Today we’d like to introduce you to Xochilt Garcia.
Xochilt, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
As a child, I always enjoyed drawing and coloring. It wasn’t until I got into middle school that I started exploring my artistic abilities. I never really liked or understood math very well so I spent much of my time drawing on the margins of my notes. During that time a childhood friend introduced me to an art platform called Deviantart. I ultimately joined and became pretty popular in the pixel art community. I kept producing art for about four years, much of it was of original characters I had created. Many of them were inspired by my favorite band members or the personalities of my favorite anime characters. Going into high school, I became pretty inactive with my art. I was so heavily involved with extracurricular activities that I had lost all my free time to focus on improving. It wasn’t until junior year that I thought I’d pursue art as a career. In my final year of high school, I gave my all to art. When applying to universities, I trusted fate. I felt uneasy knowing that my future as an artist wasn’t guaranteed so I decided to apply to four universities.
Two as an artist and the other two as a neurologist. Fate answered and I pursued Animation at the California State University of Fullerton. I went into university not knowing the technicalities of art, I was surrounded by people who came from well-funded schools with more knowledge than I had. I was just a small-town kid from a tiny town in the middle of the desert. Though it should have, it didn’t intimidate me. I was there to learn so I pushed myself as much as I could. I decided to dive into photography and film during my time there. I met some wonderful professors who pushed me to develop my voice off of what I naturally projected as an artist. Due to this interest, I became heavily interested in storytelling. So, I decided to focus on concept art. After graduating from CSUF amidst the pandemic, I wanted to take my time to strengthen my portfolio and explore my artistic voice. My goal in art has always been about creating content with purposeful and emotional fundamentals. I believe that art is about projecting a vision that only the artist holds the potential to do.
Today, I can be found painting the world around me. Embellishing the walls of the little town that propelled me to become someone in life. If I’m not there, I can be found illustrating unwritten worlds that I dream to see featured someday in a movie or video game. Wherever I am found, I hope to make an impression on people’s lives.
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?
In life, we often face a universal struggle with uncertainty. I lead my life knowing that uncertainty will always be a close friend of mine. Though I often fight against the idea of it, I believe there is a bittersweetness that comes along with the unknown. It’s fascinating to think of the person one can be, the places, and people who will embrace one’s art. Other times it can be jarring. I’ve taught myself to embrace people, opportunities, and opinions as they come no matter how positive or negative they may be. My road has had its fair share of twists, like trying to solidifying my voice as an artist or finding a job in the industry. I’ve kept myself from comparing my work to others because a mindset like such will only hinder me. I do what I love because I love what I do. I never really worried about “making it”, but more about being and staying happy pursuing my passion. I believe that should matter the most. I’m aware that struggle simply means you’re going in the right direction. I was once told by someone significant in my life to never stop, to push past the doubters and the naysayers… I often think about that and I do exactly that. Whatever future struggles I may face, I look forward to experiencing them eagerly. I like to believe that struggle is like the holy grail of success. It is a sacred experience that grants strength, hope, and character. Without struggle, there cannot be fruition.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am an illustrator and concept artist. When I am not working digitally, I’m painting murals in the desert. I also do photography sessions here and there for clients; it’s a nice break from art whenever I need to take a step back. Most of my illustrations are inspired by the music I listen to. Genres I listen to consists of heavy metal, gothic folk, and classical/Avante-Garde music. I believe music carries a heavy sense of story and emotion in each track regardless of whether it includes lyrics or not. My favorite emotion to convey is unease when unearthing the unknown. My art often depicts godlike creatures in forced perspective, the perseverance of a hero, or discovery. I would say this is what sets me apart the most. The ability to mix all these elements and create something distinct and emotionally/narratively strong. At the time being, I am mostly known for the reason why astronauts have been appearing all over walls in Littlerock, Ca. I don’t mind if the community enjoys it. A friend of mine granted me this opportunity so I thought of it as a perfect opportunity to inspire younger generations from around the area to continue honing in on their abilities whether it be in art or science. The subject matter also brings awareness to the massive aerospace production in the Antelope Valley. I felt like this was underrepresented so I thought it’d be a great opportunity to bring attention to.
I would say I am most proud of being able to make a difference in my community through art. I hope to continue to inspire others through my artistic work.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I’m not necessarily a believer in luck. I believe that events in life happen to build character. Most of it can be bad luck, but there is always a light at the end that awards you for persevering. If I were to deem something unlucky it would be graduating from university amidst a pandemic. Like many others, it was unfortunate not to be able to properly experience the transition of stepping into a new chapter of life. As a matter of luck, I suppose I can say I’ve been quite lucky. I have met some special people in my journey so far all of which have never hesitated to support me. I am in infinite gratitude to them for this. I have been challenged by professors, colleagues, and friends to better strengthen my craft and trample any sense of fear. The most valuable lesson I’ve been taught is to not be fearful of showing the world your capabilities. One will never know what one can be capable of if you don’t try and as always, stay humble.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: http://www.xo-chiltgarciart.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theuguudesuuguu/?hl=en
