Meet Sunni Aceves of Sherman Oaks

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sunni Aceves.

Hi Sunni, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, I discovered a passion for visual art in high school, often sketching during class and painting while listening to music. Music became a core influence in my creative process, inspiring me to paint either the musician themself or visuals that came from listening to their music. After graduating, I moved to the west coast to immerse myself in a more vibrant, diverse art scene.

In LA, I started to blend my Southwestern roots with urban aesthetics, using music as both muse and background to my evolving style. As I started to share my work on social media and I gained some attention, leading to commissions and contract work. Today, I continue to explore the intersection of sound and image, creating bold, expressive pieces that echo the energy of the music that inspires them.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’ve been fortunate to have a supportive community that continually encourages me to pursue a path that fuels me both creatively and emotionally. Still, sustaining myself financially through art has been a real challenge. Like many creatives, I’ve had to juggle side jobs and part-time work just to get by—often at the expense of time I could be spending making art. That balance is tough. On top of that, I often struggle with imposter syndrome. Comparing myself to other artists can be discouraging, especially when putting my work out into the world feels vulnerable enough on its own.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a visual artist specializing in acrylic painting, known for my vibrant, street-inspired style. My work often features bold portraits and expressive animals, brought to life through dynamic color and energy. Despite the challenges that come with pursuing art as a career, I’m proud to have stayed committed to my creative journey. One of the things I’m most drawn to—and others often notice—is the way I capture emotion and soul through the eyes of my subjects. For me, that connection is what drives my artwork.

We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I feel incredibly fortunate in life. I’m surrounded by an encouraging and supportive community, and having the time, energy, and materials to create is something I don’t take for granted. I recognize that not everyone has access to these resources, and I’m deeply grateful for the privilege to pursue my art. Being able to create isn’t just a passion—it’s a gift.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @dreamalwaysart (art page) @sunnid88 (personal page)

Image Credits
The Native painting is based on “Three Horses” ca 1905 Poster Print by Edward Curtis
The Stevie Nicks painting is based on the photo by Richard E. Aarons