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

Hi Ziana, how do you think about risk?
I honestly feel like taking risks or ‘leaps of faith’ have been a primary motive in my art career, as it challenges my unlimited potential. Those challenges keep me inspired and also help me acknowledge my growth as a whole. Even in times I’ve been in introduced to a new experience or medium I remind myself that this is only the beginning, there’s always room to improve and capable of anything I put my mind towards. I feel like we’re all talented at so many things, it’s just the matter of investing (time, money, energy) and potentially breaking outside of your comfort zone to explore your creativity. I think taking risks lead to breakthroughs.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Something I love about my art is that a lot of my pieces are a reflection of my life/journey at that time so I have a deeper emotional connection with my work throughout the entire creative process. I think what sets me apart from others is that there’s only one of me, my individuality, style, intention, is all cultivated from my heart and mind. Which is priceless and one of a kind. When I picked up airbrushing January of 2021 I knew I was making an investment to learn a new skill and eventually expand my brand and now I feel like that’s something people know me for. Nothing comes easily when you’re building a business from the ground up but finding a balance of rest and work really helped my overall wellness and in return my endeavors. Last February I quit my retail job in pursuits of doing art full time, which I did and it was honestly the most liberating/stressful time of my life. The power, control, confidence I felt in myself was amazing and I finally felt like I was within my purpose and witnessing my manifestations come into fruition. It’s a blessing to call something your own, to make a living doing what you love, but even outside of monetary value (which isn’t always the reality) I, for once in my life had the means to 100% focus on myself and my craft. Even though I am back working, I’ve incorporated my passion by recently taking a position as an after school program Art Instructor which helps me inspire young artists who have the same potential to pave their own path, as I did.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If anyone was going to visit me in Chicago, you gotta come in the summer. A Chicago summer is unmatched and you could really make a whole adventure out of your day. I don’t go “out” much but I feel like anyone would enjoy being downtown, around mid week/day when it’s not super busy and hit the lake, the museum’s. Any neighborhood or part of the city you go to there’s good food, its just about finding them because there’s so many hidden gems.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to give big thanks to grandma Shirley, my ancestors; immediate and extended family for their love and support since the beginning. Anyone who has sent me love and words of encouragement. Of course, all thanks to the forces of Nature, the Sun, Moon, Stars + Planets for their guidance as well. My connection with the universe nurtures my connection with self and what fulfills my spirit; my art. Lastly, a thank you to my younger self, she reminds me of how far I’ve come and to bask in the present moment.

Website: artbyzeeguana.com

Instagram: instagram.com/artbyzeeguana

Image Credits
first photo taken of me working on a mural by Suzanne Reed

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