Meet Crystal Correa | Graphic Designer & Artist

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

Hi Crystal, what’s the most important lesson your business/career has taught you?

I had to learn to listen to my body and was finally honest with myself. I am not a morning person. My internal clock doesn’t do the “normal” 9-5 schedule. When I found myself at a Monday-Friday job working those hours with little say so on my design, I knew I needed to find something better. 

I knew I needed to find a way to balance my work and family life. I often work in bursts throughout the day and my life is interspersed between. You’ll often find me working on things while watching garbage TV or working while hanging out with a friend and/or family. Growing a business takes a lot of time and dedication. I have been trying to implement more of a routine which includes giving myself working hours and days off.

Being my own boss has allowed me to set my own hours and boundaries. Being creative on the daily is important for me and my mental health. When there are too many rules or monotony it kills my creativity and I’m left feeling sad and empty. Now I’m able to choose work that excites me and brings me happiness.

Another practice would be that I refuse to give up if something doesn’t work out. I’ll keep trying over and over. I put a lot of hours into research and study to learn from others that are successful. I look for design, pattern, and fashion trends to attempt to know what will be popular.

I make sure to keep learning and growing artistically by watching YouTube, Skill Share, Instagram, TikTok, and other classes. I follow along to get practice in art and business topics.

I also realized that many people are just as insecure about what they are doing as you. They are guessing right along with you. Luckily there are many ways to reach the same goal. Success takes time. You have to put time and work in to improve and make your own way. I’ve learned to believe in myself, be confident, and after some research move forward with my plan. At the very least, it will be a learning experience. Otherwise, I’d be stuck in just thinking and planning or talking about it and not be any closer to reaching my goals.

Another lesson that I’ve learned is that sometimes you must take a risk. I’m not comfortable with it, but the way I go about it is that I go with a feeling in my gut. If it “feels good,” I become obsessed with the idea. Then, I second guess myself a million times, ask my friends and family their thoughts on the matter and then make a decision.

For example, in the beginning of my career, I was making vinyl decorated wine glasses with glitter on the stem. They were selling ok. Then I got an order from a mermaid subscription box for 1,000 glasses! I had never filled such a large order. I spoke to the family, and we decided it was too good of an opportunity to pass up. I learned how to make an invoice, a contract, how to price and buy a bulk order, etc. I was going to school at the time and had a couple of months to make them. I remember crying making wine glasses in the middle of my living room while watching a show and regretting everything. My fiancé and mother-in-law helped me put intricate vinyl mermaids on the glasses. Since the glasses were fragile, we also delivered them from Houston to Dallas. Everything went smoothly, I got paid, and my name got out there. There are even some unboxing videos out there on YouTube. I look back at that time with a smile now and I’m proud of us. I still find glitter in our new house from that once in a lifetime risk.

Another risk I often take is reaching out to complete strangers I admire through email, social media, or in person. If there is something they are doing that I want to learn about or get advice on, or need help with, I reach out to them. I’m a strong believer in the phrase, “the worst thing they can say is no.” If you are sincere, I have found that many people are approachable and very willing to help. I have cultivated friendships this way. Networking and collaboration are essential in the art world. I’ve been on different sides of the art business, and I realized how tight knit and small the community is. 

Other risks include all the different products I’ve attempted to sell through the years. Every time I’m risking time and money. I invest in the product just to see how people respond to it. It’s a bit of a gamble. I have spent many years learning and tweaking often coming out empty handed and with no sales. When moments like these happen, it can be hard to quiet that little voice of doubt that questions my self-worth or talent. It’s hard not to get yourself wrapped in your work like this. When I succeed though, it’s an incredible, addictive feeling.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

I was always artistic or creative and took a while to make it into my career. I think being an only child had something to do with me turning to creativity to keep from being bored. I was always attracted to reading, music, writing, singing, drawing, and fashion. I would spend hours on a typewriter writing up stories. I would sketch gowns and once sewed my own outfit with the help of my father. I would gather up my friends and choreograph a dance and singing routine. I was lead singer, of course. 

One early memory I have is of me being excited when I discovered lots of different colored thread and a needle. I spent the rest of the afternoon stitching drawings and words in a paper book that I put together for my mother. I always saw these things as just hobbies. I didn’t pursue it at a young age because it didn’t seem practical, and I didn’t have the support I needed.

Later in life, I had an opportunity to go back to school. I was very lost and unsure what to get a degree in. I attempted a conventional STEM degree but felt out of place. I took a career assessment test with the college counselor, and she confirmed my deep love for art. Going into a creative career felt like finally accepting myself. Still wanting to be on the safe side, I chose graphic design. I realize now that I denied myself this happiness for many years. I regret wasting years of my life not doing what I love or am naturally good at.

I’ve attempted a business a few times. I used to be Girl on Crafts because I love crafting. After graduating with a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts in graphic design, I felt like I needed a rebrand. I decided to change my name to Girl on Arts since my interests were much broader now. The name still describes how I feel about what I do. Art and creating is a thing I’m addicted to. My business is as diverse as my interests. It seems like a series of side hustles that form into one super business.

I’ve loved crochet for many years now ever since I got my first pair of crocheted slippers. I’ve noticed artists do not price their crochet work for what it’s worth. Crochet takes lots of practice and many hours of labor. In order to get people to stop and take notice, I wanted to make crochet into art. Putting the crochet product in a vintage frame suddenly turns what would be something that isn’t seen for much value into art you can hang on the wall for everyone to enjoy. I love mixed media, texture, pattern, color, and my crochet art frames are a perfect example of that.

