Today we’d like to introduce you to Brena Reyes.
Brena, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
A 70’s-80’s kid, I considered myself Mexican-American, a little punk/hippie mix and with a pretty blessed life in most aspects of the word, blessed. Always into the arts and recognized as having potential by teachers, family, and friends, I dabbled in different forms of art and felt a connection to it. My aunties encouraged me, but when I was a kid, nobody really encouraged art as an option for the future. Elementary school was great and I felt free to be artistic then, but everything was fun then. Those years were mostly filled with joy and silliness. Regarding my laughter outbursts, teachers would say I “lack self-control,” but “possesses good artistic ability.” That’s funny and still true today.
As the case is for many, the ensuing teen years were emotionally tough. My dad wasn’t around much, I loathed the school environment and felt super out of place everywhere. The tears came when we lost my brother, Chico. If I was a thinker before then, man, did I get better at that after losing him. I only felt safe at home, in my room with my thoughts, my music and colorful walls.
Some years of confusing sadness followed. These were hard times with glimmers of light speckled throughout. There are always angels in life. Too much thinking and not enough doing. “Go somewhere, do something, see the world!” were my thoughts as high school graduation approached. Figured I would travel the world and figure it out, but my dad said, “no way.” So, I stayed and had babies.
My girls are amazing and kept me sane in a tough marriage that took me 20 years to leave. I slowly worked on a psychology degree, tried to raise happy girls, and dreamed of a future for myself. In 2011 with the girls almost grown, I took off the shackles and headed north to Alaska! This marked a new stage in my life. Solo, armed with a degree, tons of energy to work, and a sense of freedom, I made new connections and healed a bit in my new picturesque surroundings. What a time that was.
My immediate family is here in San Diego, CA, so my love for them led me back here. When taking inventory of my creative experiences ranging from woodworking and gardening to candle making and drawing, from graphic design and sewing to attempts at music and jewelry-making, I realized I had not mastered any one of those. Regarding employment, I have held positions ranging from government jobs to catering gigs. My mind and heart go back to art, but could I make art my career? Previous attempts were half-hearted and I would be a late bloomer in this, but it was time to give it my all and do whatever I choose!
In 2018, I started an interactive media course and fell in love. With graphic design, that is. I set off to its mastery and to forge a path in it. In graphic design, art works with technology and that interaction impressed me AND it is a career I can do anywhere. I wanted to challenge myself and go for it.
I still have not achieved mastery by a long shot, but I am here doing this art thing daily. Quarantine is a trip, but one positive note for me is that I have more time to study and practice. The world slowed down a bit, and although I am saddened by a lot of it, I am happy as a clam staying home. Here, I design my own education slowly via my own projects, online classes, and Zoom meetings. It is addicting and there is this frustration that comes with learning and as I understand, some aggravation is a necessary part of true learning. There has to be that bit of a challenge to really get something and really, it’s addicting and fun, so I am very grateful. Also, I have realized how meditative art can be. Wow, I get lost in moments sometimes, it feels so nice. I love being a student. I have not created any masterpieces yet but in due time. Right now, I am playing a little catch-up, but I am ok with where I am. One day at a time.
I have my boyfriend, Albert Joel, to thank you for providing a “studio” for me at home, complete with snacks and respect for my work hours. My family is also very supportive and all the love and goodness I have learned from life. I hope to give you some back. My commitment to my business is to stay humble and always help out, just like the real Alba of Alba Studios would. I am not just eager to improve but eager to collaborate and bless others. These blessings can be emotional, financial, physical, or otherwise. Especially in these scary times, it is perhaps more important to do good, in most aspects of the word, good.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you.
Life has given me beautifully smooth roads and some rougher roads. Some of the struggles were losing a brother as a teen, and some rough relationship and family issues. But really, at any time in my life, the little art I made, I noticed the escape it provided, a peace.
Perhaps I did not feel confident enough though to immerse myself in art, to really get better. To make ugly art was scary. Today, I look at a Picasso or other art and see how “off” the art is but they still went for it and made it their own. Today, I’m kinda just going for it. Learning and immersing myself in art. So, perhaps the biggest struggle has been just in believing enough in my underdeveloped talent to blossom, in the possibilities, and in letting go of the fears. My intention is my fuel. It’s ok to be a rookie.
Please tell us about Alba Studios.
The business is Alba Studios, named after my mom since she is one of the best humans I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. I am based here in San Diego, CA and right now, I am specializing in learning all that I can related to graphic design, print, surface pattern designing, and art in general. I am still in my early stages and do not know what my “thing” will be. I imagine my art will evolve and get better.
I have just started my first pattern collection that has a 70’s/80’s feel. I will submit this collection to wallpaper, textiles, and other print industries to be licensed. I also dream of working with some of my favorite artists like Aaron Draplin or others that are not so well known on creative projects. Examples of dream projects are creative projects for kids who have lost siblings, art therapy for abused women, or an art collaboration that will bring smiles to thousands of people.
Right now, it’s time to practice, study, get frustrated, rest, start over, submit work, enjoy, practice, explore, and practice some more. Still working on mastering Adobe Illustrator while working on the basics of traditional art. I want my work to be good and for good and with good people. I won’t always get all of that, but the projects I work on will have meaning attached. I will only do work I believe in. It will always be honest and giving, just like my mama, Alba.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up was varied, as I talked about earlier. As the only girl and a first-generation struggling family, I wore my brother’s seventies hand-me-downs and we didn’t have much money early on. Regardless, we always had great home-cooked meals from my mama and fun playing with my cuckoo brothers. I thank my dad for being an excellent provider. Although I remember being a deep kid, I also remember laughing a lot in my elementary school age. We did not need much to enjoy life. Later, the economy improved, but happiness declined. My innocence changed and I saw sad and bad things in my life. I kept to myself a lot and wasn’t the common girl liking common things. I drew attention with my looks, so I felt liked, but solitude was my preference. Boys, romance, love and feelings were rough and of utmost importance. I guess it is still pretty true today. I am all feeling.
A daydreamer always and listening to tons of music starting with The White Album when I was like nine years old got me hooked. I played some piano, made jewelry, drew, and sang in a church choir. I dreamed of traveling and being an art teacher, among other cool things. There was a strong pull in me that also wanted to have kids and just love them. I wanted to do something good, but what? Family, love, truth, and goodness combined with curiosity and questioning have always lead me.
I was naturally a good student, but after losing my brother, my interest and grades declined. Teachers would tell me that I read into words too much. That always puzzled me, because wasn’t an education supposed to make me a critical thinker? There were a few good teachers growing up, and thank God for them. Kids need great teachers! I will always remember Ms. Gantz coming up to me after I lost my brother. She walked up to my deskside and I must have looked down because through the tears, I remember her clear plastic strapped heels she wore with pantyhose. She cited The Serenity Prayer to me and although I didn’t understand it at the time, I understood her intention and appreciated the 30 seconds she took to reach out. THAT is the kind of thing I want to do for others. Those are the type of experiences that make me who I am today.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 9076172751
- Email: albastudio6@gmail.com
- Instagram: @alba_studios
Image Credit:
Thank you Ryan Thaxter of Dubbest reggae band for the use of your image on the Set The Tone record design.
Thank you Ruby Moette for the use of your image on the XXIX birthday design.
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