We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Vevina Flores a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Vevina, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?
I’ve loved art since I was a kid—it’s always been my way of making sense of things. Growing up was rough, but I like to think all those struggles led to something bigger, like little stepping stones to where I am now. Honestly, I feel like so many good things have come my way because I kept pushing through.
A big part of my optimism comes from wanting people with anxiety, like me, to feel seen. I know how tough it can be, and if my art can bring even a little comfort or joy, then all those tough moments were worth it!
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?
Hi! I’m Viv, the artist behind Cutiepieviv, where I turn cozy yet playfully bold art into little reminders of self-love and anxiety relief. My work is all about creating cute, comforting pieces that help people feel seen—especially those who struggle with anxiety, like me! Whether it’s a tiny sprout-headed character, a plushy broccoli king, or my one-of-a-kind fidget bracelets designed to be both fun and soothing, everything I make is meant to spark joy and bring a little softness to the day.
Right now, I’m focused on expanding my work beyond conventions, getting my art into more shops, and growing my online community. My newest projects include creating an artist community on Discord, traveling to different states for events, and solidifying the stories of my four main characters—King Boco Baby, Tabachingching the Turnip, Struit the Star Fruit, and Gerine the WhaleShark. Each of them carries a special meaning, reflecting different emotions and parts of my own journey.
At the end of the day, my goal is simple: to create art that reminds people they’re not alone in their struggles—and that even the tiniest victories deserve to be celebrated!
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?
Thriving When All Seems Lost
– Some of my best moments came from the hardest times. I’ve learned that even when things fall apart, there’s still a way forward—you just have to keep going and trust that struggles can lead to something greater.
Dreaming Big (Even If It Feels Unrealistic!)
– I used to think my goals were too ambitious, but I’ve realized aiming high is the only way to grow. Whether it’s flying to new conventions or expanding my characters into something bigger, I refuse to shrink my dreams just because they seem out of reach.
Solving Problems with Comforting Creations
– Instead of just making “cute” things, I think about what people struggle with and how my art can help. My fidget bracelets, for example, were born from the idea of giving anxious hands something soothing. Finding ways to turn struggles into comforting products has made my work more meaningful.
For anyone starting out: Keep going, dream bigger, and think about how your creativity can make life a little easier for others!
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
The most impactful thing my mom did for me was believe in me even more than I believed in myself. She has this unshakable, almost magical confidence in me—like she sees the version of me that’s already made it, even when I’m stuck in self-doubt. No matter what wild dream or creative project I throw myself into, she’s there, cheering me on like it’s already a huge success. Her support has been my safety net, my pep talk, and sometimes the push I needed to aim even higher. Because of her, I’ve learned to dream bigger and trust that I’m capable of more than I think.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cutiepieviv.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cutiepieviv/profilecard/?igsh=MTNwcDhkZDlsd2l0dg==
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@cutiepieviv?si=BeJzLeUIBycTRr3D
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