We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Vanessa Zapata a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Vanessa, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
How I overcame imposter syndrome is I didn’t let the opinions of people influence me. I remain positive verse letting the anxiety hit me. I always would tell myself if I didn’t sell then at least I got the exposure from the event. Also, I would connect with other artists at events or exhibits which helps with feeling alone or anxious.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m a local Arizona Artist. I use my curiosity and love for life as inspiration for my incredible artwork. I paint and create with vibrant colors, and various media and pore my soul into every
piece. I immerse myself in a world free of fear and full of hope. I paint what I feel and love the most.
Busy mind working all the time. I let my hands guide me by my dreams. Freedom to travel to this world
and dreams. Life is good and it only happens through my mistakes to bring me full circle.
Since I was little, I have always been curious and at the same time intrigued with Art.
I’m originally from Los Banos, California, but I lived half of my life in between Kansas and
Oklahoma. I was told from a young age that it would be impossible for me to attend
college, but I never stopped. I graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of
Fine Art in Drawing in 2010. I reside in Arizona where I am connected with Mother Nature
and the beauty of the Superstitions Mountains. From a young age, I always said I would
live in Phoenix, Arizona. My spirit feels free. I find the Arizona desert is a vital
part of my inspiration and well being.
I’m also right now working on two new sole exhibit shows. Which will be out this year 2024. I’m also bringing back the alcohol ink workshops in the downtown studio location in Phoenix, Arizona. I now have a TikTok shop and website you can order artwork.
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?
Have patience, practice your skills, and share your knowledge with others. You need a lot of patience because you won’t become an artist in one day. It comes with lots of mistakes and learning curves. You also need to jump into it your passion at one point because you will never know if you can do it. Practice your skills because you will always be learning as an artist. Sharing with others will benefit you a lot because others will also share their experience with you. Always be challenging yourself and learn from your experiences.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
My parent always made sure I had sketchbooks or art supplies to do the artwork. They always motivated me and supported my love for art. My Mom also volunteered me at galleries where I saw how artists would enter into exhibits and passion behind it.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.zapatafineart.com
- Instagram: art_by_vozapata
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZapataArtDesigns/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessaortizzapata/
- Youtube: @ZapataFineArt
- Yelp: zapata.fineart@gmail.com
- Other: www.zapataart.weebly.com
Image Credits
Vanessa Ortiz Zapata
