Today we’d like to introduce you to LaToya Smith.
Hi LaToya, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My dreams have always been in the realm of the Arts. Drawing is something that came to me naturally and a passion from a very young. This prone my mother to have me placed in private lessons to learn the technique of oil painting with college students at the age of 11 for a short period of time in Alamogordo, New Mexico. My first experience with further training came with my acceptance into Stivers School for the Arts my Sophomore year of high school. From that point, I have been driven to create my own way even when times felt like there wasn’t a way for me to advance and succeed in an Artist profession. I made my presence known being the only student in my class to oil paint. I won multiple awards and even sold pieces to the school and teachers as well as had a piece in the White House. I was doing so well I returned while attending my first year of college as an adjunct teacher to train Juniors and Seniors to oil paint. Five of my students secured scholarships with pieces they created under my instruction.
In Ohio, it was hard to advance and limited opportunity. I co-owned my first creative studio in 2006. We airbrushed clothes, commission art, custom shoes, and murals in homes and churches. It was an exciting time especially for someone so young. Unfortunately, we had plenty to learn and it became difficult with the times and economy in Dayton, Ohio. As some of us do, I got a bit lost in the world with many unfortunate experiences that steered me away from my path until I made a choice to leave in 2014.
I moved to Houston in 2014 and immediately return to school to complete my BA in Graphic and Web design at The Art Institute of Houston. While there, I mentored students, created a Fine Arts club, and organized the first of many Art Expos. For the graduation portfolio show, I won best in the show. Since graduating, I have been in multiple exhibitions and Art Events. I have won a couple of awards including my recent award in the 2021 Big Show art Exhibition at the Lawndale Art Center as well as Juror’s choice winner in the 2022 City Wide African American Artist Exhibition. Had the pleasure of working on the 2018 Astros mural in the stadium, created a mural series inside of City Place Marriott and Memorial High School just to name a few. I also began my design side of business founding Blue Prolific Studios plus the honor of being a published illustrator of four children’s books. It has been a lot of work but I could not be happier nor achieved this without the love and support of my mother and a private benefactor that saw my worth. Now I have recreated the Art Expo now known as the Prolific Expo featuring myself and other artists plus small business owners of all ventures. Prim and Proper boutique is another current partnership with the recent online store release this past June. I can honestly say there is so much more to come!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
No journey worth taking is all smooth. I have faced financial struggles realizing that sometimes money is the only reason that stopped me from going further many times. Depression after on going abuse and a life-threatening car accident lead to mental struggles that I did not save myself from until letting go, letting God take over, and a leap of faith to move to Houston.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am known for many things. Some call me your new age renaissance artist because I have my hands in so much and love a challenge. Most artists focus on one skill, one style or one product. But I love so many. Some circles know me for Oil painting and charcoal drawing, which is my first love in the Arts. Many also know me for branding and marketing graphic design plus custom product prints. While in school, I was known as the layout queen when it came to publication design. And then many know me as the paint party instructor whom also does custom shoes and murals. At the end of the day, I am all of them. I pride myself in having passion and excelling at all of these things.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Really I still just refer to all my design books and art books I have accumulated over the years. I keep them for inspiration and to remind me of the basics when sometimes that is all you need. Ted talk also is a go-to because there are so many great minds out there to push you further.
Pricing:
- Commission paintings start at $700
- Murals start at $1000
- Custom Shoes start at $100
- Paint party bookings start at $150
Contact Info:
- Website: www.latoya-smith.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/latoya_creates
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/latoyacreates
- Other: https://primandproperboutique.com/
