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

Hi Hope, why did you pursue a creative career?
As a visually impaired Chinese-American adoptee, I often felt a desire growing up to express my identity in ways that media rarely does successfully. I found that form of expression in drawing and painting, artistic endeavors that I’ve loved since I was little. I’m fortunate to have parents who have always supported me and my creative pursuits, and their encouragement for me to attend Los Angeles County High School for the Arts (LACHSA) altered my professional trajectory. Being surrounded by and immersed in such a creative and passionate community inspired my own interest in pursuing the arts more seriously, and in 2020 I decided to start my own business painting custom pet portraits. My parents have always instilled in me the mantra that life is short, and what you choose to do with your limited time should make you happy. I’m made happy by the joy that I’m able to bring to pet owners when I create pieces for them, so pursuing a career in the arts has always been an obvious choice for me.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am graduating from Pratt Institute this year with excitement and anticipation for whats to come. Though I’m only at the beginning of my creative journey, I’ve learned that I am capable of doing anything I want, visual challenges and all.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Definitely check out the Academy Museum, MOCA, and Hauser & Wirth. For places to walk around, Little Tokyo and Koreatown are fun! If you want to go to a mall, my friends and I hang out at the Grove and Westfield Century City.

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’d like to dedicate my shoutout to the two most loving people in my life, my biggest supporters, and the ones who bring me joy: my mom and dad.

Website: https://www.hopemothersbaugh.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopemothersbaugh/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hope-mothersbaugh-1bb494146/

Image Credits
Molly Weckesser

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