Today we’d like to introduce you to Clarissa Arispe.
Hi Clarissa, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve always been attracted to the arts – I grew up dancing, played the clarinet while I was in school, and eventually found an interest in photography. I studied a wide range of art mediums in college, graduated, and pursued a lifelong career in the creative industry starting as a writer and graphic designer for a marketing agency in Houston. My curiosity and desire to be successful as a visual artist is what has led me to produce in different mediums today – now expanding my work to include mixed media like painting and making custom chessboards.
Today, I have two job titles: a marketing professional and owner of Clarissa Marie Studios.
I am a full-time marketing associate for a flower delivery company, where I am grateful to earn my income from using all the artistic skills I’ve picked up over the years.
As owner of Clarissa Marie Studios, I make graphics, offer photography services, and sell painted chessboards. CMStudios is my creative temple to grow my artistic talents indefinitely. It’s been awesome to share my work with friends and family who’ve followed my journey since my early photography days!
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?
Smooth? Oh man, I believe that a large part of wanting to work exclusively as a visual artist/designer is to have tenacity and courage to wade through competition and all the bumps life throws your way. Although I have always been a creative individual, my “artistic breakthrough” happened in my late 20’s after a long journey of working unexpectedly outside of my industry, dealing with lots of rejection, and understanding what it takes to nurture my ideas into reality. I know of many people who have and/or are currently going through what I did; applying to jobs but never seeming to land anywhere or having a creative goal but not “feeling” ready to deal with the inevitable challenges of being an entrepreneur (the unveiled secret – you’re always ready because you hold the power and desire to make it happen). It’s a tough market and you have to keep creating to both fuel yourself and to continue growing as an artist. You never stop improving in something that you’re doing all the time – so understand that with hard work and determination, it’s absolutely possible to build your dream job in the arts.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
So my full-time job is working as a marketing professional for a local flower delivery company. I run their social media, create graphics, photograph arrangements, and manage their website.
As Clarissa Marie Studios, I’m known as a photographer, graphic designer, and custom chessboard designer.
I am for sure most proud of two things:
– Returning to photography after a long hiatus to work as a freelance photographer for Austin comedy shows.
– Vending at my first event with chess sets I made on my own.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
You are your own worst critic! It took me a while to realize I was in constant self-doubt. Try to find what makes you unique and use that knowledge to produce with confidence.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.clarissamariestudios.com
Image Credits
All images taken by Clarissa Arispe
