Today we’d like to introduce you to Claysa Lopez.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Everything started in October 2009, I decided to sell some canvas tote bags hand painted by myself in a small local convention in Puerto Rico. Having seen a quick success in that first convention, I was driven to continue working in events and expanding my brand to what it is today. It has been a long and rough journey, with its ups and downs, love and hate from fans, but overall worth it. Because of the amazing support of my fans and friends have given me, I’ve been able to travel to different events and even be a guest in some. My shop has been the reason why I’ve lived such amazing experiences and met amazing people throughout all these years. Today, I’m almost to the point of making a living out of my artwork and will continue to strive and eventually have a brand and become a successful manga artist.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Being an artist is very rough, from all the stigmas in society, to the competitive aspect of the art community itself. From a very young age, I had an intense passion for manga art. I would save up all my birthday and Christmas money to buy manga and art supplies. Having my families support pursuing an art career, I completed a bachelors degree in Art and Technology, and a masters degree in Digital Graphic Design. It was a very tough student life because, even though I was studying my passion, the fine arts industry is not very fond of manga and digital art, which were my main styles and mediums, but that did not stop me in the slightest. I continued studying very hard and drawing every day for hours until I finished my degrees and continued selling art on the side. When my shop gained popularity, I also gained a lot of hate. Some artists would bully me with false allegations through the internet, and some blindly followed. The temptation to quit and take the easy way out was there, but just seeing the support from all my family, friends and fans made me stronger and grew the desire of becoming a manga artist even bigger. Today, I challenged myself to work more into improving my artwork and store, so one day I can go to Japan and become a manga artist.
Please tell us about Kawaii-desu.
My business is an online artwork, apparel, and accessories shop, funded by myself. I illustrate and design all the merchandise, from sketching to making business with manufacturers from China, Japan, and the United States. My style of artwork is known as Ero Kawaii, which stands for Cute Erotica. Influenced by the taboo of female sexual freedom of expression in my family and culture, I decided to illustrate women expressing their sexuality with their poses, clothing, and expressions. I’ve been able to be a guest and showcase my artwork and merchandise in many events in the United States, I also had the honor to meet my favorite artists like Sebastian Masuda and Kensuke Iwa, both kawaii artists and icons from Japan in these events. Going along with the expression of sexuality in females, I also promote body positivity and self-love.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
NOPE. Everything that has happened in my life and career has shaped me to the person that I am today. All those difficulties have taught me greatly and have made me a disciplined and successful artist. Following your dreams may be difficult, but making what you love makes the road to success an exciting one.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.alicekawa.com
- Email: alicekawa09@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/Kawaii_desu_tx
- Facebook: facebook.com/kawaii-desu
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Alice_Kawa09
Image Credit:
SnowkidCosplay
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