Meet Estela Semeco | studio artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Estela Semeco and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Estela, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I’ve been craving the freedom to be a full-time artist for as long as I can remember. I’ve always made artwork as a side hustle and usually kept a full-time job to pay the bills. Over the years this grind became less and less sustainable.

Unfortunately the pandemic hit just as I was building out my first online shop. Like many people, I felt totally derailed and helpless. The stress of world news only compounded the stress my full-time corporate job was putting me through. I couldn’t draw anymore and I was falling into a deep depression. Thankfully I found an online therapist and together we developed a plan to get me back to my old self. (If you’re reading this and are struggling with your own mental health, I can’t say it enough, go find some help. It’s a lot of work, but it’s soooo worth it.)

I started drawing again and even launched a monthly Postcard Club through Patreon.com. Every month I design a new postcard and send each member two physical copies in the mail. One for them, and another to share with a friend. I also relaunched my online shop where I sell handmade greeting cards, paintings, and more.

I’ve since left my corporate job and luckily have enough savings to finance my renewed studio practice. I’m immensely grateful to be here and for the first time in years, I’m excited to see what 2022 will bring.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve been an artist since childhood when my older sisters taught me to draw. I studied studio art in college and have maintained a home studio since then. Over time I learned there are a lot of struggles that naturally come with being an artist. Most notably the constant self-doubt that comes with comparing yourself with other artists.

In the end, I have to remind myself that my art is an expression of myself and can’t be compared with anyone else. I create art because I simply have to. It’s the way I communicate with the world around me. Even if it’s not my best work, it’s still mine and I have to embrace my own growth. Only then can I make truly honest and meaningful artwork.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am a total homebody and would likely host a dinner party or movie night at my house in my visiting friend’s honor. Aside from that, I’ll take them to my favorite breakfast spots: Java Jive on ponce or Ria’s Bluebird on memorial. If the weather is nice, then a walk through my neighborhood is always a sweet activity.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’m so grateful to everyone in my community who has helped me reach this stage of my life, there are SO many of y’all! The warmth of my family, friends, and neighbors inspires me every day.

More specifically, I want to thank all of my monthly patrons who support my studio practice on Patreon.com. They get to see a side of me that I don’t share anywhere else and the fact that they believe in me enough to pitch in a monthly donation is a new level of love that I haven’t experienced before. I can’t wait to grow my studio practice with y’all!

Website: estelasemeco.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/estela.semeco/?hl=en

Twitter: https://twitter.com/estelasemeco

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0N6VyvVXL-iIs3I2Buk4lQ

Other: https://www.patreon.com/estelasemeco

Image Credits
all photos were taken by me