Today we’d like to introduce you to Zuzu Perkal.
Hi Zuzu, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m originally from San Diego, CA where my formative years were spent in the ocean waves and romping around Disneyland with my best friend and our moms. My imagination was first sparked during these wonderful times. My mother has always been fiercely creative alongside my father who was a self-made and successful businessman. Together they formed as a strong foundation for my creative path. We moved many times before landing in Austin, TX in 2000. Living in seven different states before I was out of middle school encouraged me to be a social butterfly and to embrace change. I believe this has had a last impact on how I navigate through the world. It wasn’t until high school that I really began to fall in love with the arts.
On the first day of my 9th grade year I was introduced to graffiti and street art. My life was forever changed after that moment. I was immediately obsessed with it all — the style, the color, the letters, the culture, the history, and the community. After years of admiring and learning about street art and graffiti, I painted my first piece in 2008. From that moment on, I knew that I had found something that I really loved. During college when I was studying Creative Advertising at the University of Texas I would practically beg people to let me paint their walls. I’d pay for all the materials if they’d let me have a big spot to paint. I was painting anything I could get my hands on and honing in my craft. Eventually I began selling my canvas work and charging for mural projects. I’ve also been producing group art exhibits since 2010 which has allowed me to connect with the incredible artist community here in Austin. I’m currently working full time as an independent muralist and visual artist and I couldn’t be happier. I’ll tell this… hard work pays off. Follow your dreams and never give up on yourself. You’ll end up exactly where you need to be.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My philosophy is — discover what you love, do it well, and have fun while doing it. It’s a weird and wild path that has led me to where I am today, but I’m appreciative of all of it — the ups and the downs. As my dad always said, “Life is about the journey, not the destination”. Being a full time artist has many challenges that come along with it. Not only do you have to develop a unique style and skill set, but you have to be business minded as well. There’s an ever so delicate balance between unbound creativity and professionalism that can be difficult to navigate as an artist. In addition to this, learning how to value your own work and how to market yourself takes time and patience.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As an artist and muralist, I find happiness knowing that my own creative expression can positively affect the world around me. It’s my way of sourcing connection and purpose. It’s what fuels my soul. I’m known for being “the pink-haired girl named Zuzu who spray paints”. I completely identify with this description, so I’ve been rolling with it for the past 13+ years. *wink* my artwork is vibrant and free flowing, often using abstract and geometric design work overlaid with a word or positive phrase. I’m passionate about challenging myself while continuously evolving my creative style and process. I appreciate all artistic mediums, but spray paint is my absolute favorite to work with. I prefer to paint BIG, BRIGHT, and FUNKY! I love to experiment with new mediums and styles and have recently been creating 3D artworks with custom lighting and fabrication. I look forward to continuing to push the boundaries of my creativity.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I’ve been supported and inspired by so many different people during my art career thus far. My biggest cheerleader is my father and my grandmother who always encouraged me to shine bright and follow my dreams. They had a reverence for life that was contagious and I aim to make them proud each and every day. The art community in Austin has provided me with an artist family that I never thought that I’d find. There are so many wonderful organizations and groups in ATX: The HOPE Campaign, SprATX, Mindzai Creative, Almost Real Things, the Bangarang Crew, Something Cool Studios, Vandals Graffiti Supply, Raasin in the Sun, ATX Gals and the list go on.
I’m thankful to all the individuals and groups that are making Austin more beautiful with their artwork, projects, and events. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the love and support of the Austin community and the incredible clients and organizations that I get to collaborate with. Love y’all! A special thanks to: Ruben Esquivel, my business partner and BFF who is by my side on all of my projects and murals. My mother and sister who continue to support me emotionally no matter how crazy life gets. Liz Whitington and Andi Scull – my goddess mentors in the art world. All my fabulous friends that have been by my side since day one.
Contact Info:
- Email: spraythefuture@gmail.com
- Website: www.ihavepinkhair.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zuzubee/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/love.zuzuart
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