Today we’d like to introduce you to Mery L. Hamlin Cardona
Hi Mery L. , 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?
Hi, my name is Mery but people know me as BrokenxPalette or BxP. My story began as a child just like any other, captured by the vibrant colors the world offers. My first memory of wanting to create as a child was when my family purchased our first desktop computer. You know the old 2000s bulky beige box desktop. Due to the lack of internet, we could only play limited games or use MS Paint. I remember using MS Paint and having so much fun drawing but at the same time, I felt disappointed with my lack of skills which caused me to not really pursue drawing. The only time I did draw was when I was feeling sad and needed an outlet. I would put my feelings on paper and then hide them away from the rest of the world.
Growing up I felt that I was not meant to be an artist. During childhood, I had classmates I admired due to their drawing skills. I thought they had been born with the talent and I just couldn’t match up to them. That mindset changed when I reached high school as there was an option to have art as an elective class. At first, I was apprehensive but with time I noticed my skills improve and I was very proud of the work I created in my art class. I kept drawing and painting at school but when I graduated I didn’t have the income to pursue art. My parents tried to be as supportive as they could but art was a luxury. I used what I had and kept using art as a way to express my emotions but with time I locked that away too. I got busy with everyday life and to make up for not creating I instead purchased art to decorate my walls.
Everything changed when COVID-19’s lockdown happened. I was recently unemployed and had free time and some savings. I needed a hobby and the first thing I thought about was art. I purchased some markers and a new sketchbook and I began my journey again. My skills were flawed but I was having fun and this time I knew that with time I could improve. I did not need to be born with the skills but I could create them. I watched YouTube videos and found some inspiring creators who not only used art as a hobby but created careers out of their passions. I did not know how I would but I wanted to pursue art as a career as well. I also would say “If it doesn’t work out it’s a fun hobby anyway” to keep me from feeling discouraged. I found a job and used any extra money to purchase art supplies and a tablet. I used inexpensive supplies at first and free software like Krita to draw. I created my art account to share my work and to hold myself accountable. This time I didn’t want to hide. Due to this I met several amazing individuals and created friends who were also pursuing careers from their passions.
After many nights of practice and research, I figured out how to make my art into products. I started small by creating stickers and art prints. I was then invited by a friend to join her at a market and she said I could bring my art. At first, I couldn’t imagine selling my work due to the lack of merchandise, I only had 2 sticker designs and 3 art prints. Although hesitant I was encouraged to try and it was one of the best decisions I could have made. I made some sales and was amazed that people enjoyed my work enough to buy. From then on it became my sole mission to keep improving and growing my small business. I kept drawing and saving up. I researched places where I could display my work and thankfully the art community was very welcoming. I have made great friends along the way thanks to this journey and most importantly I have grown as a person alongside my work. I have displayed my work in galleries, markets, and conventions and collaborated with many talented individuals. My products went from 5 items to now over 70+ items. Due to demand, I am opening my online store In October 2025!
I am happy with how far I’ve come. From someone who didn’t believe in herself to starting small and steadily to now. I can confidently say I am an Artist and I am proud of all the work I’ve done. I can’t wait to see all that I will continue to do.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I wouldn’t say a smooth road but more like a rollercoaster! There have been many ups and downs. Although, I can feel confident with the progress I’ve made there have been equally as many doubts. Sometimes it’s hard to know what the next step should be.
One struggle I have faced is the unavailability of resources. I could aim for the moon but if I don’t have the right resources there is no guarantee it will land. I have a wide range of ideas regarding how to get my business and brand to the next level but I may not have the space or funding to create such ideas yet. It can be discouraging to want to do more but be unable to. One way I combat this is by finding things I could do in the present keeping those bigger projects written down and improving them while I wait. I’ve learned to be patient with the now and keep working toward the future as things will come in their due time. When I finally do certain projects I’ve been waiting to accomplish it brings great satisfaction.
I’ve also had to learn how to do things while in pain. I struggle with Musculoskeletal pain daily which has made life complicated. It’s hard to get things done at the capacity I wish to be compared to the capacity I can do. Thankfully, I have a helping hand regarding events and conventions as they can take a toll. With everything else I’ve come to terms that it might take me a bit longer to achieve my goals but it’s a journey I’m more than happy to go through with.
That being said there is a lot that goes into starting and running a business. There are a lot of daily tasks and duties one must do ranging from business planning, financial management, sales and marketing, and my favorite part creating new products. Being self-taught can be jarring when doing new things. When I first started I felt overwhelmed with all that needed to be done and not knowing where to start. Thankfully we’re not alone. There are plenty of other creatives who share their experiences online to help those in need of knowledge. I’ve learned a lot through trial and error and by learning from the experiences of others.
Although new struggles will arise all we can do is face them and with due time we can resolve anything.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As a Visual Artist, I specialize in creating artwork under a brand named BrokenxPalette which is known for its cute with a tint of dark art style. My artistic style usually sets me apart from others due to the mix of both themes causing distinctive color palettes and styles that come from my own personal expression. Artworks are created digitally to create different types of merchandise or traditionally to create original paintings. Items range from small stickers, art prints, accessories, and handmade items to paintings. I also work with artists to create covers or help them with any artistic projects they may have. I am open to commissions and collaborations. I love bringing people’s and my ideas to life. I also enjoy making videos to share my passions and interests.
What I am most proud of is my ability to inspire others with my work and journey. There have been many individuals who have decided to pursue their passions due to my own pursuit of happiness. I always encourage my fellow viewers to find what they enjoy doing whether as a hobby or career. Seeing others follow their passions is very inspiring. Things that bring us joy should be done while we are alive.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I love working with others and collaborating on projects. Anything art-related I can help. People can reach me through DM’S. I go by @BrokenxPalette on all platforms or send me an email at brokenxpalette@gmail.com . I appreciate any support as well whether it’s a follow, like, or comment on any of my social media. I post events and markets that I will be attending and If anyone wants to stop by to purchase any artwork I would be very happy! Lastly, my online shop will be up and running in October 2025! If you like my work you will be able to purchase it outside of markets and events.
Pricing:
- Prices Vary as low as $2 for stickers upwards to $100+ for original paintings.
- Commissions are open and I work with Budgets.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/BrokenxPalette
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brokenxpalette/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCgtcreVOinH2mtVVnR9UZmg
Image Credits
Isaac
Sammythegeek
SinfulxSociety
