of some of my paintings, and I hope to get into a gallery at some point or do some local art shows.
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?
I am a very gritty person, I don’t give up, I first got into tattooing I was told no by multiple artists, but told myself if I did not get into a shop before I was eighteen I would quit, so I got into a shop when I was seventeen. I have the gift of not listening to people haha. My advice is never listen to the nay sayers, if you have a passion, go for it, because someone will see your drive. If I see someone who is a better artist, I do not get jealous, or have ill will toward that person. I want to pick their brain, and learn, and ask advice. I want to know where they see me lacking. I used to take this personally, but at this point I know it’s not personal, it’s them trying to help me. I think we need to learn to take criticism, and let go of our egos.
I am a dreamer, I have a lot of goals in my life, and my life is lead by them, I need something to romanticize to keep going, so I just chase my dreams. I think ignoring the nay sayers or the negative thoughts in your head and just being lead by something bigger can take you very far in your life.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
This is difficult to pin point one person who has helped me. I am a very fortunate person and have an amazing support system, I feel like all of them have helped me in different aspects, not so much my career per se, but in other ways that have helped me personally believe in myself and accept myself, which has bled into other areas of my life like my career. I have great friends and co workers, and can’t explain how grateful I am to have them in my life.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: art.by.han_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meghan92proof/
Image Credits
Robert McCrary photographer for personal photo. Joseph Maye photographer for artwork.
