This week’s Bonus Tip is all about tapping into your creativity—even if you don’t consider yourself an “artist.” We asked Latino artists and creatives we admire:
“How can people practice creativity?”
Their responses remind us that creativity isn’t about perfection or talent—it’s about expression, courage, and showing up. Here’s how they make space for creativity and how you can too:
🎨 Face the Fear, Start Small
Southbay OG, Regan Russell, good friend and full-time multidisciplinary art maker, believes that art is an act of bravery:
“I believe making art is one of the best ways to face your fears—it’s never worse than the first time, and that’s all the confidence you need to keep going.”
His advice? Keep it simple and sustainable.
“Start small and embrace the journey: take at least 10 minutes a day to sketch something from life. For me, creativity comes from the questions that emerge while practicing technical skills.”
🖼️ Feed Your Inspiration Through Community
SD/TJ border girl Itzel Islas, a Latina graphic designer, encourages people to step outside and into creative spaces:
“I would recommend visiting a local museum, going to an art pop-up, or joining a workshop (several small businesses are offering this now).”
Exposure to art—especially in community—can help spark your own ideas, even if you don’t know where to begin.
🏡 Let Your Life Be Your Canvas
The talented Paul Jimenez, muralist and co-founder of Groundfloor Murals, believes creativity isn’t limited to galleries or murals.
“I think practicing creativity in your day-to-day life is important. It doesn’t have to be a big performance — it can be as simple as the way you cook, how you dress, or how you set up your living space.”
For Paul, expression lives in the ordinary:
“Life is about becoming who you are, and creativity is how you show it. For me, that expression comes through paint. But it can just as easily live in a garden, a dinner plate, a living room, or an outfit.”
And when you shift how you see the world?
“Once you start seeing the world as your canvas, everything you do begins to carry more intention. That’s when life starts to feel like art.”
📱 Don’t Be Afraid to Share
Sac-town-based Junnior Navarro, a Mexican visual artist, speaks candidly about the internal barriers to creativity:
“Los obstáculos para crear arte son numerosos. Muchos pueden sentir que la creatividad es solo para unos pocos privilegiados y excéntricos, y que la gente común como ellos no tiene cabida en el mundo del arte.”
But the truth is, there’s no “right” way to be creative.
“Nunca tengas miedo de lo que haces o de expresarte. Todo arte y técnica es válido, solo es cuestión de saber cómo mostrarlo al mundo.”
Junnior encourages creators to be bold:
“DĂ©jate llevar, habla, promueve, usa todos los medios y plataformas para poder expresar y mostrar tu trabajo al mundo… Sigue creando, mostrando tu persona y motivando a ti mismo porque eso que tĂş creas, muchas personas lo quieren ver.”
And his mantra?
“El que no arriesga, no gana.”
đź’ˇ The Big Idea?
Creativity doesn’t belong to an elite—it belongs to everyone.
Start where you are. Share what you love. And don’t be afraid to make art out of your life.
đź“Ś My POCHO Takeaway
Creativity isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being present. Whether you’re sketching, cooking, dancing, or just daring to share your story, your creativity is valid. Start small, stay curious, and remember: el que no arriesga, no gana.
Pocho Socialite 