Christina Acosta: Illustrator, Author, Color Consultant

In August 2001, I went to a local juried art fair that had a reputation for high quality art for collectors and good sales with low commissions for the artists. As I browsed the booths, I discovered a book that was very familiar to me. One of the artists who had done storytelling workshops in my gallery space in the late 90’s had used that very book. Now here was the artist who had illustrated it!

Everything about Cristina, her art and her booth was first class. Since then, Cristina has many new experiences to relate about how to make a living as an artist and still have a life.

Cristina Acosta's background is as diverse as her work throughout the years. Finding the voice of her art was directly tied to the challenge of finding the voice of her culture. Acosta has a large visual vocabulary that speaks for itself in the seamless union between the fine and applied arts apparent in all her creations. Acosta's work is "exuberant art, rich colors and vivid patterns" filled with "joyful spirit and colorful compositions."

Cristina has had a web site since 1994 - even before she had her own computer! She admits to not knowing it came with e-mail! Take a look at what, today, she calls the "the lobby" of her "business." Her advice: "Make your web site represent you as a person first and your work second. If you make your site imitate your work, your work confines you."

Professionally mentored in Southern California since the age of 11, Acosta received her Bachelor of Fine Arts, in Painting, from the University of Eugene in Oregon. She followed up her education with a position at Central Oregon Community College teaching art, and then worked with a variety of media, including illustrating a children's book and mixed media paintings. She also developed a signature line of ceramic art tile. Cristina has a new book, "Paint Happy", published by Northlight Books, introduces Cristina's work to artists everywhere.

Additional information on Cristina Acosta's national coverage, products, past publications and her gallery art can be found at http://www.cristinaacosta.com.

A.C.T.: What prompted you to start your professional art career?

Being an artist is a calling that I committed to at age 20 (28 years ago). At the time I had no idea what a professional artist did besides paint well. I slid into the business side of my art career when I began painting store windows with commer cial designs as a way to pay for my college art degree. As my opportunities (and skills) increased, it dawned on me that I had a business.

A.C.T.: What is your artistic direction?

Writing is my new artistic direction. Developing my skills as a writer has enabled me to better market my painting and my other creative interests. At the beginning of my career I thought that I would paint every day for the rest of my life. Maturity combined with a curious mind has led me to a more varied career. My creative career is no longer confined to my easel, it shapes and colors my life.

A.C.T.: What is your business model?

My business model is an organically lively model that changes over the years with the market and my interests. The latest version of my business plan involves ebooks and blogging, two things that weren’t even invented when I began my professional life. Keeping my business model current brings to my attention the professional issues I need to pay attention to.

A.C.T.: What is your “life’s work” as an artist?

The answer to that is one that I continually discover. When I first started applying myself to my work I thought of myself only as a painter. Now, I realize that my life’s work is to become consciously creative in all aspects of my life, and to share my work with others.

A.C.T.: What peak moments have you had?

Successes like writing my first book, dedicating my first illustrated my first children’s book to my daughter, the success of my ceramic tile line, or various exhibits were exciting. Along with those successes, I’ve experienced projects and paintings that were more valleys than peaks. Overall, my most memorable peak moment was when my then 9 year old daughter, Isabella Barna, asked me how it felt for her to be more successful than me. She had just finished enjoying a big publishing party and sales of all of her art connected with a children’s book she had illustrated, culminating in a wonderful experience for her. I was so proud of her and so happy that my career had benefited her to the point that she felt successful, confident and rich in her abilities.

A.C.T.: How do you define success and how do you celebrate it?

The answer to that depends upon my current answer to the question: How much time and resources do I have to continue with my life’s work? When money, opportunity, energy and creativity come together I feel really successful. When I don’t feel successful, I do something to adjust my attitude like taking a walk or going skiing or paddling my stand up surf board.

A.C.T.: What is your art marketing strategy and what makes it successful?

My new strategy is blog, blog, blog! I’ve had a website forever, and was really resisting a blog, thinking that I would just end up with another layer of work that would stress me out. This January I started blogging and I love the results. I put Google Analytics on the blog and then I can tell what people are looking for when they find me. It’s making me much more visible in the world and driving traffic to my website. It’s also free (on Google Blogger or others). So ….No excuses artists – get out there!

A.C.T.: What obstacles have you encountered in your art business and how have you handled them?

I’ve had the usual obstacles artists face: lack of money, rejection and failure. Perseverance and a willingness to continually reinvent my approach along with the support of my wonderful husband, Randall Barna and extended family members has been instrumental in my ability to overcome obstacles.

I started out with very few resources and day by day made choices that wove together the life I have today. No matter what your life looks like today, be confident that what you do today will enrich your tomorrow. Take the time to nurture yourself by creating a foundation around you that supports your interests and goals.

A.C.T.: What opportunities has a professional approach to your career brought you that you might otherwise not have had?

A professional approach yields a profession. Without that, I would be back where I started from without any of the experience I have now. Dedicating myself to self-development both as an artist AND as a business person has made all of the difference. That is why I am so excited about Aletta’s work and the difference it can make in your life.

Follow the advice in the ACT packets she puts together and you’ll save yourself years of trial and error.

A.C.T.: Who are your role models and mentors?

I’m afraid to start naming names, because it’s impossible to think of everyone. There are so many people I admire, both known and unknown to me. Some of them are teachers, friends, family and even strangers who nurtured my life.

I was raised in the Roman Catholic tradition, and grew up believing in Saints. Each Saint has a “speciality”, like protecting travelers, children, or finding lost things. I understood Saints as a tiny piece of the hologram of God – a vision of one aspect (among infinite aspects) of the divine. I think about the people in my life who’ve supported me along the way as my Saints. Some I don’t think about so much anymore, but at one time, they may have been the mainstay.

Currently, I am drawn to people who are using their creative powers and contributing to the development of a peaceful and healthy planet. Artists, writers, scientists, thinkers and business people that are recognizing that their positive actions nurture a better world are the people I pay attention to now.

A.C.T.: What advice would you pass on to other artists at all levels?

Keep working, seeing, feeling and connecting! Enjoy yourself!

You may become a famous artist, a kinda famous artist, or not. Fame and exterior success are not a product of only hard work and perseverance, there is a lot of luck involved. Live your art in such a way that if nobody buys a thing, you’ll feel like you enriched your own life and those of your companions in life.

A.C.T.: How has your involvement in the A.C.T. program and community of professional artists furthered your career?

Making art is only half of the creative work. Sharing it is the other half. It was important enough to make, so don’t leave your work to be ignored, get it out into the world.

ACT is for any artist who is ready to share their work. Your goal could be as simple as a local exhibit or as complex as a viable professional career. Even if you don’t know what your goal is yet, ACT is for you. The study materials, classes and community will support you as your creative and professional world unfolds. I consider myself lucky to have discovered the ACT program. I highly recommend ACT for any artist.