Meet Erica Cruz | Full-Time Artist

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

Hi Erica, how do you think about risk?
Risk-taking, to me, is more about excitement than fear. I wouldn’t be the person I am today—both personally and professionally—if I hadn’t taken risks, trusted myself, and followed through on my decisions. I live by the saying, “If not now, when?” That mindset led me to make one of the biggest decisions of my life four years ago—packing up my Prius and driving across the country to start fresh in LA. It was a leap into the unknown, but it led to a super bloom of growth in both myself and my art.
I’ve always approached life with a “glass half full” perspective, and diving into the uncertain excites me more than it scares me. Some of the biggest shifts in my life—ones that initially felt like losses—ended up being my greatest gifts. In 2022, I was laid off from my corporate job, but instead of seeing it as a setback, I saw it as an opportunity. It was the push I needed to fully commit to being a full-time artist. I truly believe that magic is waiting on the other side of fear. As I wrote in my goodbye email to the company: “If you go to the known, you get known. If you go to the unknown, you get possibilities.”
Even when things don’t seem to be going my way, I trust that they’re leading me to something greater. I believe the universe never says no—it says “yes, not now, or there’s something better.” The most important thing I’ve done is anchor myself in self-love and self-trust. When you know you have yourself—your resilience, your passion, and your support system—what do you really have to lose?
At the end of the day, every great thing in my life has come from taking a risk. The unknown can be terrifying, but it’s also where possibility lives.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is truly my baby—an extension of who I am. Each piece I create reflects the season of life I’m in at that moment. That’s why I call myself “an artist with many seasons”—I don’t feel bound to just one style, medium, or form of expression. My brand, Cruz Creations, evolves as I do, constantly shifting and growing.
Right now, my season is ceramics, and I absolutely love teaching pottery workshops all over LA. For a long time, I had a goal of opening a Cruz Creations Art Studio, but over the past year, I’ve realized something powerful—I am the art studio. I am the energy, the light, the passion, and the joy behind the experience. I don’t need four walls to create the Cruz Creations Art Studio—I bring that experience wherever I go.
What excites me most right now is the impact I’m making on the people who take my pottery workshops. Seeing strangers reconnect with their creativity, gain confidence, and hopefully feel inspired to continue exploring art—whether through pottery or another medium—fills me with so much joy. My mission is to remind people they have an inner-artist in themselves and they are creative, and that creativity is meant to be explored and enjoyed.

In high school and college, I knew I wanted to do something creative, which led me to study advertising and later work as a marketing manager at Paramount. But during the pandemic, I found myself reconnecting with my passion for art. Like many people, I picked up hobbies to pass the time—and for me, that meant picking up my paintbrush again. What started as casual afternoon sketches shared on Instagram soon turned into small painting commissions for friends. As I continued creating—experimenting with watercolor, jewelry making, and abstract paint pouring—my business, Cruz Creations, organically began to grow.
Then, in 2022, I was laid off from my corporate job. While it was initially a shock, it also felt like divine timing—the push I needed to fully commit to being a full-time artist. But the transition wasn’t easy. When you start working for yourself, especially in a creative field, your entire mindset has to shift. Suddenly, your art isn’t just an expression of yourself—it’s also how you sustain yourself.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that every business challenge is, at its core, a personal challenge. And every personal challenge is rooted in deep-seated beliefs we’ve carried since childhood. I had to do a lot of inner work to heal from a scarcity mindset, reframe my work-life balance, redefine success on my own terms, and truly embrace the idea that rest is still progress. These mindset shifts were necessary for me to grow—not just as an artist, but as an entrepreneur.
I’m still a work in progress. I’m not an expert in my art or in running a business, but I’ve learned to give myself grace every day. Through it all, the most important lessons have been self-love and self-trust—because, at the end of the day, those are what keep me moving forward with joy and curiosity.

When people hear “Cruz Creations”, I want them to know that behind the brand is a strong Filipina artist who never gave up on her dreams and has proven that it’s possible to create the life you want. As long as you are deeply rooted in self-love, self-trust, passion, and drive, anything is within reach.

Also, Cruz Creations is just getting started. Even though I’m now two years into my journey as a full-time artist, I know I haven’t created my best work yet. There are so many projects I’m excited to bring to life, and my vision for sharing the Cruz Creations Art Studio experience continues to grow. Teaching art is my soul’s purpose, and I will keep showing up in this season, sharing my love for creativity with as many people as possible.
More than anything, I want others to know whatever dream you have, whatever path you feel called to—trust yourself, take the leap, and create the life you imagine!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’d kick off the week-long trip starting Monday by taking them to my favorite Thai spot, Good Day Thai in Palms, for lunch, followed by handrolls at Kazunori in Marina del Rey for dinner.
Tuesday would start with a slow morning stroll through the Venice Canals, then we’d head to downtown Culver City to explore and grab lunch at Citizen Public Market, where there’s a great variety of food to try. In the evening, we’d make our way to Common Space Brewery for drinks, food trucks, and of course—Trivia Night!
Wednesday is all about DTLA. We’d start at The Last Bookstore, grab coffee nearby, and then head to Elysian Park for stunning views of downtown and Dodger Stadium. In the evening, we’d indulge in an incredible Filipino fine dining experience at Sampa.
Thursday is Malibu day! We’d take a scenic drive down PCH, stopping at Country Kitchen for a breakfast burrito before heading to Point Dume, my all-time favorite go-to spot for visitors. On the way back, we’d feast on lobster rolls and oysters at Broad Street Oyster Co. and catch the sunset either along PCH or in Santa Monica by the pier.
Friday is all about West Hollywood. We’d start with a Runyon Canyon hike, then spend the rest of the day hanging out with friends in WeHo, bar hopping into the night.
Saturday is for local gems. We’d explore the Venice Artists & Fleas Market, meeting local makers—maybe even catching a weekend where I’m vending! Later, we’d head to Dang Sung Sa in K-town for Korean small bites and soju, which, of course, would lead to an unforgettable night out in K-town.
Sunday is all about winding down. We’d spend a relaxing day at the beach in Venice, soaking up the sun and meeting up with local friends before wrapping up an incredible week.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to my mom! I am nothing without her. She is the wind beneath my wings, my #1 support system, my biggest fan, and my day-one cheerleader. Whenever I set my mind on something, she always asks, “Will this make you happy? If so, do it! You have my support.”
I’m eternally grateful for her unconditional love and encouragement, especially when I made the transition into being an artist. Of course, like any mother, she had initial hesitation and worry, but that was quickly overshadowed by the unwavering support she has shown me through every major decision in my life—whether it was trying out for the high school volleyball team, applying to an out-of-state university, or packing up and moving across the country to LA. This time was no different.
I truly don’t think I would have the confidence I do within myself without the foundation of love and belief my mom has given me. My resilience, determination, and abundant mindset all stem from her and the values she has instilled in me: Do good, be kind to others, and always try your best. She taught me that true wealth isn’t measured by how much you make, but by what you have—your family, your friends, your health, a roof over your head, and the simple things that bring joy and togetherness.
Throughout this journey, she has been my biggest champion, standing front and center, cheering me on every step of the way. I love my mom!

Website: https://www.artbycruzcreations.com

Instagram: @artbycruzcreations

Other: TikTok: @artbycruzcreations

Image Credits
Luba Hristova
Jason Roche
Pauline Le