We had the good fortune of connecting with Carolina Rubalcava and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carolina, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
I would absolutely say work life balance is a job in itself. Things WILL come up, and you will get derailed but the most important thing would be is to allow yourself to find the balance and the new normals that come up without punishing yourself. My balance changed massively due to the very unexpected pandemic. My normality shifted and things changed drastically. It was something I found hard to accept but once I did I started to feel less pressure and more creativity to make pieces I love for me.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is very whimsical. I tend to gravitate towards surreal art and pull inspiration from everywhere. I’m working on my confidence in my art everyday but I can say what sets me apart would be the fact that I can create in my mind just about any setting and transform it into something dreamy or unique. I have learned so very much through my experience working at a design agency and freelancing. There are so many aspects of the field that create obstacles that ultimately make you a better artist, and for that I am appreciative of the industry. This work isn’t easy despite common perceptions, but it is more worth it then I can explain. When there are challenges, I find a solution. It may take time but I will always find the solution, because this career is about the never-ending desire to learn more and constantly keep developing and gathering knowledge. What I have learned is that people will take advantage of an artist, but that comes with the territory. You have to learn how to be stand up for yourself, work hard, and keep pushing. This is about your expression, and your creativity because those qualities will never leave you. What I want people to know about my brand and myself is that I love what I do, being the daughter of immigrants, one of seven kids I am proud of my origin. I am proud of my work and I love to do it, working on my art fuels my soul and there is nothing more satisfying then creating and making people happy or intrigued through your art. I hope to get better and better with every piece I make.

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
Where do I begin !? I have so many favorite spots in my city and I am very fortunate to live in Orange County with LA 45 minutes away. I would start with the Getty Villa in Malibu, its simply breathtaking, along with Griffith Observatory a staple in LA. My next spot would Sage Cafe an amazing restaurant, my favorite location is in Echo Park. I would next go to the Cathedral of our Lady of Angels because if you have an appreciation for architecture you have to see this magnificent building and the marble mausoleum. Heading back over to Orange County, I would go to my hometown attraction Disneyland, and then take them to my favorite Mexican Hot Chicken Spot (@rojoshotchicken) for endless yummy-ness. I would head over to the Orange Circle, my old stomping grounds for some small town- 50’s aesthetics. I would end the night with a coffee at the lab and then take it over to my favorite beach spot Poppy Street in Newport Beach, an isolated beach strip that is so romantic (little FYI) one of my favorites to visit with my love. Visiting the beach at night calms me and sets me in such a creative mood. Those will forever be some of my favorite spots in my cities!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My Shoutout goes to my family (this includes my boyfriend and best friends). They have seen me literally in tears over hardships in the industry and have never failed to lift me up with their endless encouragement and support. As cliche as it sounds without those people, who each hold a unique and vital place in my heart I wouldn’t of had such determination to keep going and creating when things get rough. Los amo, you all know who you are. I am forever grateful.

Website: carolinalune.com
Instagram: @carolinalune
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolina-rubalcava-4a2527179/
Twitter: @carolinaluneee
Facebook: Carolina Rubalcava