Daniella is a Peruvian-born, California-based artist and graphic artist and textile designer, based in Ventura, California. When we initially discovered her artwork we were immediately drawn to her use of vibrant color and the overwhelming sense of joy and optimism her art evokes. So, we were more than honored when she agreed to create custom artwork for our special-edition Breast Cancer Prevention Hawthorne Slip On.
Recently, Daniella welcomed us into her home studio where we got to see firsthand where she brings her creations to life. Read the full Q&A with Daniella, below.
What does a typical day in the life for you look like?
I’m often woken by one of my children just before my eyes open. We have the typical morning routine and once the kids are off to school, I get to work. I’m often in my downstairs studio designing either textiles or a new design for my own brand.
How did you get started in the world of art?
I started young. I went to a few painting classes when I was 6 years old. It was an oil painting class. I must say, I never really got into oil painting, but I do remember that class and all these years later, when I smell trementina I remember what it felt like to be introduced to the arts. I always had a book or sketchbook under my arm and a pen or pencil, art was always constant and personal thing for me growing up.
Have you faced adversity in your life or career? What have you learned from that?
Yeah, If there’s no adversity there’s no growth!
What are some things that you are grateful for?
I’m grateful for growing up in Lima Peru and having the childhood I did. I’m grateful for the ups and downs I have had in my career. It all has forced me to learn a lot about myself.
One of our brand mottos is “Keep it Casual”. What does “Keep it Casual” mean to you in your own life?
It means to not stress the big stuff, nobody is better than anyone, let’s all be same and share like minds to meet goals and be happy.
Can you tell us about the print you created for our recently launched Breast Cancer Prevention shoe and what the different elements mean to you?
I made the artwork many years ago. At the time I was still breastfeeding my daughter which I think is a funny coincidence. When SeaVees asked me if I had a print I already made that could support this cause I was digging around and I asked some friends if they thought they could be a good fit. The stars represent breasts, the little shapes with the lines and dots represent scars, the clouds represent adversity and the rainbows are for hope.
How do you stay inspired?
Many things, traveling, talking to alike minds , meeting new alike minds, seeing my friends, listening to my kids , being in the ocean.
Do you have any plans or projects that you are looking forward to in the future?
I do. I have a zodiac print collection that is launching this month.
What’s one piece of advice, encouragement, or challenge you’d love to leave our readers with?
Don’t settle. Be ambitious. Open that door.
Where can our readers find / follow you, and what would be the best way to support you / your business / project
If you like my work tell your friends. I have an Insta: @Daniellamaniniart and my shop is https://yesseastudio.com/. If you support the Breast Cancer Prevention cause and Keep A Breast, you can buy the print or shoe, and 10% of the sales will support their mission of breast cancer prevention.