Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Guajardo.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My story started about 8 years ago, I was an interior designer who had a craving for more. Selling other people designs and art were not enough because I knew that I could make it too! I ended up taking this roller coaster of a ride through the Dallas Art scene movement social scene, first interning at Dallas Contemporary Museum, and gallery Cohn Drennan. ONCE I developed my skills of what was popular, I started to implement the idea of creating what spoke to me.
Originally focusing on bio-medicine and how it impacts the mind, body, and soul, I created a project called “The everyday monster”. Which talks about how we all have monsters in our lives that haunt us, from the “shopaholic to the drug addict”. During this promotion of the project, I created murals and completed a city parking meter project in Deep Ellum.
As time progressed, I took the project to a 3-D fashion line that allowed individuals to wear my art every day. Providing handbags, earrings, and pillows. This is something that I promote very much to this day, bringing it into restaurants, vendor markets, and galleries. I believe that there no one space to show. You should push forward and educate the public to art and artists. Showing that supporting local businesses impact not only your community but talented individuals and the mental problems they may or may not have, supporting a healthy outlet that does not have to include bio-medicine.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has not been a smooth road.
Art is probably the hardest professions that someone could choose because you are basically owning their own business. Self-promotion, business deals, and creating are the majority of responsibilities that an artist has.
For me, I have lost many friends and relationships because I have been a focus as an artist, and tend to not have time to dedicate to drinking and social gatherings on a regular basis. Someone once told me that owning your own business is the hardest job you will ever have because you will work the hardest you have ever worked in your life. I believe that is 100% true, and in order to thrive as an individual, you must keep pushing forward.
I have learned that not all people have the drive to constantly be changing and be innovative. Most like to chill and do nothing, which in the end keeps them stagnant in their professions. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a work-a-holic, I like to take time for my family and push for the future of my child. Just trying to build a company that may be left for my son…
Please tell us about Erica Guajardo Illustrations.
I am a pop-surrealistic artist who turns her original artworks into everyday products like handbags, coin purses, earrings, and pillows. I hand sew all my products myself, along with designing my own textiles using digital design.
Each and every piece is handcrafted with the logic of current trends of colorways, aesthetics, and quality materials.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I feel like every day, I learn something new, but I would never give up any lesson to do it over again.
Pricing:
- Coin bags- $15
- Custom originals, 4″x4″ , $25 each
- Custom handbags starting at $125, faux suede envelope bag
Contact Info:
- Address: 444 West Commerce Street
DALLAS, TEXAS 75208 - Website: www.ericaguajardo.com
- Phone: 214-701-4830
- Email: ericaguajardoillustrations@gmail.com
- Instagram: Erica Guajardo Illustrations
- Facebook: Erica Guajardo Illustrations
- Twitter: Erica Guajardo Illustrations
- Yelp: Erica Guajardo Illustrations
- Other: Erica Guajardo Illustrations
Image Credit:
Drexell studio
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas 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.
