Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabriela Pinales.
Gabriela, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’ve had an interest in art since high school. I remember gifting some of my work to friends because I loved helping people feel important and seen. After a few years of using art as a creative outlet to find myself, I realized that it was more than that. While I was in school, I created a private Instagram account to share my work with strangers, because I wasn’t ready to let people close to me in. I began following other artists who were using their gifts the way I dreamed of doing.
After sharing my work with loved ones and receiving their encouragement, I made my account public for everyone to see. In March 2017, I opened an Etsy shop and established Pinales Illustrated. Today, my older sister Marisol and I share our work in hopes of inspiring others in pursuit of anything that sets their soul on fire. Now after three years in business, we’re looking at areas where we can continue growing as an artist and how to give back to our community to help others.
Has it been a smooth road?
One of my biggest struggles at the beginning was figuring out how to start. I was terrified of making mistakes. Over time, I used that fear to motivate me. I also feel that doing your research and putting in the work helps to lessen the fear of messing up. You get to a point where you know what you’re doing and you’re confident in your abilities because you’ve worked hard to achieve that.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Pinales Illustrated – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
Pinales Illustrated focuses on artwork that is unique, based on expectations set by our clients. Right now, our main focus is custom work that we’re commissioned to do. We’ve done a live painting at a wedding, designs for marketing flyers, and a variety of other personalized gifts. On Etsy, you can find other items we make, like sports prints, fashion/wedding illustrations, greeting cards, canvas paintings, and more details about our custom process.
What I’m most proud of is that in 2018 we supported other artists in a series we called “Artist of the Month”. We purchased their work, promoted it on social media and our blog, to help foster a community of similar artists. Currently, we’re working on how to develop this series to continue it in 2020.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love Houston because I feel like the possibilities for what you can do here are endless. I feel at home, even though I’m a country girl at heart. I will always prefer a big city over anything. As long as I have the country to rest and reset every now and then, I’m golden.
Houston dislikes? Definitely the traffic, just like anyone else. I have to admit that sometimes sitting in traffic is therapeutic for me (only when I’m not in a hurry). There’s nothing like being forced to slow down and just sit with your thoughts for a bit, or listen to music and let the day wash over you. I love doing that.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.pinalesillustrated.com
- Email: pinalesillustrated@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/pinalesillustrated
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pinalesillustrated
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