Meet Litzy Del Valle

Today we’d like to introduce you to Litzy Del Valle.

Hi Litzy, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Appreciation for art and storytelling is a shared bond that my sister and I have. It’s a little hard to explain but I guess it’s like when you get a taste of that childhood dish you haven’t eaten in a while and instantly feel happy. That’s how we feel about art and the things people create. I started to paint and doodle things that made me happy such as cartoons or original characters and began to publicly share my art online in 2020. I would say mid-pandemic is when I had the courage to post my art. This is where I will have to shout out to my friend “Drifter Zine” for truly appreciating what I create and inviting me to my first in-person art vending opportunity. After that, I was invited to many events and opportunities that had genuine interest and support for me as an artist. I knew the things I wanted to create, but I didn’t know who would appreciate them the same way I did. Thankfully, many have been able to understand where I come from and my stories through my little illustrations. Everything I create has a purpose and underlying emotion that I hope others may feel, and I think that’s why I am where I am today because I have been surrounded by authentic creatives and those who appreciate storytelling.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I believe like many others who like to create, I’ve had my fair share of “art blocks” and “Imposter syndrome”. Being an artist is not my full-time job, so when I did have the time to create, I was tired or felt like I was sacrificing other important things in my life to do what I love. I don’t think I would like for art to be my full-time job either but I wish there was enough time in the day. This touches on the issue of art blocks, where I felt like I couldn’t exactly paint what I had in mind and I would give up on a piece because it didn’t feel right. Now I have a different mindset where I trust my creative process but it was hard for me at first. In addition, I thought I wasn’t financially stable enough to spend on what is considered a hobby. Although some creatives may say that you don’t need to spend much to create, it’s what I thought when I first started. I still believe that it can definitely limit what you are willing to explore creatively. At least for myself, I stuck to paper and pencil for a while until I decided I wanted to try acrylic. Of course, it was paint that I purchased from the Bargain World, but it was perfect for the price range that I was aiming for. But many other practices require much more materials. Sometimes, I get crazy ideas for a shirt, statue, or mural but don’t act on them because it can be quite costly. To this day I still use some low-cost materials because they work for me, but thankfully I have had opportunities to work with high-quality supplies provided to me and could definitely feel the difference.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
In real life (it’s a joke) I am a youth program coordinator in my community and work with students. But, when I have free time I like to come up with cute little characters and comics. I think it is because I chose to create what I want that I have gotten opportunities to work with some amazing folks. I think one of the most genuine opportunities has been able to create a design sticker design for Tia Chucha’s Bookstore. Although some may see it as a small opportunity for collaboration, it was very fulfilling for me because of the admiration I have for the work and space they have sustained in the Valley. It was also in this manner that I was introduced to the opportunity. They mentioned that someone had come across my work at a local art event and thought of me and I wanted to cry!!! I had also been asked to create some comics for De Los Angeles Times which was a major pleasure as it focused on creatives and Latinidad in Los Angeles. Then I saw my comics published right next to an article on one of my drag queen icons “Valenina”. THAT WAS SO COOL TO ME, of course in addition to being introduced to an audience as big as theirs. These spaces and platforms truly mean a lot to me and I will continue to support them in any way that I can. These to me are a few of the many sweet moments I have experienced doing what I do and I hope to continue collaborating with people who I believe have amazing ideas.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
I have seen how far creativity has gotten other folx, whether it be financially, emotionally, or even spiritually. Although in many other places of my life, I can be my own harshest critic, when it came to art I was kind, respectful, and patient towards myself. One may often be asked what to do as an artist in order to be a part of creative spaces and succeed. I say you do what sits right with your creative process and mind. An example could be where an Artist may “pay to play”, which basically means an artist could pay a fee to display their work in spaces. I have gotten messages before where they were basically charging me $80 for “clout” and an opportunity to connect…no gracias. I have been fortunate enough to receive opportunities to display my work at no cost, and I appreciate all the experiences I have had with this in mind. That is not to say I am completely against it as sometimes these funds are used for a greater cause and purpose but, I believe it is not necessary to pay to show your worth as the art itself can speak and gain the audience you are meant to reach. Thankfully I reached an understanding with the purpose of my art and I intend to respect it. To make it short, I am not gonna put myself through disingenuous opportunities for a quick buck. And because I have held myself up to that standard of respect, I have met so many amazing creative individuals these past few years. Be kind to yourself and what you create and that kindness will come back to you.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chilemorena/