Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalya Hutchinson.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Natalya. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Well, as far back as I can remember, I have always been interested in art, school, and sports. I was coloring/scribbling at age three and by the time I got to elementary, I was drawing Bratz dolls and designing their clothing. I just KNEW I was going to be a fashion designer for dolls…but obviously that didn’t work out. During that time I found another passion of mines: track & field (specifically shot put and discus) and basketball. Sports and art were and still are my most comfortable way of communicating with people because of my introverted personality.
In middle school, I fell in love with color and typography. In high school, I was becoming more comfortable with my peers. I was doing commissions of customized letterman jackets, backpacks, sweatshirts, and sports-related artwork. This is also when I started falling in love with my only graphic design class and sketching shoes. I taught myself mostly by observing and doing. After a while, I stopped playing ball and continued track & field during summer and the school year.
After the constant back and forth between my teachers about engineering, I decided I was going to go to school for graphic design at University of North Texas. Instead, I ended up with a BFA in printmaking and minor in entrepreneurship. Only reason why I switched was because I wanted to use my hands to create. I wanted to develop that craftsmanship. I just couldn’t see myself at a computer all of my life. Printmaking was as close to designing, drawing, and painting as I could get. That was my changing point. Printmaking gave me the confidence, the ideas, and the skill that I always desired. It was completely new to me, but the discipline it took to be precise was unbelievable. The year I started printmaking was the year I stopped track & field. I couldn’t do both anymore. Though I was completely lost without it after 12 years of competing, printmaking became my new drive.
After graduation like most recent grads, I was lost. So I continued to apply for jobs and volunteered at the Printing Museum until I came across a “yes”. I started teaching drawing and painting classes at an after-school fine arts program. That same year was when I did a painting for my bestfriend, which ended up helping me get the teaching job and began being commissioned by customers. So I kept painting…designing…and then drawing again… Now I’m back at school getting my MA in Arts Leadership at UH, interning at Fresh Arts, approaching my fourth year of teaching, and continuing to make art/designs for my customers. I’ve been showing work in neighboring libraries around Missouri City as well. Not only has there been a lot of sacrificing, dedication, and support that has helped me, but also being on the field as an athlete helped shape me for this. I’m used to falling and getting back up again. This is only the beginning.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Oh absolutely not! The struggles of being told NO several times for a job will only make you or break you. It broke me for awhile, but I didn’t let it define me. Over time I accepted that those jobs weren’t meant for me. My next challenge is keeping my ideas contained. I have a lot of ideas and I end up doing several things at once without finishing. It’s a terrible thing to fight with, but I’ve started making lists and keeping a plan for ideas. Last challenge I’ve had has been self-doubting my abilities and talent. I overthink everything. It’s still not easy, but if I focus on myself and continue to follow my spirit, I literally have no worries. I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.
Please tell us about ImaNATural.
I help customers bring their ideas and images to life whether it’s digitally, on paper, canvas, or clothing. I also sell my artwork through my online store and at local events. I specialize in painting, drawing, printmaking, and graphic design. I’m most known for my portraits, color inspired pieces, and abstractions. I’m most proud of being a black female owned business. What sets me apart is my versatility in mediums and techniques. I can be very loose and free with my art, then the next day be very precise and detailed. I switch from realism to complete abstractions. I’m not afraid of trying something new and experimenting. I love learning and expanding my skill set in order to achieve an idea.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I probably wouldn’t have done anything differently. I felt like I grew up and learned some important things about myself, my culture, and life because of all my failures and challenges.
Pricing:
- Black/white custom painting starting at $145
- Color custom painting starting at $165
- Logos starting at $60
Contact Info:
- Website: www.imanaturalartist.com
- Email: imanaturalartist@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/imanatural_artist/
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/imanaturalartist
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
