Today we’d like to introduce you to Tania Torres.
Tania, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve been drawing and obsessed with art since I was a kid. I remember making fingerpaintings to put on the walls of my childhood home and being heartbroken every time my mom took them down.
My whole life I’ve drawn, whether in my notes for class or in a sketchbook, it became a personal habit. At 19, I met friends who proudly labeled themselves artists and they encouraged me tremendously to begin to publish my work. Since then, I’ve started to make more artwork, sell merchandise, and sell at art shows, and I am going to be in my very first gallery this month. I would not be taking myself seriously as an artist without my loved ones encouraging me to do so and supporting me along the way.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’ve struggled most with imposter syndrome and felt that art was only accessible as a hobby. I have no formal training in any artistic discipline, and I doubt my ability to continue producing art when life gets chaotic. It is hard to take yourself seriously as an artist when you have no one to look up to or even when your family does not understand the passion behind being an artist.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I work mostly in illustration, digital art, oil painting, and rarely, but sometimes clay. My art style is often simplistic, almost childlike with simple details and silly little faces. I am most proud of the work I’ve done with my collaborators at tak! studios, such as Kevin Ly, who has been working with me on my latest project, a children’s book. I’m so proud of myself for even pursuing art, and although I have no interest in competition or tremendous fame, I hope I continue to make art that makes me happy for the rest of my life.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Perhaps the most important lesson I’ve learned as an artist and as a person has been to continue to do things poorly. For so long, I was terrified to share any of my art primarily because I thought it was bad. However, as I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned being bad at something is an important step in the process of being good at something. Truly, mistakes are the only way to learn, and I wish I had been more accepting of failure along the way.
Pricing:
- Consultation – $15
- Prints, Posters, Framed Artwork – $25-$60+
- Commissions – Varies but minimum $50
- Oil Paintings – $50
- Ceramic Trays – $15-$35
Contact Info:
- Website: https://goopybananaco.squarespace.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goopybananaco/?hl=en
