Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalie Garza.
Natalie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Like most people, I was unsure of what I wanted my career to be. I kept thinking “what am I good at?” “What do I love?” The answer that kept coming to mind was fashion and art. I love fashion and I love art, then I had to figure out how do I make this a career? How do I combine my two loves? While researching career paths in fine arts. I discovered graphic design. I immediately felt that this was my future. I was amazed by the different opportunities that came with graphic design. So, I went to Brookhaven Community College and received my Associate’s in Fine Arts and then transferred to Texas Woman’s University to pursue my BFA in graphic design. I’m proud to say that this will be my last year and I will be the first woman in my family to graduate from university.
The word “artist” was not a word I would use to describe myself. I never thought of myself that way. The reason for that is because I would always compare my skill level to other artists. Whether it was drawing, painting or any other media, that was always intimidating. After years of growth and education, I came to my own realization that it’s not so much about the skill level, it’s about your personal style and what you want to say. I love all forms of expression. I’m excited to be graduating this year and to really get my career going.
Has it been a smooth road?
This Journey has not been easy, maintaining multiple jobs, and missing a couple of semesters because of financial reasons or personal issues and that resulted in setting me back a year or two from my graduation date. Self-confidence was also another struggle for me. Constantly telling myself I should just quit school and stop pursuing an art career, and that usually stems from having negative people in your life telling you “you’re wasting your time” or “it’s going to take you forever to finish.” I went through a deep depression that lasted about three years, everything felt hopeless and I felt like nothing mattered. What got me through it was going to therapy and surrounding myself with an amazing support system. Every day is a working progress and I take everything one day at a time.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I created my website “www.NatalieGarzaart.com” about four months ago and have been freelancing in small photography and graphic design projects. My aesthetic in graphic design is modern and simplicity, clean lines, and thoughtful minimal designs goes a long way for me. I specialize in logo design, stationery design, and brand identity.
I am just proud of sharing my work to the world, especially since I’ve always had this fear of letting anyone see my creations and then receiving criticism.
I believe what sets me apart is offering different services, I am not only a graphic designer I am also a photographer and an artist. I can offer photography in different areas, and also offer marketing strategies.
I am also in the works in a couple of personal projects, specifically blogs and artworks. I can not say much about them because it is still in the beginning stages, but I will share and announce them on my social media.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Dallas is a great city for artist. What I love about my city is that it has so many layers to it and so many options for clientele. You can go with either fine art or more commercial based. There’s so much of Dallas to explore that any upcoming artist can do well for themselves here.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.nataliegarzaart.com
- Email: nataliegarzaart@gmail.com
- Instagram: @garzan.ng
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