Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Peña.
Hi Michael, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Creativity through Imagination, artwork, and even costume/cosplay designing, I’ve taught myself to learn as much as I can from age 14 and so on. I started out with drawing characters for stories that I enjoy writing to creating them digitally and even in 3D. By delving further into my craft, I’ve learned to 3D print my own characters as statues and even paint them. Simple ideas turned into physical objects is such an amazing thing to accomplish, but I don’t stop there. I’ve honed my skills in Cosplay crafting as well! I compete in masters division thanks to my growth, my collection of techniques from other masters and teachers, and with my own acting ability, I enjoy portraying the characters personalities, voices, and mannerisms to immerse even further into that world.
As an artist, I truly enjoy being able to produce my own product. I try not to outsource, especially because I have my own printers for posters, printers for original 3D work, and I can create my own props to sell if I wanted to.
My mother taught me that difficult challenges are only obstacles that can be overcome. I embrace difficulty as I know I’ll eventually be able to learn something new. My knowledge in crafting will never be withheld. Passing the knowledge to newer generations as how we progress and ill be sure to teach anyone willing to learn something new.
My artist name, beyond the World, is not only a name, but a lifestyle. Going above and beyond your capabilities is how I grow as an individual, it’s how I’m able to impress myself everytime as well as others, and it never gets old. Representing my hispanic heritage through my art is another motivator for me because it not only opens up a bigger audience, but language barriers are also non existent in that regard, pavi g the way for more creative willing to learn from me, but also giving me the opportunity to learn from them.
My motto is “Stay Great, Stay Powerful”. Those are the very first words I think of when I wake up and that’s the start to a good day.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
ADHD since I was young has become troublesome as an adult. Focus, drainage, motivation. They are all contributing factors to a non successful day. But it’s not all bad. I sometimes see it as a superpower. While it’s held me back from greater and consistent outcomes, it has turned me into a potential factory on legs that can produce what comes to mind at decent speeds. Ideas will never run out, Work will always be there for me even if I’m not paid for it. If there’s a creative aspect, I am happy, hyper focused, and the mission will be complete. But the greatest obstacle is definitely staying focused on tasks and subjects that won’t stimulate the mind. Many of us face that challenge, but when you think about it, challenges are made to be conquered. I may not hit that 100% success rate everytime, but I’m proud that I can find triumph in my losses. Sometimes you have to lose to know what victory looks like.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At first, it was traditional Art. Watching cartoons, anime, movies way back since I was 14 sparked the creative instinct.
At 18 is when I began to dabble in digital artwork, it was rough, but some of the best character portrayals came from that medium. I print my own posters now.
At 27, I messed around with 3D art. Rocky start, but it really reminded me of digital, but multiple sides, plus extra factors to consider. 3D printing happened in the middle of that and now I can design anything and bring it to life.
Cosplay costume designing came around that time and all of the skills I’ve gather up transitioned perfectly. The vision, inspiration, and my own touch which I’m happy to add to costumes. I’ve gained awards, competed with the best as a team and solo, make up, acting, foam work, painting, and even voice acting were things I attained through this journey.
One day I want to release my stories and get into voice acting, acting, and I’m willing to learn what I need to sharpen what I can already do.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Simple. If you see someone doing it. Ask them. Ask them how to do it, what it takes, and why it should be done this way. Those answers vary from person to person, which means you yourself will come up with your own method. Never shoot for perfection. Perfection will take away the ability to learn and most importantly, the ability to enjoy. Even the professionals have to practice and make sure they don’t get rusty, and that goes for just about anything.
Tutorials on many different artforms, tasks, and activities in general are all out there, most of the time it’s free knowledge which you can support at your own discretion.
An hour of practice a day, keeps the rust away.
Pricing:
- Traditional Art: Starting at $5
- Digital art: Starting at $50
- 3D art: Starting at $70
- 3D printing: Starting at $20
- Posters: Starting at $1
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Dragonslayer Ornstein (Golden Armorset) by @dylankmedia Mohg, Lord of Blood (taken by photographers at Megacon