As far as illustrating is concerned, I’ve found it natural to draw animals. We own four animals of our own. (A reason why I crochet plants vs trying to keep live ones.) You can find some of our pets on my website as examples for my pet portraits. That morphed into me finding a market of doing pet commissions which felt natural since it played to my strengths of drawing digitally and drawing animals.

The variety keeps my job fun and allows me to continue learning. I want to follow through on a goal I have had since I was a teenager and do something in fashion and/or interior design. I want to have my own line and see my designs on clothing and home décor.

I once heard the saying “the jack of all trades is the master of none” and I found that disheartening because I have so many different hobbies and interests. I thought it was a weakness or that I lacked focus, but I think I have been slowly realizing that it is a strength of mine.

I know the phrase is used in a negative manner, but one day I heard what the original, complete saying was on an artist podcast which brought me comfort. It made way more sense to me, and I lean way more into this way of being. The saying goes, “a jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one.”

In this way, it is meant as a compliment and applauds the versatility and adeptness of the person. I completely agree because having many skills has equipped me to be able to wear many hats in my business which has saved me time and money; art wise I think it will keep me from being predictable or boring.

In order to continue my success, I try to keep a routine on my workdays. I make coffee, have my breakfast, water my plants, clean the space with palo santo or sage and decide what takes priority for that day. It’s my way of mentally preparing myself for the day and trying to let go of anything that is bothering me.

I surround myself with things that make me happy and that bring out creativity. This includes keeping in close contact with art friends which allows me to bounce off ideas and get the support and energy I need.

Having ADD makes it hard to focus and follow through. I try to work on the less fun things first like emails, inventory, marketing and reward myself by letting myself create to make sure important things get done.

I am inspired by many things, but one huge inspiration is strong women. As a Hispanic woman, Selena Quintanilla made a big impact in my life growing up. There weren’t many people that I could identify with that I could admire. She showed me Hispanic women could accomplish things, own businesses, have multiple interests, and still have a family. 

The inspiration for the framed fiber art came after seeing an artist by the name of Lace in the Moon. I think she’s a genius. My love of Twinkie Chan, London Kaye, and Courtney Doom has also inspired my business because of what they have done for crochet/fiber arts and how much fun they have with it. I’m hoping to continue in their footsteps and make crochet cool, fun, and valuable.

I’m inspired by where “practicality” meets art. For example, in my sculpture class I made serving dishes because it was something I knew I would use and could make beautiful. I think that is another reason why graphic design made sense because again, the art was serving a need of providing brand foundation for other businesses.

I’m also inspired by art for the sake of itself. Anything with rich color, texture, pattern like Frida, Van Gogh, Monet, gives me life.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

I love Houston’s art scene. There’s the MFAH, The Menil is always free, plus a handful of galleries. The Hobby Center is a perfect place to see a cool musical. There are always neat things to do or see at Discovery Green or The Miller Outdoor Theatre. You can find so many cool places on Montrose and that surrounding area. There are places to eat and shop.

Anyone that knows me, knows how much I like to shop! I’m always down for IKEA. I would recommend The Guild Shop, Mala Market, Space Montrose, and Leopard Lounge. My friends and I have gone to Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar and House of Blues. Hungry Like the Wolf is a cool place to eat with 80’s decor. Down South near Webster there’s Nobi’s Public House that has delicious food and drinks and an arcade place called The Game Preserve that is really fun. I love karaoke so we would have to go to Soho 7.

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 want to thank my fiance, Stephen, for being my number one supporter. He’s been there to help me fill orders, help bounce ideas off, and give me constructive criticism (even when it’s not so easy). He’s there to help with the kids, the house, everything really. He’s my voice of reason and encouragement when I get stuck in a negative loop or feel down when something didn’t go as planned and he’s there to celebrate when everything lines up beautifully. I love you!

My son, Adrian, and my daughter, Jade, also give me encouragement and feedback. I want to be a good example for them and it’s a reason why I work so hard. They sometimes have to do without me because I’m at a craft show or busy working on something, but they are always understanding and supportive. I love you!

The Glasgow family has had our back since the day I met them. They are one reason why I got the courage to go back to school. They help in every way possible and wish me nothing but success and happiness. Their love is true and pure. I love you all!

I have many wonderful friends (which I won’t individually name so no one gets left out). My friends are my sounding board, my supporters, my bookies, my shopping buddies, my karaoke partners, my book club buddies, my followers, my teachers, my fans, that offer me encouragement and help keep me sane and young. I love and appreciate each one of you for different reasons and I thank you for being there and sharing memories with me. Love you guys!

My mentor Susan Lynn, thank you for helping me out of that dark place. Thank you for your time and encouragement and for sharing your business savvy with me. You believed in me before I did. You have shown me a special gift.

Somya Gupta thank you for letting me be a part of Mala Market. You’re helping me grow, network, and learn so much. You believe in me and my business and that means so much.

Thank you, Toni, for helping me with self-care, keeping these gold hands working, and my body stress free. Thank you, Johanna Krauter, for keeping on top of my mental health.

In memory of Merry Trammell, our family counselor. You helped me through some of the hardest parts of my life. I miss you and your laugh. I love you!

Website: www.girlonarts.com

Instagram: @girlonarts

Facebook: @girlonarts

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@girlonarts

Other: Vendor Shop at: Mala Market 1302 W Gray St. Houston, TX 77019

Image Credit

Estefany Sarai Sanchez: @estefanysarai_htx