Today we’d like to introduce you to Gaby Ballesteros.
Hi Gaby, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
So, my story is unconventional in that I didn’t go to school for art but have always been a creative person and artistic. My background is actually in math and for me, it’s always been about problem-solving and being passionate and unique. I started giving my art full attention after I graduated college and slowly believing in myself and creating illustrations and crafts. Right now, I would say since I entered a creative career a little late, I’m still in the early stages of learning and creating products. My goal is to continue making illustrations and products and inspire those who may feel like they don’t have a chance or representation. That of course it’s never too late to bet on yourself.
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?
Oh wowie. No, it’s been hard I won’t sugar coat that. Of course, you will hear no a lot and or the question of “why do you have a degree in math?” I will say that if this is something you do all the time and kinda can’t live without it, you will naturally just keep going and find little ways to keep yourself motivated. A lot of creatives doubt themselves and I definitely would give up and turn back to what my degree is or something that was more in line with a traditional career. But I always do find myself making things and like I said it’s so much a part of you, you can’t really give it up. I sit in traffic a lot and it kinda clicked that changing lanes doesn’t really get you far and sometimes sitting through the struggle is the best way you just have to give it a chance.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
So right now, I work as a product designer for a product design and development firm in Sanford, Florida. They specialize in crafts and children’s retail products. I feel like my style and really myself is based heavily in what I like and how I am as a person. I love cute and vibrant things and that’s really what sets me apart. My sense of color is always something that has been unique and I like making illustrations and patterns in my own unique style and sensibility. I’m proud of the progress I’ve made, I feel like I’ve come really far and worked tirelessly to get myself where I’m happy with what I create and just super excited to keep learning and making.
What do you think about happiness?
There’s something about making an illustration and you just feel joy and or say that’s so cute! I can’t explain it, other than being in the zone it’s like you are fulfilling your purpose and making something that you just are so happy to see in the world. I would say being able to make a unique pattern or colorful illustration makes me smile and I hope it conveys that sense in others.
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