SANTANA BELLAS
Tell me about your work as an artist?
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Santana: My work varies as an artist. A lot a lot of my photography focuses on portraits, editorials and more. I’m also a designer and had the chance to work with Apple, Gap, Universal Music Group and more.
What are you trying to FEED your viewers? (What do you want viewers to get from your work?)
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Santana: I want my work to heal and inspire others.
What do you EAT? (What influences you as an artist)
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Santana: My friends of course. They really influence me to expand my mind and to hustle.
When did you decide, you wanted to be an artist?
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Santana: Back in high school. I was taking a multimedia class and really got into MySpace and was fascinated with coding and digital design. I was moving around a lot back then since my mother was in the Army, so MySpace was the easiest way for me to keep in contact with people. From there I went to art school and studied design and then later on picked up photography as a side hobby.
Can you tell us what you are working on currently?
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Santana: As of right now, I’m working on a photo essay zine that focuses on catharsis. Through photography, the elements of the world and flowers will be utilized to showcase release and relief from negativity. I’m also working on a mixed media zine project with an artist from London by the name of Tishk Barzanji. Our zine will focus on photography of California architecture and 3D modeling.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
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Santana: In 10 years from now…I can see myself working at a design agency or fashion company as a Creative Director.
Quantum Placement Project, 2017 by Santana Bellas
ONX Mag, 2016 by Santana Bellas
What would you say to the kid in the classroom or at home who is being told that they can’t make money from being an artist?
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Santana: Don’t believe it. They told me the same and by the time I was 21 and still in college I was already designing for Gap Europe and had my own place. Money is out there for artists, just stay hungry, focused and humble.
What should we do as artists to make sure that our craft is taken seriously?
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Santana: Make sure that the presentation of our work is taken seriously.
