Meet Giannina Gutierrez | Fine Artist, Muralist, Make-up Artist

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

Hi Giannina, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk taking has been a major theme in my life and work. I have learned much from taking chances on not only my work but also myself. As an artist, there is no yellow brick road and risk taking is part of the game. Applying to projects, trying new techniques, learning new skills and dedicating time to one’s craft is all risky and yet so rewarding. Risk taking has shown me to trust and believe in myself like no other ever will.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a mixed media, multidisciplinary artist working on several creative platforms. I was self taught as a child, always immersed in anything and everything art related. I find the opportunity to create and inspire others through my work to be exciting; I still get giddy over materials and projects as if it were my first. I am most proud of my public murals and seeing my work in the public. Getting to be a working professional artist was certainly not easy, but if I had to, I’d do it all over again. All roads have led me here. I pursued my career in the arts regardless of support and worked many years in hospitality and retail, by any means necessary to support my artistic career. I learned that you only fail by trying and that personally, giving up is never an option. I’ve also learned to expand my skill set and be open to new possibilities. Through my art career, I was able to establish a career as a professional makeup artist and am continuously learning and growing. My work, my brand is about being unapologetically you; through many personal hardships I continue to show up and do my best. My intentions are to support individuality, inspire positivity and promote love of self and others.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As as an artist, I would definitely take my bestie for a walk along the Museum Mile, starting at the top! We would go to Museo del Barrio for delicious latin lunch and margaritas. After we would go to the Guggenheim and check out the current exhibitions. A long walk in Central Park will get our appetite back and I would take my friend to Nom Wah in Chinatown for dim sum and noodles. We can end the weekend by dancing and cocktails at rooftop club La Bain, which has a gorgeous view of the city. This city has an endless stream of interesting and fabulous people, places and experiences to offer.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for the support, encouragement and endless love of my Tribe, a special group of fellow artists that I’ve known over 10 years. I would like to dedicate my Shoutout to my Tribe of female creatives, without this judgment free and loving community of like minded individuals, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Website: www.gianninagutierrez.com

Instagram: @artbygia @artistrybygia

Facebook: Art By Gia, Giannina Gutierrez