Today we’d like to introduce you to Gloria Inez.
Gloria, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born and raised in North Hollywood, California. Since I was a kid, I have always been an artist, as a child I would watch my uncle tony get dressed up in drag and I feel like that really stuck with me and inspired me to be creative and open minded. When it was time for college, I had felt that a career in the arts was unattainable for me. I went on to study nursing and was working as a medical assistant for several years. It wasn’t until 2021 when I decided I wanted to switch my major to pursue a career in the arts because I just did not feel as passionate about nursing anymore. Whether I became successful or not was not important for me, but rather the act of working hard at something I love. In the same year, I decided to start my own small business titled “Rubywood,” where I would create prints, stickers, shirts, and other merchandise using artwork I created. This business allowed me the opportunity to also become a vendor, and I attended many events all over Los Angeles, which gave me the chance to connect and meet people.
Today, I still run Rubywood; however, I have expanded to becoming more versatile in my work. I have worked as a graphic designer, illustrator, sculptor, animator, performance artist, and painter. I do so much because there are certain mediums needed in order to convey the look or story I want. Today, my main focus is to create artwork that sparks conversations for the viewer. I also hope to curate my own art exhibition and curate events in the future in order to give back to my community and give the same opportunity I was given as a vendor to others.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No not at all it has not been smooth at all. One of my earlier struggles was when I got out of high school I went through a very abusive relationship and was a victim of domestic violence which of course stunted my growth for many years leaving me with insecurities, trauma, and of course no will to create. I come from a middle class working family. My entire family immigrated here from Mexico in search of a better life and of course I understand the beauty of hard work from them. My journey has not been an easy one. I’ve had to work multiple jobs to get to where I am but I would not change it at all. It’s made me the person I am today.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in digital artwork and painting. I’m most known for being versatile with my work. If there’s an idea I have that requires me to learn a specific medium I’ll do it and I’ll spend time practicing it until I’m satisfied with how it looks. For example with my airbrush I was creating a piece on fabric which majority of it was done using acrylic paint but I wanted to bring out the lights and shadows in it and with my airbrush I was able to have that seamless natural look that I wouldn’t have been able to achieve without it. The work I’m most proud of is my airbrush work. It was super intimidating to work with in the beginning but the more I practiced the better I got. What sets me apart from other artists is that I come from experience as a vendor. I have my own small business and I currently attend two colleges simultaneously in order to get the best resources and learn the most.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
YES! I’m very fortunate and grateful for the people closest to me and all the support that has been given to me as an artist. Starting with my mom and grandma who never judged me for switching from a nursing major to an art major and always giving me guidance. My boyfriend Edgar has gone to every one of my events to help me set up and bought me my first airbrush. My two best friends Alyssa and Sarah who have been with me through every up and down. My friend Willow who has helped me grow as an artist. My professor from Santa Monica College Emily Silver has been a huge mentor for me and has given me constructive criticism to take my artwork to the next level and finally my late uncle Tony who a lot of my artwork and style is in reference to. He taught me so much about art, movies, fashion and that translates a lot into my work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://gloriainez.myportfolio.com/work
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gloriainez_/
- Other: https://gloriainezdesign.myportfolio.com
