Life and Work with Diana L. Sanchez

Today we’d like to introduce you to Diana L. Sanchez.

So, before we jump into specific questions about what you do, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I am an illustrator currently based out of Hawthorne, California. I was born in San Juan del Rio Queretaro, Mexico, and moved to Lennox, California with my parents when I was four years old. As an English language learner, the community library became a place my mom and I frequented when I was a kid for its resources and programs. It was here that I first learned about illustration from authors and illustrators who would join us in sharing their published work and career experiences. As a kid, meeting visual storytellers making a career out of one of my most favorite hobbies was incredibly inspiring.

Growing up as a shy and introverted kid, art allowed me to connect with others by confidently expressing my views, ideas, and interests in a creative way. Art remained a big part of my life throughout the years and in high school—supported and encouraged by my art instructor, I decided to pursue a degree in fine arts. I obtained my AA-T in Studio Arts from Santa Monica College and recently my BFA in Illustration from California State University Long Beach. My art education gave me the opportunity to experiment with an array of traditional and technical media, processes, and styles—an experience that has rendered me a more skillful and adaptable artist.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The undocumented experience has definitely been one of my biggest challenges. During my first few years in community college, my status brought me rejections from various employment opportunities, internships, art programs, grants and projects. I found myself challenged by the imposter syndrome throughout that time. In 2012, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) was implemented, giving thousands of eligible young immigrants like myself access to education, work, and temporary relief from deportation.

Today, there is still a sense of uncertainty as immigration laws in the country remain in a constant state of flux but I find myself in a much better place—both mentally and emotionally. The support of my family, my partner, friends, and mentors has allowed me to push through life’s adversities with optimism and clarity about my purpose in life. To young women who are just starting their own journeys, I encourage them to believe in themselves, learn to be adaptable, and when things get really rough, focus on their purpose. Challenges are part of the journey and I believe anyone is capable of making it successfully at the end.

Please tell us about your artwork.
My artwork up to now, has been inspired by a variety of things—everyday occurrences, ordinary people, friends, family, culture, and literature. I work with an array of traditional mediums including oil, acrylic, gouache, watercolor, pastels, color pencils, and ink. I enjoy working on anything from realistic figure paintings to more stylized and whimsical illustrations. Developing an illustration style has been a slow and steady process for me, it is great to see it gradually changing and evolving.

Although I am currently taking on any type of freelance work that comes my way—including portraits, custom illustrations, album covers, flyers, murals, etc.—the goal right now is to narrow my niche. I’ve always been interested in children’s publishing so I am currently working on refining my portfolio until it is strong enough for the publishing industry. At the moment, I am also working on a few products featuring some new illustration work—these will be released and made available through my online shop early next year!

Are there any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve benefited from using?
As an undergrad student at CSULB, I had the opportunity to take a course taught by artist Michael Hampton. Hampton is an incredible artist and instructor who has a really awesome book out titled Figure Drawing: Design and Invention—I reference his book continuously! As far as apps, I’d say Instagram—it’s a great place to promote my work, network with other artists, and land some commissions. Some of my favorite podcasts at the moment include Women of Illustration, Café con Pam, Bitter Brown Femmes, Tres Cuentos, and Latinx Therapy. This little combo keeps me in the loop, informed about other artists, inspiring people, literature, social and political issues, and mental health.

Contact Info:

• Website: dianasanchezart.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: instagram.com/la_dianuchis

Image Credit:
Sergio Jr. Farias

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