Anna Nunez

So Anna, tell us about your career so far?

Sure! A few years ago, I went from being a full-time freelance designer for brands to pursuing my passion and working as a fine artist. That shift was both exciting and challenging – it’s come with its fair share of ups and downs, as any creative path does. Growing my career in this field has required a lot of faith and persistence, but every step has been worth it. 

 

What was the moment that made you decide to transition from freelance design to becoming a full-time artist?

The turning point came after I spent a full year creating an educational product for my design studio, only to have a pretty disappointing launch. I had high hopes that this project would finally give me the financial stability I needed to transition to become a full-time fine artist.

During my six years as a designer, I always dreamed of being a painter. I went to school for fine art and felt deep in my heart that making art was my God-given calling. But I kept putting it on the back burner and playing it safe as a graphic designer instead. Mostly due to self-doubt and fear of failure.

However, when that product launch didn’t pan out as I had hoped, I found myself at a crossroads. I realised that if I didn’t take the leap to become an artist, I may never do it. So, I decided to follow my passion and pursue my true calling officially, and I’m so thankful I made that decision.

 

How did your experience as a freelance designer shape your approach to your art practice today?

It’s shaped my creative process as an artist in a really wonderful way. I’m actually so thankful that I spent those years working as a designer because it gave me a lot of valuable skills that I use every day as a painter now. It informed my relationship to colour and colour palette selection and has also given me a better eye for composition as I paint, even though this feels like an intuitive part of the process now.

I’m grateful that my years as a designer also gave me the skills to design for myself—I do all my own branding, web design, email marketing, etc. This has taught me that no work experience is ever wasted when it comes to applying ourselves to creative ventures.

 

What’s a typical day like in the studio?

Every day feels like a balance between admin and creative work. I usually start my mornings by taking care of emails, marketing goals, and general business maintenance. Once those are out of the way, I carve out a block of time in the afternoon to create. Sometimes I switch the order of things, but I generally prefer painting in the afternoon because the light is better in my studio, and I love having all the less exciting tasks done before I start creating.

When I’m painting, I’ll usually have some calm music playing in the background which helps set the mood. I also like making an afternoon matcha or latte, and lighting one of my husband’s candles (he has a candle company) before diving into my work. Those are my only little rituals.

 

Can you describe the creative process behind your art? How does your background in design influence your artistic style?

Unlike my design work, which tends to be more refined and orderly, I try to approach my creative process like a child—really leaning into spontaneity and allowing myself to get wrapped up in the enjoyment of simple things, like the interaction between colours or the tactile sensation of working with a mixture of paint, pastels, and pencils. Part of my love for art over design is the physicality of artwork and how it feels to connect with something that has texture and life.

My background in design definitely influences my artistic style, particularly in my understanding of colour and composition. But in my art, I embrace a more organic, freeform approach. There's something so human and vibrant about physical art that digital design just can't replicate.

 

What role does community and support play in your journey as a full-time artist?

Community and support play a huge role in my journey as a full-time artist. My husband, family, and close friends offer me so much encouragement, and I think it would be really difficult to pursue this career path without them. Their support is invaluable, especially when things get tough or when self-doubt tries to creep in.

I truly believe that community can make or break an artist—we really need the love and support of others as we put ourselves out there in such a vulnerable way with our artwork. Having a strong support system can make all the difference, and I’m incredibly grateful for mine.

 

How do you stay inspired and motivated in your creative work, especially during challenging times?

My Christian faith is a really important part of my life. So, during challenging times, I regain motivation by opening up my Bible each day and reminding myself of age-old wisdom and truths – from stories that encourage me and remind me that I am loved, that don’t need to fear, and that I can release control. Much of my artwork is based around lessons in releasing control, especially as I’ve wrestled with anxiety over the last few years. My faith deeply influences this aspect of my work.

As for creative and visual inspiration, I stay inspired by constantly diving back into art history, seeking to dig deeper wells of inspiration than what’s on the surface in present-day social media and Pinterest. I just read a great book on Ruth Asawa called Everything She Touched by Marilyn Chase, and it heavily inspired the very artwork I have featured here on GoodMood. Exploring the stories and works of artists from the past enriches my own creative journey and keeps my ideas fresh and the process fun.

 

What advice would you give to other artists or designers considering a similar transition?

Just don’t give up. If you’re going to commit, commit for the long haul. Transitioning career paths isn’t easy or smooth sailing for anyone, especially when it’s for something as unpredictable as a fine art career. Being an artist requires vulnerability; it means putting yourself out there and making sacrifices. But if you strive to take one baby step forward every day, sooner or later, you’ll be able to look back and see progress.

I love the motto, “You can’t fail if you don’t quit.” Persistence and resilience are key. Surround yourself with supportive people who believe in your dreams, and be sure to seek guidance and mentorship along the way. Collaboration is the key to success.

Remember that every small step forward is a win; each setback is an opportunity to learn and grow.

 

What are some key lessons you've learned about balancing the business and creative aspects of being a full-time artist?

In general, I’ve learned that balancing business and creativity is crucial to success as a full-time artist.

While the creative aspect may be more fun, being savvy in business (or surrounding yourself with people who are) is equally, if not even more important. I’ve had to learn how to carve out time to prioritize both aspects—dedicating time to creativity, whether it's painting, experimenting, or exploring new ideas, as well as focusing on the business side, which includes marketing, social media, press outreach, collaborations, and more. If I don’t do this, my work won’t find its way into the spaces of new collectors.

I've come to realise that being a fine artist also means being an entrepreneur. Embracing this mindset has allowed me to approach my career with a more holistic perspective, making sure that I'm not only creating meaningful art but also effectively sharing it with the world. Finding the balance between these two aspects can be challenging, but it's essential for long-term success in the art world.

 

How do you envision the future of your art career, and what are your next big goals?

I envision my art career as lifelong, so the possibilities for growth and impact feel endless.

I’d love to see my work displayed in major museums and to write/publish a book that features my art. I also dream of having my work showcased in renowned magazines like Architectural Digest or Dwell.

In the short term, I aim to collaborate with more interior designers to place my art in beautiful spaces around the world. I also want to seek out more opportunities for my art to be featured in group exhibitions and solo shows over the next couple of years.

I have plenty of dreams to keep striving for haha.

 

Best advice you ever got?

It’s hard to pick just one, as I've been blessed with many wise words from people further along in life. But one that stands out is a piece of advice my husband received from his mentor, which I'm going to borrow. After the death of his mentor’s wife, my husband called to offer his condolences. The first thing Gary said was, "Life isn’t a trial run."

He elaborated, "Cherish each other, take the trip, make each day count." When my husband shared this with me, it gave me a fresh perspective that I’m grateful for to this day. The idea that life isn’t a trial run—that we only get one life to live—has really changed how I view taking risks and following my biggest dreams.