Daily Inspiration: Meet Ricky Valenzuela

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ricky Valenzuela

Hi Ricky, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Right out of high school I was a co-founder for a music promotions company. We didn’t really know what we were doing, but it was a great way to build up a set of DIY skills. I created a lot of the art and design work for the shows, and it was my first taste of branding something and creating a story for a company. The connections I made doing that eventually led to getting my first full time agency role. I worked on social campaigns for movies and TV shows, and learned a ton about the design industry and about myself as a creative. While I was there, I also worked on personal work, figuring out what I wanted to say as an artist in general. I showed twice at the East Austin Studio Tour and got some great feedback on what I was doing. Currently, I’m working as a Brand designer for a CBD boutique called The Happy Cactus Apothecary, as well maintaining a freelance practice.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not a smooth road haha. One of my main indicators of progress is being able to look back at a version of myself and think ” what the hell were you thinking?” It means I’m learning and getting better. Just learning how to work was a big battle. I was always pretty organized, but building up a workflow that was designed for my particular strengths and weaknesses took some time. I would recommend the app Notion to just about anyone needing some order in their life. I think everyone is an artist, whether they realize it or not. But making a living on your art is a totally different story. If it was easy everyone would do it. No one owes you anything, you have to fight for the things you want in life. When you put part of yourself into your work, getting rejected hurts, but getting back up is a superpower, it means you get to try something different.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
The goal is to make something that people connect with. Anytime I feel like someone connected to something I made, it’s a win. One of my works has the phrase “You don’t have to love yourself” against a blue sky. I was thinking of toxic positivity and the spectrum of feelings one can have about themselves. It was a phrase that helped me grow. Love and respect are different beasts. I respect myself. I would say i like myself. I think that’s healthy. The conversations I had with people about the piece were beautiful. Sometimes we look for permissions to feel a certain type of way. If I feel a certain way, maybe others do as well. I’m just glad I get to be the icebreaker sometimes.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
The Notion app is my second brain. Currently I’m reading Tom Scioli’s graphic bio on Jack Kirby. Jack co-created a big chunk of the Marvel universe and inspired generations of artists. Understanding comics by Scott McCloud. Beyond comics, this book has a wealth of knowledge for any creative. Buy Fonts Save Lives is a cool project I stumbled upon that benefits cancer research.

Contact Info:

• Email: vagabond.ricky@gmail.com
• Website: https://www.rickyvalenzuela.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autobondvagabond/?hl=en
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/rickyvalenzuela