Today we’d like to introduce you to Tina Cruz.
Hi Tina, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My name is Tina Cruz, and I’ve been creating art since childhood—I still remember winning a bookmark drawing contest in Kindergarten. However, I didn’t take art seriously until much later. After my first attempt at college didn’t work out, I moved to Houston and gave it another shot, this time studying the Studio Arts. I earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Houston-Clear Lake, but my curiosity for digital art led me further.
I was accepted into the Art and Technology graduate program at the University of Oklahoma, where I honed my skills and developed a passion for pushing the boundaries of traditional painting. I wanted to bring my physical paintings to life in virtual reality, so I began working with Unity, Maya, and coding to create what I call Immersive Paintings. Instead of simply viewing a painting on a wall, these works allow people to step inside them using a VR headset. The viewer becomes part of the painting—interacting with it, sitting within it, and experiencing art in an entirely new way.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like any creative journey, mine has had its share of challenges—financial struggles, moments of self-doubt, and the pressure to constantly prove myself in an emerging field. But one of the hardest challenges I’ve ever faced is what I’m going through right now—I’m currently going through a divorce. It’s been one of the most painful and transformative experiences of my life.
Despite the difficulty, I’ve learned so much about myself—who I am, what I truly need, and what I deserve. Even in the hardest moments, I hold onto faith that the creator of the universe has someone designed specifically for me—someone who will love, support, and help me thrive in ways I’ve never known before. I believe that person is out there, waiting for me just as I am waiting for them.
To anyone going through their own struggles, know that pain is temporary, and growth comes from even the hardest seasons. Keep moving forward, trust in the journey, and believe that better days are ahead. You are not alone—God is always with you, guiding you toward where you are meant to be.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I create traditional art, digital art, and immersive paintings. I also love weaving on my floor loom when I have time. My main focus is immersive paintings—bringing physical artwork into the virtual realm using Unity game engine.
One of the pieces I’m most proud of is Let Them Stay, a digital artwork I created using Krita and my Cintiq drawing tablet. It represents the need to support immigrants seeking a better life. As a Christian, I believe we have a duty to help those less fortunate, especially immigrants, Indigenous people, and the Latino community—communities of which I am a part of. We are a nation of immigrants, and more should be done to lend a helping hand to those who have traveled hundreds, if not thousands of miles for a chance at a better life. Laws need to be retrofitted and updated to reflect the current reality of immigration. The systems in place do not adequately support the number of people seeking refuge, and change is necessary to create a more compassionate, functional approach.
What sets me apart is my belief that traditional and virtual art can merge to create something entirely new. I see immersive paintings as the beginning of this transition. Imagine stepping inside a painting—kind of like in Super Mario 64 when Mario jumps through a painting and enters another world. That’s the kind of experience I want to create.
I also embrace AI as a tool in the creative process. While AI can never replace the human touch, it can serve as a drafting and reference tool, making art more accessible for everyone. The more people creating and expressing themselves, the better.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Reading my Bible brings me so much peace. When I was younger, I didn’t always understand it, but as I’ve grown, I’ve found wisdom, strength, and clarity in its pages. Staying close to God through prayer has helped me navigate life’s challenges, and I truly believe He reveals things in perfect timing.
I also find immense inspiration in the writings of Leonardo da Vinci, particularly his thoughts on punto (the point). His understanding of points, lines, and the foundations of artistic creation is outstanding. The way he broke down the very essence of form and composition is something that continues to inspire me in both my traditional and digital work.
Another unexpected but powerful source of inspiration for me is improv acting in online roleplay. There’s an emerging new art form happening within roleplay servers streamed on Twitch, where actors and creators use game engines and open-world games to craft compelling narratives in real time. It blends storytelling, character development, and artistic expression in a way that reaches audiences on an entirely new level. Seeing these creators bring characters to life through improvisation, world-building, and interactive storytelling is fascinating—it’s a new frontier where art, performance, and technology merge.
One roleplay artist that truly inspires me is Peppo, a Twitch streamer who brings immersive storytelling to life in a way that feels cinematic and deeply engaging. Their ability to create compelling characters, adapt to unscripted moments, and build emotional connections with audiences is something I admire. Watching artists like Peppo push the boundaries of digital storytelling motivates me to explore new ways to merge art, technology, and narrative.
Beyond that, I turn to books and online resources that fuel my creativity and personal growth:
Books:
Leonardo da Vinci’s Notebooks – A fascinating glimpse into the mind of one of the greatest artists and inventors.
“The Metaverse” by Matthew Ball – Explores the future of digital spaces and how they’re shaping art, business, and technology.
“Virtual Reality” by Samuel Greengard – A deep dive into the evolution and impact of VR.
“The Alignment Problem” by Brian Christian – Discusses the ethical challenges of AI and machine learning.
“Art in the Age of Machine Learning” by Sofian Audry – Examines how AI is transforming creative fields.
“Vision and Its Instruments” by Alina Payne – A study of how visual perception and tools have shaped art history.
Online Resources:
Twitch.tv/Unity – Great for learning game development with a supportive community.
YouTube University – An endless resource for learning new skills.
Blender Guru – Perfect for learning 3D modeling in Blender, starting with the iconic donut tutorial.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tinacruzart.company.site/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tinacruzart
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tinacruzartist
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinacruzart/
- Twitter: https://linktr.ee/tinacruzart
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@tinacruzart
- Other: https://tinacruzart.artstation.com/
