Meet Jazmin Varela

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

Hi Jazmin, do you have a budget?
I love this question because it touches on a topic that isn’t discussed much in the art world. For some reason, talking about money is seen as uncool in this environment, but it’s crucial to share strategies and thoughts about finances.

I’ve been a freelance worker for over ten years. During this time, I’ve gone through periods where I had to take jobs unrelated to art just to make ends meet. I worked in an ice cream shop and a camping goods store, among other things. As a result, money has always been a topic that generates anxiety, unease, and fear about the future.

In 2020, I moved out on my own for the first time and started thinking about finances independently, saving and investing even the smallest amounts. Always with a possible economic or personal catastrophe in mind.
I live a very austere life because I don’t know what tomorrow will bring, and I want to be prepared.

Being a freelancer gives me a lot of freedom with my schedule, and I love that. On the other hand, I live with fear of not receiving more assignments. In today’s context in Argentina—marked by an economic crisis and a neoliberal government opposed to cultural policies—the drop in work is tangible.

Being a freelancer forces you to be highly organized and forward-thinking. Sometimes it means taking jobs you don’t like “just in case.” One month you’re living like a king, and the next like a beggar. It’s a total rollercoaster.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m proud of achieving financial independence while doing what I love, even though I didn’t come from an artistic family or a privileged background.

It wasn’t easy in a middle-class Latin American context, but along the way, I learned a few things:
Among them, I learned to be bold, take risks, accept challenging jobs, and have confidence in my ability to figure things out.

There’s a survival instinct in Argentina that drives people to diversify their trades, juggle multiple skills, and embrace a kind of raw daring.
 In that sense, I enjoy exploring new disciplines connected to art that allow me to make a living—like tattooing, painting murals, or selling t-shirts with my drawings. Whatever it is, I rarely say no to trying something new, and I love learning new skills—I approach it with ease and enthusiasm.

I think that’s what sets me apart: the ability to transition from formal oil painting to a gory graphic novel or a trash tattoo without hesitation.

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 live in Rosario, Argentina. On the first day, we’d go to La Florida, buy a boga fish, and take a boat across the Paraná River to the island. We’d grill the fish while drinking wine mixed with sparkling water. On the way back, we’d stop for sangria at La Tía.

At night, we’d have a beer by the Fountain of Utopias and then catch a live band. The last ones I saw in Rosario were Perro Fantasma, La Piba Berreta, Fama y Guita, and Dum Chica. After the concert, we’d get a choripán at Milton’s cart.

In the following days, we’d recover from the hangover with some cultural outings, visiting the Historical Museum (MARC), El Club, Casa Moco, Feria Nimia, Iván Rosado, and Craz bookstore.

To finish the week, we’d go on a food tour. Starting with a bike ride to El Rey del Chori, followed by lunch at Club Zona Sur, then coffee and drawing at Justos y Pecadores. We’d play Uno at the French Park, and at night, we’d buy sandwiches from Monreal and eat them on the hill at Parque España.

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 think the partners I’ve had throughout my career deserve special recognition for enduring and supporting me during difficult times. 
I’d also like to acknowledge all my female artist friends who inspire me and support me with their friendship. And finally, I dedicate this to José Sainz, my first reader and comic editor.

Website: https://www.behance.net/jazminvarela_

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

Image Credits
I have the permissions for the personal images.