Today we’d like to introduce you to Ariana Saucedo.
Hi Ariana, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
As an artist, I truly don’t think there is a specific day in which I started, but I do know that there wasn’t a day in my life where I didn’t have it. I just remember being little and always having something that could spark creativity. Growing up, my mom always made it a point to do creative things with my brother and I; I was, and still am, very grateful to have had such a supportive and artsy upbringing. There was never a day that paintbrushes, coloring books, dolls and pretty much anything creative wasn’t within arms reach, it just always felt like art was a part of my life. As I got older I started to go through the normal teenage trials and errors, and through this I got pulled in different directions of what seemed like the “ norm “ for everything: career, relationships, wardrobe, language, etc. realizing that the people around me were very different from myself was definitely a benefit, but also something that made me doubt my personal opinions and style; towards the end, as I was about to graduate high school,i felt so lost within the route my peers were going through versus the route I wanted to go through (or what I was discovering within that). One day, about 3 months till graduation, I sat down with my self, tried to decide on what it is I wanted to pursue and how I wanted to go about it; I then realized that no matter what I did in life, I always went back to art. Whether it was painting, drawing, photography, fashion design, I always went back to that in some way. I graduated that summer, and in the fall, i took a chance and started my Media Communications Bachelors of Science degree at Full Sail University; this was truly the best decision of my life. By taking that jump, i was surrounded by people who were just as driven to create and discovered what I truly wanted to do with my life, if not more. At this point, I met so many individuals who expanded my mind to new things and made me feel like I belonged. It was only a matter of time before the seeds that had been planted started sprouting. My low-profile freelance work was being noticed, leading to a connection with LCD Entertainment (a developing collective based in Tampa FL aiming to create and bring all forms of art together to inspire communities across the world), where I developed a multitude of skills involving collaboration with artists, using different kinds of equipment, and discovering what I truly am capable of. The team holds such a dear place in my heart, and my photography career would not have formed such a solid foundation if it wasn’t for every single person in LCD and the various opportunities and challenges they presented me with. Over time, I created (and still create) tons of different styled projects , and eventually started my freelance business to what is now Ari Creates Art. As I grew my portfolio, I aimed to find a place where I could pursue photography full time, alongside school; present day, I am working as a photographer for RTW Photography! This is only the beginning, and I can’t thank my friends, family, and those surrounding me enough for all the uplifting and love they show me every single day.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Although my journey started off great in many aspects,it was definitely not the smoothest ride. after the pandemic hit, my living arrangement became unstable with school and work still being full time, causing me to move 6 times, within a 2 year time period. between Orlando and Tampa (where my family lives), I ended up planting in Tampa as work and school got easier to work remote. Within that timeframe, I worked as a receptionist In an Optical Office where I learned many people skills, but also faced troubles; it was located in Orlando, so I would have to drive from my home to Orlando (about 2 hours each way) to work my 9-5, Monday through Friday. alongside this,I was looked at as “unknowledgable” sometimes due to my age and I was rarely taken seriously when attempting to vocalizing any issues or concerns. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed the good times there and they were very supportive in the sense of being flexible for school and anything creative I was a part of, yet it would always flip and become the opposite if they felt otherwise. Of course I soon realized that the money wasn’t worth it anymore, and decided on taking that leap to work for RTW; even within this decision came hardships. I was still living in Tampa, so driving back and forth was still involved. The days I had to stay in Orlando over night I would stay with my friends or anyone I possibly could, and the days they weren’t available to host me I’d have to find a solution, whether that was to find a hotel close by, drive back extremely late to Tampa or sleep in my car. working long nights, doing extra side projects and hustling as hard as I could, I knew at some point I would be able to create a consistent and stable flow of what I had going on. To this day, I have created stability of my schedule, and now graduating from college in June, it will only become better! Reflecting on those times I faced within the good things has allowed me to not only grow within myself, but share with others who may face the same thing. if I could say anything to anyone who may feel the same or have experienced something similar, just know that you are worthy of all things great and I am routing for you from wherever I am to wherever you are. My mother always tells me “ you can’t control what others do or say, but you can control how YOU react to them,” so stay true to yourself, be kind to others, and what you give is what you receive!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a photographer specializing in Creative Portraits! I truly enjoy capturing all kinds of moments, but creating new and unique looks is my favorite part of the process. I am most proud of the connections I’ve made within my career and especially proud of each and every project I have worked on with my clients and peers! people have always told me that my bubbly personality, creative ideas, and drive to continue creating and sharing my love for art sets me apart from others. I only ever strive to bring something new and creative to the world, and I am just grateful it is recognized in any shape and/or form.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
I learned that we are so lucky to have each other, even virtually. being inside for so long made me miss those around me; I also learned that art was truly my escape no matter what form it was in. in the very beginning of the pandemic, I went through a really hard breakup, and, on top of everything else I had going on in life, art never failed to bring light to the darkness.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://arianaraquel.wixsite.com/my-site
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arianaaraquel/ | https://www.instagram.com/aricreatesart/
Image Credits
Ariana R Saucedo (photos 1-7, 12)
Noel Robles (photos 8-9)
Keianna Summers (photos 10-11)
