Today we’d like to introduce you to Nataly Alvarez
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I went to college at FIDM and majored in Visual Communications (got my AA). I loved that it was just that “communicating visually”. I did everything from building props for window displays, graphic design, styling, Photoshop/Illustrator, draw, paint, color theory, marketing, all that good stuff. I really didn’t know EXACTLY what I wanted to do, but I knew I was in the right place because everything I was doing excited me.
I interned with a celeb photographer as a stylist and a clothing brand where I did photo collages for style and trends and learned a lot about the fashion industry. I went through many jobs from buyer, assistant buyer, online swimwear retailer, assistant stylist, Jr graphic design, and I even worked with a wedding photographer as a copywriter/ storyteller for his website.
I felt like I was still searching for “my thing” until I got hired at Miss Lola as a Photo Editor. Everything so far was fashion related so I knew that’s what I wanted to be around. This Photo Editor position just fit since I knew Photoshop well and I was still in a fashion company surrounded by clothes, shoes, and accessories (my favorite part).
Meanwhile, I started my creative instagram page @createsinstyle to showcase my creative work, logos I’ve created, and “just for fun” art. It was a great way for me to get some side work and fulfill my creative side that this photo editor lacked.
The PR team at Miss Lola asked me if I was willing to draw 50+ influencers (paid) to gift them a personalized art piece as part of a Mother’s Day package they were sending. Thanks to them, I got enough work to keep me busy and force me to draw more. I got a good amount of people contacting me for paid artwork after that, so that definitely boosted my confidence. I also got to create stickers for their PRIDE merch and that was also a fun project to be a part of. Shout out to that team for believing in me and kickstarting something.🙌🏼
Photo editing was great for me for a while. It was a repetitive but safe job where I knew exactly what I was gonna do every day and the only thing that changed was the type of product I had to edit (shoes, accessories, clothing, or models). There is a lot to say in terms of workplace toxicity and lots to be accounted for, but I’ll just say this.. it’s not always as nice or fun as you may see on social media.
Fast forward some time and I found out I was finally pregnant and gave birth January 5th 2024 and I no longer work for Miss Lola.
I am a full time mommy and I love it! I do still have availability to do creative work and have new plans for @createsinstyle coming soon!😉
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
At Miss Lola, I was presented many times with the “possible opportunity” of doing some creative work and working with the content creators/graphic designer. At this point graphic design was my dream position hopes were high. I would try things that they asked me to do, but I rarely got any feedback or it was never brought up again. Nothing ever came into fruition unfortunately and I was let down plenty of times. I eventually figured out that I didn’t fit in these teams and that the hopes and aspirations I had were gonna stay as that.
This took a huge toll in my confidence as an artist/ creative because I was made to feel like I wasn’t “good enough” and the time I took to complete these assignments were unnoticed. It took therapy and long talks with my husband to get me out of my dark days.
Don’t ever let a workplace or anyone dim your light!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Photo editing is what I specialize in since in did it for about 6 years. It really is crazy to see the before and after shots of my edits, makes me proud! You’d be surprised the amount of work it takes to make products look good.
What I’m known for other than my obsession with coffee may be surprising. Doing my own nails! I started doing them when Covid hit and a fell in love! It is a way for me to express myself, my creative outlet, and to feel put together especially now as a new mommy.🥰💅🏽 I think this became what I’m most proud of and based on the feedback, it may be the start of something new!
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Trust your gut. If something feels right, makes you happy, and lights you up, do it! For so long I tried to do find something that made me feel “successful” but I that pushed me away from my true self more and more. I always knew what I loved to do, what excited me, and my hobbies were always shining for a reason. I’ve loved cute stationary items (OG Lisa Frank lover) since I was a little kid and always loved to draw. I just had to do it the adult way (graphic design and illustration) 😉
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @natalyinstyle and @createsinstyle
