Today we’d like to introduce you to Larissa Galarza
Hi Larissa, 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?
Hello my name is Larissa and I am a San Diego native born and raised. I go by Larissa “Para” Galarza or Royally Divine across all social media. Art has always been my best form of communication with the world. I can’t remember a time where I wasn’t drawing or creating. As a child, I learned that expressing myself through my art was my best voice. As I experienced life growing in all aspects, my curious nature allowed me to want to learn more skills; drawing, painting, crafting, sewing, costuming, pattern making, designing, all of it has fascinated me and I always had the passionate drive to try it all. My journey did lead me to a life of some schooling in art, but part of the lesson is just trying, practicing and experimenting with art. All my multimedia interests do play a part in my creations now as I love to make seasonal items, create with the inspiration of what’s driving me, and make things that I love. I started selling my art in my teens all the way to now, into my 30’s. I started off small but seeing people get excited about my art as much as I love creating it made my heart very happy. So I kept going, drawing illustrations is usually the base of most things I create. Whether it’s something turned into collectable art, stickers, bookmarks, greeting cards, stationary, vinyl Cricut designs, concept art, renders for costume/clothes, pattern making, concept designs, or branding. I’m happy to say I sell my art on the regular online and in person at pop-ups/conventions/events and it’s still one of my favorite things to do.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I think it’s always been hard with the media and peer pressure to create. Especially trying to figure out what’s the best avenues on where to show your creations with all the vast options of social media and applications. It’s one of those things you have to test the waters and do the research on where you might succeed best. Trying to figure out what your version of “successful” is and figuring out your own authentic voice. I think after all these years as a creative it’s an important reminder to keep creating things you love. I remember even when I first started putting my art out there, posting or selling that if you make things you love, someone out there will love it too.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m proudest to say I am truly a multimedia artist and I think people also associate me with that thought too. For my personal projects: I sew a birthday dress for myself every year, I pick a few cosplays (costumes) to plan out & sew every year, and I love making clothes for myself or upcycling thrifted items into things I love. I often post all of the process and finished projects on my social media, hoping to inspire others. On the illustration side: I’m inspired by anime, magical girls, as well as fantasy and my illustrations usually reflect that. I’m also known for wearing a lot of pink (pink hair, pink clothes, glittery and bubbly personality). I sell my greeting cards at my favorite comic book store here in San Diego, Now or Never Comics. I’m thankful to have started being more well known as a local San Diego artist where people have been starting to look for my booth filled with my art at pop-ups, conventions, or events. I also do a monthly Patreon subscription where I update my patrons on my art process and offer an art bounty tier where they receive exclusive stickers and prints. This year I’ve been incorporating my love for upcycling materials into my art as one of kind gifts.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I think getting to know your community with like minded people is important these days. If you’re an artist, I suggest public events such as sketch parties, local art classes, and attending workshops at conventions/events is an important way to get out there and meet people. It’s a great way to have creative support and maybe try some creative prompts you may have not thought of before. Making friends and connecting with all types of creatives is a healthy way to get unique perspective and support. Social media is a great tool to use too, there are Discords and Twitch channels to chat and bond with the community.
Pricing:
- Book: Graphic Artists Guild: Pricing & Ethical Guidelines
- It’s important to price things with your time and material costs
Contact Info:
- Website: https://royallydivine.carrd.co/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/royallydivine/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialroyallydivine/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/royallydivine_
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/RoyallyPara
- Other: https://bsky.app/profile/royallydivine.bsky.social
