Today we’d like to introduce you to Jannica Pascua
Hi Jannica, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I went to art school throughout my whole life. I graduated from Platt College and worked in graphic design for a bit while working at a sushi restaurant. I ended up leaving the design job to mainly work in the restaurant industry. I just recently left the restaurant industry this year to pursue being around creatives more, and to find myself again. I started with a great summer arts program for elementary students with the Rainforest Art Project (rainforestartproject.org). I’m now helping at an afterschool program with ARTS (areasontosurvive.org), helping to inspire and teach art to elementary students in the National School District. While that is only a part -time job, I’ve decided to take a chance on myself and start my own design business, nudopop (nudopop.com). I’m currently revisiting fun things and ideas that made me happy when I was younger to portray in my art.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I was never focused enough or believed in myself enough. I felt with my credentials and experience, I was able to help others grow. I’ve always been very supportive and kept others accountable for them to reach their personal goals. When it came to helping myself, I didn’t feel like I could be my own cheerleader. I did work hard at all the other career choices I’ve made, where I would end up being the supervisor or manager. I was still unhappy, and I didn’t know why. I’ve struggled with imposter syndrome for a while.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m currently working with a lot of polymer clay, and airdry clay. Working at a sushi restaurant for so long has definitely played a part in my art, and sculptures. I’ve sculpted sushi inspired jewelry, and a fun salmon nigiri figurine as a custom piece for friend.
I have a cute character that I am working on who is very precious to me named Gigi. Gigi is an eggplant.
I am also a student at a Polynesian dance studio, Hiva Katoa (hivakatoa.org) so I try to incorporate those influences in my art style as well. Dancing and the connections I’ve made through dance has helped me with my confidence. My dance sisters are a huge support system for me.
Just recently, I had the opportunity to be a vendor at our holiday dance showcase. This was my first time vending, and showcasing my art. It was a huge learning experience, and I was super nervous and excited for everyone to see. It turned out great and I’m excited for more opportunities to be a vendor at different events around San Diego.
What were you like growing up?
I was very shy and quiet growing up. I was afraid to make mistakes and grew up very sheltered. I loved playing video games and started at the very young age of 5. I loved to cook & eat, and I still do. A lot of video games, and my favorite foods are very influential in my art style. I used to always draw eggplants in middle school all the way through college. It was almost as if it were my signature, or people knew me as the “weird eggplant girl”. My favorite colors were purple and green. I almost always wore purple and green and it was like I WAS an eggplant.
I remember learning somewhere about how “you are who you were in the 5th grade”. Meaning today, deep down inside, try and remember who you were when you were 10, say 11 years old. What you were interested in? Who did you aspire to be? Well, that ‘you’ is the purest version of yourself. You were the brightest ball of light, unafraid of whatever may come your way.
As life went by, we were prone to abide by what society allowed us to be. Our light became dim, we became doubtful and often discouraged to obtain our dreams. We forgot where we started and why we are who we truly were.
In the 5th grade, I was fascinated with nature. I collected rocks and crystals, had mini science projects with the plants that I would find when I would go out and explore. I liked to dance. I loved painting, sculpting, and crafting. Most of my creations were gifts for friends and family. I was filled with curiosity, always eager to learn.
I feel that when life hits you hard, you need to remember who you were when you were a kid. We were carefree, brave, and radiated positive energy.
I wish to inspire, and motivate you to grow into who you wanted to be when you were young. Love yourself, again. 🙂
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nudopop.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nudopop
