Today we’d like to introduce you to Sophia Roca.
Hi Sophia, 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?
It has always been difficult for me to navigate the endless and explosive amount of energy I was born with. It is difficult for me to get along with teachers and hard for me to relate to a lot of my peers. I never knew where to put it and sports were not helping. I’ve always been a writer; I knew that was the only place I could talk as much and about anything that I wanted. I felt safe. My pages were always decorated with doodles but never thought much of them.
My sophomore year of college, I found out about mixed media. I started seeing digital collages on social media and I had never run so head-on into something. I started creating places I could escape to, virtually. This interest skyrocketed into an obsession and slowly became my entire career.
I got tired of using images other people took, I picked up a camera and started taking my own photos for my collages. This turned into creating my own virtual reality with characters I picked and what they wore. I couldn’t stop. I wanted to know more about poses, styling, lighting, color theory, different types of paints and canvases, etc. So I did what every parent has nightmares about…ditched college and picked up YouTube University.
I went to school to become a therapist and in turn I have come to realize, oddly enough, I created my own therapeutic practice. I get to know my clients and I let them know who I am. I put the time and effort to make sure I am where I need to be to create a space that is comfortable enough to allow all walks of life to feel accepted in my space. My art is conceived by my raw perspectives and emotions, but it evolves because of the community around me.
My name is Sophia Roca, I am 24 years old. I was born in Mexico City. I’ve lived in many places but for now, I am in Houston, Texas. I have pink hair and a big smile on my face most of the time. I aim to dig deep and celebrate vulnerability. Whether my art resonates with the audience or not, I am grateful for anyone taking the time to look through my pieces and read my words.
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?
1. Calling myself an artist.
Deciding to turn my entire career into art was already hard enough for me but verbally stating and accepting that I was and am an artist was a whole obstacle. Comparing myself to other artists constantly and admiring everything I see, it was hard to accept that I too was just as good as the people I was admiring.
The first time I called myself an “artist” in a “what do you do?” kind of conversation, I was taken aback and felt oddly rebellious. Once the band-aid was ripped off, it was a high that I could not come down from. There will always be those times of blue when I question my skill level but now I openly celebrate who I am, an artist.
2. Accepting that my art does not have to reflect the version and persona people make of me in their heads.
My personality is very colorful and loud and yes at times my art can represent that but my art is a diary, a reflection of the parts deep inside me. It was hard to accept that for a long time. It is okay to have pieces that leave people saying “oh, I didn’t know you felt/thought this way.” Allowing your art to have it’s own identity.
3. Finding my “style” and knowing how to market that.
4. Finally, becoming my own best friend. At the end of the day, this (to me, personally) is what I believe to be the most important and crucial journey of all. It is not to be rushed or strained. Some days are harder than most but when you put the effort into accepting who you are and the character you want to be, making art becomes a lot less like building your own grave and more like discovering Atlantis. It is challenging and transformative. I have accepted the challenge and I believe my art has become better because of it.
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?
I am a multi-disciplinary visual artist and Creative Director. From making album covers, directing shoots to creating custom canvases and prints. I am extremely diverse in my work and I think it keeps people excited. My DM’s and Inbox are always open for all inquiries. I sell my prints and all canvas work. I can whip out a mood board for a photoshoot like there is no tomorrow! Most importantly I always make sure my client is 100% satisfied with what I am creating.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I believe the greatest rebellion is to entertain your vulnerability and create space for your subconscious to come afloat. To allow all your shame, doubt, fear, guilty pleasures, greatest desires and deepest secrets to come to the surface…to explode onto your preferred canvas. I believe the greatest risk is to give yourself permission to accept all parts of yourself and put those emotions, thoughts, and perspectives into color, imagery, and words.
Pricing:
- Prints- 25-60$
- Canvas 100-700$
- Photoshoots $300 -$700
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sophiaroca.myportfolio.com
- Instagram: @srgroovie
Image Credits
Sophia Roca
