3D Artist, Eloisa Henderson-Figueroa
How did you get started as an artist?
I knew that I didn't want a "normal" job from an early age. The arts were my favorite subjects; it just made sense for me to continue down that path through school and University. I didn't know exactly what I wanted to do, but I knew that it needed to be something creative and hands-on, not a desk job. I had always made clothing and houses for my toys and loved transforming a cardboard box into a new home. The creativity was always there; I just needed to find out what it was.
After graduating from the University of Brighton, where I studied 3D materials practice, I went into various creative jobs to see what I enjoyed. It turns out that I enjoy working for myself and building something on my own.
How would you define creativity?
Creativity is something that you enjoy doing, makes you excited, and allows you to stand back and think, "wow, I made that!" I believe everyone has creativity within them, but some people lose it as they get older or assume that it is only for 'artsy' people and not for them. Through running sessions at colleges, I have seen how people can learn to enjoy being creative without the boundaries of fear that they're going to make something rubbish. It's all about having fun and seeing what you can come up with.
When you find yourself in a creative "rut," how do you break out?
I sometimes have those moments where I feel ready to create, but nothing I make quite reflects how I feel inside. When this happens, I feel sad that the things in my head aren't translating to my work. I get my tiny sketchbook and black pen, go outside for a walk, put my headphones on, and draw shapes that I see in nature: buildings, handrails, anything that draws my attention. When I return, I start collaging from my drawings, and it all begins to make sense again. Just being outside and focusing on other things helps to clear my mind.
What is the biggest lesson that you have learned since beginning your career?
Only do things you love and are proud of; otherwise, there is no point. I have tried and failed at many things. While, at the time, it was super disheartening, now that I am older and wiser, I realize that I needed to do those things to know they just weren't for me. For example, I started a clothing business in which I would hand paint sweatshirts and screen-print my designs. Although I liked doing it, I was embarrassed to tell people because it didn't represent me and my style correctly. I swore that I would never make clothing again.
Four years later, I have actually printed some clothing with some of my new designs. However, this time, the designs represented me and my art, they were colorful, and I wasn't embarrassed about showing them. People loved them, and I sold more than I had ever sold in my previous clothing business. Since then, I have brought out three new collections; people still love them! It shows that, if you do what you love, other people will love it too.
How do you prioritize your mental health?
Since deciding not to work on TV and film, I have noticed that my anxiety levels have decreased drastically, I have more time to myself. I am my own boss, do my own art, I have time to exercise outdoors, and I can take my dog for a walk every day. I don't have to worry about waking up at 6 am to drive an hour and a half to a film studio. It has changed my life massively. I don't want to work long hours for money; I'd rather be working for myself. Yes, it can be very stressful, but it benefits me in the long run.
What's something our audience would be surprised to learn about you?
Hmmm, that's a good question. I would like to buy a double-decker bus and turn it into a house one day. I would paint murals and fill them with color on the inside. This would be a massive achievement for me; it's something I've wanted to do for a long time. It would be a steep learning curve - as I have no idea how to wire a plug - but it would be something that I could be proud of! □
Article Credits
Eloisa’s Instagram: @pinguidesigns
Eloisa’s Etsy: PinguiDesigns
Photos of Eloisa: @brunabalodisphotography
