Today we’d like to introduce you to Krizzha Dee
Hi Krizzha, 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 am a designer and illustrator based in Huntington Beach, California. I got interested in art as a kid when I watched my older siblings draw with crayons. Their creativity sparked my curiosity, and I wanted to give it a try! I used to draw different characters from my imagination every day and store them in a box. Collecting my drawings really inspired me to continue creating.
I was born in Manila, Philippines and spent my childhood there then migrated to the United States with my sister, Sharlyn and my brother Billy, when I was 13. When I first arrived, I faced a significant culture shock because everything around me was so different from what I was used to. This made me feel very homesick and lonely for quite some time. To help cope with those feelings, I started watching anime, which not only provided me with some comfort but also sparked my interest in art even more. As I explored those stories and art styles, I found inspiration that pushed me to express my creativity in my own drawings.
I remember the nights where I would spend time with my brother, Billy. I would draw, and he would write stories and design posters for his friends just for fun. Watching him work on his creations really inspired me and made me interested in graphic design. Billy didn’t just inspire me; he also encouraged me to follow my passion. He believed in my potential and pushed me to explore my creativity even more. Because of his support, I decided to enroll in graphic design classes at community college in 2016. I see Billy as a mentor in my journey. He has a fantastic eye for detail, good judgment, and a lot of knowledge about design. His guidance has been really important to me, and I’m very thankful for how he has helped shape my love for graphic design.
Due to these interests, I am currently pursuing a BFA in Illustration with a minor in Graphic Design at Cal State University Long Beach.
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, my journey hasn’t been easy. Growing up, I was pretty introverted and struggled to socialize because I had been sheltered. I only spoke when my siblings were around, and my relatives would often call me a “robot” because I only talked when they asked me questions. I was very shy and nervous, which made socializing my biggest insecurity. I often wished I could be more talkative and connect with people easily, and I would wonder how some people seemed to have such a natural charisma.
Socializing was definitely a real challenge for me. It took a lot of time for me to step out of my comfort zone and become a social butterfly. I recognized that some people are naturally good at social skills, while others, like me, have to put in extra effort. Thankfully, I eventually overcame my shyness! I started working various part-time jobs, and that experience helped me meet different people. Working with customers and co workers was essential, and it improved my social skills. Through these interactions, I learned how to socialize with people and gained new perspectives on life.
I’ve come to realize that the more you socialize, the more natural it becomes. Talking to people isn’t as scary as I thought it would be! Now that I’m pursuing a career in the art industry, I know that social networking is important because it helps you find freelance work and job opportunities. So, I do my best to make connections with others.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a digital artist and designer who enjoys using vibrant colors in my work. I want to spread joy and show a bit of my personality through my designs and illustrations. I specialize in visual storytelling from my own experiences, silly things and Filipino cultures. In my artwork, I try to tell stories that make people think a bit more deeply, but I do it in a fun and whimsical way. Putting texture on my art is something I also enjoy because it gives it more charm and depth. I think of texture as the salt and pepper of my creations—it adds the perfect finishing touch!
One of the projects I’m most proud of is a title sequence called “Remembering 30 Years of Spring.” It tells the story of two people who met as kids but then went their separate ways. They meet again 30 years later in spring, but the girl has amnesia, so they have to find their connection all over again. I was excited and happy to work on this because I got to use a variety of skills such as creating a storyboard, illustrating the scenes, designing the visuals, and animating everything. It was a great way to showcase what I can do!
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Taking risks is important! It’s a great way to grow as a person and can open up many opportunities. I’ve taken some big risks in my career, and they’ve really paid off. I like to change jobs often, which some might call “job hopping.” While it can be a bit scary to leave a job after a short time, it has allowed me to discover new things and meet different people.
Through those experiences, I’ve built a network that has helped me find new job opportunities that have advanced my career. I had volunteered for organizations for free to gain exposure as an artist, and this has led to paid gigs and freelance work. I truly believe that by putting yourself out there and making sacrifices, you can create more opportunities for yourself as an artist.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crizzyness.art/
