Happy February to all! What a greater way to start the month of love and friendship than with a dose of some positivity and inspiration from our new STAY+ Artist of the month, Gaby Luces Guillén!

This month, we bring you an artist who has inspired us with a series of art pieces that fit perfectly for this month’s theme—all about love, positivity and change. Gaby joins Kardia’s growing list of amazing STAY+ Artists all the way from the beautiful land of Venezuela!

“It is my pleasure to have met and made a special connection with Gaby, I am excited to be able to share her story and art with you all. I have been inspired by her story, creativity and positive attitude. God always seems to connect the right people at just the right time. I hope that her story and work inspires you as well. And as always, thank you so much for taking the time to read our STAY+ features every month and for sharing with your friends. You are helping us spread love, inspiration and positive art all over the world! ENJOY!”
—Cindy, Founder & Designer of KDS

Gaby was born in Valencia, Venezuela, just 25 years ago, she says she does badly at math and practical subjects—they are like learning Chinese for her. Thankfully, she has always showed an artistic vein, through music especially singing, dancing and drawing.

As a child she spent hours in her aunt’s studio who is also a Graphic Designer, she was always excited to see her aunt working in the design world. She believes that her aunt was her first inspiration and one of the most influential persons to influence her career choice. She remembers her father always saying that she would become a graphic designer one day and she never believed it. She always knew she was a 100% artistic person, but she never thought of design as a way of living. Before she even thought of becoming a designer she attended Universidad de Oriente for two years trying to get a chance in Medical school—something that never happened. She then attended IUTIRLA in Barcelona, Venezuela and graduated in 2008 as a Graphic Designer, she worked at TVO Televisora de Oriente for three years as a Editor, Producer, Post Producer, and Graphic Designer. She also had the opportunity to become a host for a program called Momentos de Cine, which is simply a show about the memorable times of Cinema History. The concept behind Gaby’s work is based on conveying art and messages that not only look good, but also inspire and make people feel moved by what they see in her designs. Emotions and perception of those feelings are reinterpreted to become her designs, direct and simple messages are her goal, something that can be understood by many with just a glimpse of an eye. Gaby is currently in the process of developing her own brand.

“I definitely believe that design saved my life.”

+ONE ON ONE WITH GABY:

Q: How do you stay positive in the midst of a negative situation?
A: It might sound cheesy, but the way I see it is “there is always a new day”—it’s as simple as that. I have learned that most situations are out of my hands and there is nothing I can do, so I just breathe and let things be the way they are meant to be. Love is the only answer for staying positive, especially God’s love.

Q: What is something weird that inspires your art?
A: Sleep…[LOL]. Many of my designs are created while I am dreaming.

Q: What is something normal that inspires your art?
A: Every small thing could be the start of a bigger idea. I always pay close attention to those hidden and unnoticed phrases people say, those sayings or quotes could become the muse for my next project. Music is also a very important source of inspiration in my life as an artist.

Q: Do you emulate any other artists?
A: Of course, I am influenced by the work of others. But, I try to follow my heart and sometimes the heart connects with that collective stream.

Q: What was the last meal you had?
A: I had a tuna sandwich this morning.

Q: Name one song that always gets you pumped up.
A: It’s so hard to pick a single song because there are so many, but it would have to be Decode by Paramore. By the way, I am not a Twilight fan, but that song just gives me chills. I also love ¨Beautiful¨ by Elogy.

Q: What is the biggest risk you’ve ever taken? Did it work out?
A: Deciding to leave my job after three years of working as a Post Producer and Graphic Designer for a local TV station. I made that decision with absolute enthusiasm to follow my dreams and do what I really wanted to do for so long. I have no idea if it will really work out, but I do not regret it so far. I feel like I am at the right place and doing the right thing!

Q: If you weren’t an artist, what would you be?
A: I do not see myself being anything other than an artist, but I would probably be a doctor.

Q: Do you have a motto or favorite quote?
A: Yes, I have two favorite quotes. ¨I know that I know nothing¨ –Socrates, the more I learn the more I am aware of all the things the design world has to offer, a lifetime wouldn’t be enough to discover them all. The other quote I love is ¨What goes around comes around¨, it is always important to spread good positive vibes around, things that make you and others happier and it’s also a smart way to attract the people you need to be in your life.

Q: What is your question for our next featured artist?
A: Did you ever think you weren’t good enough to be an artist?

Our previous STAY+ featured artist Megan White wants to know:

Q: How would your life be different if you weren’t an artist?
A: My life would be totally different! I definitely believe that design saved my life, before that I really didn’t seem to fit well in other professions.

To learn more about Gaby Luces Guillén and to see more of her positive creations, please visit her Flickr page here.

Written by: Cindy Menjivar, Madeline Hollern, Gaby Luces Guillén