Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Decespedes.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’m a 27 years old, bisexual Cuban-American who has been drawing since I could pick up a pencil. I’m heavily inspired by women, the color pink, animals, and anything that screams “CUTE!!!!”
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road is never smooth, but isn’t that what makes it interesting? I have been drawing and creating for most of my life and because of comparison, I stopped for a few years. I’ve had small shops online before, but this one, ChismosaPrincesa, is the one I have been the most serious about. I started my Etsy shop in December of 2019 once I finally gained my confidence and found some control over my depression (thank you, doctors and antidepressants!) I also stopped comparing myself. Also, having/starting a small business in general is difficult in terms of having enough money to even start. Sometimes you just need to take the leap of faith.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I love drawing from movies that inspire me, and a lot of what I do is nostalgic. I recently had some really fun PowerPuff Girl prints and stickers on my Patreon, and that show was a huge part of my childhood and I clearly still resonate with it today. I’m really known for creating prints/stickers of pretty girls, fairies, zodiac art and cute animals or inspiration from Studio Ghibli films and old cartoons. I’m most proud of the fact that even though there are many artists who do what I do, I really really enjoy my style. It isn’t for everyone but I really do think it stands out and you can tell when something is drawn by me. Artists really struggle with finding their own style and it’s what I get the most compliments on, along with my use of color!
How do you think about luck?
I say this a lot but I have always been an incredibly lucky individual. I know a lot of wonderful people who support me and my business, even if it’s just by sharing my work, and I feel so loved and touched by everyone who has helped me make the dream a reality. I also have a lot of help from my parents who have always supported everything I do. I’m just a lucky gal.
Contact Info:
- Website: Etsy.com/shop/chismosaprincesa
- Instagram: Instagram.com/chismosaprincesa
- Twitter: Twitter.com/chismosabby
- Other: Patreon.com/chismosaprincesa
