Conversations with Kimberly Perez

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimberly Perez.

Hi Kimberly, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I unintentionally started my business after becoming a new mom. While studying animation in college, I faced severe depression and eventually had to put my education on pause. Not long after, I got married and welcomed my first daughter, Nataly. I soon found out how exhausting being a mama was and during the quiet hours after nursing her at night, I found myself unable to fall back asleep. That’s when I began drawing again, by the light of the moon.

What started as a nightly ritual became my lifeline. Sharing my art on Instagram gave me the confidence I didn’t know I had, and to my surprise, people began asking if they could buy my work. With the support of my husband, I registered my first business license and opened Moonlit Art Studio. I began selling originals, then prints, stickers, and eventually a growing collection of spooky-cute products inspired by everything I love: Halloween, kawaii, magical, and weird.

Over time, Moonlit Art Studio evolved into what is now SpooksieBoo. Named after my original character, and now officially trademarked. My business grew beyond what I ever imagined, leading to collaborations with some of my childhood favorites such as Coraline, Paranorman, Strawberry Shortcake, Monster High, Teletubbies, Yo Gabba Gabba, and Polly Pocket.

What started with leftover art supplies and sleepless nights has grown into a full-time career and a community of people who connect with my art. Beyond being a business, SpooksieBoo has been my therapy and a way to support my family while raising my kids at home. Through depression, BPD, and ADHD, art has always been my grounding force, and I believe it has an important place in the world.

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?
It has not been a smooth road. My biggest struggle has been my inner critic. This is complicated to explain because I am a risk taker and at times I can be confident. However, there are many times were I have faced self doubt, and all my life I have struggle with insecurities. I am glad I have fought through those insecurities because they opened up opportunities for me. Sometimes it’s easier to focus on the negative comments from people who don’t value your work, but it’s really important to know how to mute those voices. Listen to those who truly see and appreciate your talents. Most importantly, you have to be your biggest cheerleader. It really is up to you how you will face the struggles that are part of life.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in spooky cute art. I have a way of taking something from nightmares and making it cute. SpooksieBoo is an art style as much as it is a business. I have in recent years explored more of the cute and that opened up opportunities to work with Strawberry Shortcake, and Polly Pocket. I really love the pinks, purples, and pastels, but I also very much like black.

I wouldn’t say I am proud, if anything I am humble by the opportunity to work with big brands. LAIKA studios was the first to take a chance on me and that opened the doors for many awesome experiences. I am forever grateful for their partnership.

I am also extremely grateful to work with Hot Topic. They have offered numerous design of mine on shirts in their stores. They have also offered some of my stickers, and mystery pins too!

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
The diversity in culture and art. There is so much that can be used for inspiration.

I actually haven’t looked into this but I love Art Walks. That is where I first shared my art in person. When a city lacks that it makes me sad. I know after the pandemic a lot of artistic traditions never came back.

Contact Info:

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

Image Credits
Photography Credit

Christina Sanchez
@ChristinaGrim