sonyArletta
Artist / Designer / Creativity Engineer / Founder & CEO, sA-Ni Creatives LLC
Anaheim, CA
www.sa-nicreatives.com
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Q What do you do?
“As an artist/painter, the figure is my jam, my subject matter of choice. ”
And the bigger the canvas, the better. Up until a few years ago, it was all about the oil paint - loved the layering and brush stroke effects one achieves with the medium. Within the past few years, I have begun to work with acrylics, which is now my “go to” medium.
These days, my work is not just about art shows and commissions. I am extremely passionate about guiding others in exploring their own creativity and using my art as a tool in ministry to enhance the message.
Having the desire to foster creativity in other, I originally created Artistik Flows, my mobile paint and sip business. On the surface it seemed all about entertainment and fun (which I totally am). I soon realized this was a great platform to inspire the attendees to push past what they felt were their limitations and do something they did not think they could. This was not just entertainment, this was empowerment through Art.
Starting there, I was able to create intentional projects and programs which open doors to a variety of groups -- women's groups, college and universities, and businesses seeking unique team building activities.
Realizing my scope had grown past just being an artist, I formalized all aspects of me and my missions, into sA-Ni Creatives LLC. This allows me to expand and explore all ways to I can bring "Light to Life, Creatively". For me and my community.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
It took my mom recognizing who I was and encouraging me to take art classes in High School which led me to college to pursue an Advertising Design degree. A couple of years end, I switched to Fine Art, the promptly switched schools and got my AA in Fashion Design (my art professor said it was such a waste...but then, he is also the one who told me I wasn't a painter, so go figure...). Many years and 4 sons later, I finally went back to finish my BA in Fine Art, which is also where I realized, I was in fact, a great painter.
Raising four sons on my own took a lot of work and perseverance and I still made a point to pursue my art--to stay creatively active. It took a lot of creative thinking to keep moving forward, to keep finding resources and making connections. My sons are grown now, lessons have been learned, wisdom gained, and the work done to lay a foundation is paying off.
I am still growing, learning who I am as an artist. Still exploring, creating, and taking chances, all the while, confident that this is so the direction I want to be going in!
Q How do you stand out in your field?
By staying true to me and to my vision.
It is so easy to look at other artists, see what they are doing to find success, and be tempted to "copy" or switch up.
I have to remember, everyone - every artists, creator, designer -- has a place. The "what" I do resonates with such a broad audience, it would be a shame to deny my place and space to try and take up someone else's.
Q What are you working on right now?
Literally, the project on my easel is a much requested, but never done, self portrait based on a photo I took of myself. I have several I plan to use create a nice painting series.
While working on building my business and creating/producing unique events to foster creativity and empowerment, I am doing the research and leg work to create non-profit organization built around the idea of providing much needed resources for under-represented artists.
Q What’s your style?
I am all about the beautiful, strong, female. A great example of that is the work I presented in my show "The Many Faces of Eve".
Actually, all of my work represent the strength and beauty found in the female figure.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
So those sons I mentioned earlier like to eat so I have always held a 9 to 5 job. I gained some great skills....but I so wish I could just focus on creating creative opportunities for people to engage in their creativity. (See what I did there?)
I would not mind being able to focus on being an artist without the interruptions of a job.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Difficulty truly connecting and engaging with like minded creative thinking people who want to collaborate and actually do something bigger than their current state.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Please, PLEASE manage my social media accounts! Make some videos, posts some postings...help a sistah out!
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
Your worth (as an artist and female) is not based on what someone says about you.
I have lost much time feeling "less than" because someone down played my skills, abilities, and talent. I eventually proved them wrong, but in hind sight, I could have done that sooner if I had just believed in myself.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
I would love to connect with someone who could give me insight on how to be relevant and/or more impactful to a larger, more diverse audience. How to create work that transcends boundaries and resonates with more people...without me losing my voice and my vision.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I am looking for opportunities that allow me to create or collaborate on programs and/or opportunities that bring "meaning-full" art/creativity to different communities.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
I am currently working with a college program geared towards non-traditional students. I am given the opportunity to provide a positive and empowering message by guiding them through an intentional painting project. The "I Am" project. Each year I am floored by the response of the students and the positive impact it has on them.
That is the kind of client and collaborative situation that brings me life....
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
For projects, best to contact me via email: sa-ni@sa-creatives.com or artistikflows@sa-creatives.com. Along with "the what", give me "the why" then we can work backwards to figure out "the how".
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Mom--she keeps me moving forward
Big Sis--she holds me accountable
Little Sis--my biggest fan and provider of new ideas
Friends -- greatest supporters and seekers of new opportunities
They are all creative in their own right!
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Never stop at the first right answer. Look for more.
This member profile was originally published in September 2021.