Check out Zayda Love’s Artwork

Today we’d like to introduce you to Zayda Love.

Zayda, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
My story began three years ago when I was around ten years old. I have always loved reading and never went anywhere without a book! Being a book nerd, unfortunately, came with its share of bullying. Books are treasures. Reading is wonderful! I couldn’t quite understand why other kids felt the need to tease me about it, but for some reason, their teasing fueled my fire!

We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I began creating my own line of bookish apparel that would let the world know just how awesome books really are! I personally choose each item and hand print them with a beachy California style. This has allowed me to bridge the gap between what is considered nerdy and cool! My shirts make great conversation pieces and have connected me to other bookworms from all over the place, even as far as Italy! I am able to give a voice to others by enabling them to share their love for books and hopefully help prevent bullying at the same time!

I print all of my apparel using eco crafted water-based inks. Most of my designs are unearthed when I’m doodling and avoiding schoolwork. My most popular design “Books Not War” was originally created using homemade stencils and spray paint. It was also inspired by vintage anti-war posters.

The stereotype of a starving artist scares away many potentially talented artists from pursuing art – any advice or thoughts about how to deal with the financial concerns an aspiring artist might be concerned about?
My advice would be to take advantage of apps like Let It Go and Depop. Sell anything that you aren’t using or have outgrown which is usually the case with me. I sell old shoes and jackets or whatever I have to help fund my shop.

Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
Due to the fact that I am so young, a lot of people don’t take me seriously. I turn 13 in a couple of months and I have many goals. By the time I’m 16, I would like to have a pop-up shop on wheels allowing me to reach out in other communities, share my journey, and promote a love for reading. My ultimate goal is to have my own foundation that can grant scholarships to kids in need. You can support me by visiting my website www.babybibliophile.com and purchasing a shirt! And please just spread the love and let other book people know about me!

I have been working on something special with The Children’s Foundation of America and I now have my very own literacy fund!  My fund grants scholarships to local youth in foster care. Here is the link:
https://childrensfoundationofamerica.org/zayda/

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.babybibliophile.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @babybibliophile and @biblioloveclub

Image Credit:
Chrissy Cruz

Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.