With the internet being so easy to access, it has become easier for independent artists to find an audience and let their work be known. As a result, a variety of movements, collectives, and scenes have found a way to pave their path. The independent art scene in Puerto Rico is no different. Recently, many artists from a variety of disciplines have found platforms that have made it easier for them to share their work. In addition, small businesses such as Electroshock in Santurce and Rio Piedras, bars like Off The Wall in Mayaguez, book stores like La Casita Books and Gifts in Aguadilla, Libros AC in Santurce and Libros 787 online, and independent festivals like Feria de Libros Independientes y Alternativos and Tintero: Festival de Cómics y Arte Independiente de Puerto Rico have provided up-and-coming artists a space to display their talents. “Puerto Rican Women Killing It in the Independent Art Scene” is a series of interviews that provides a glimpse at some of the women who have recently gained recognition in the art scene. Though the artists are asked similar questions, some are asked queries surrounding their work, specifically.
What’s your name and what do you do in the arts?
My name is Karyna Santiago and I mostly just draw, make comics, paint and sketch as a hobby. I usually do original art, but I also tend do do some fan art.
What got you into the visual arts?
I’ve been drawing since I was a little kid. I’ve always enjoyed drawing and coloring in my spare time and I guess I just never stopped! It’s always been a part of my life.
How did you develop your style?
When I was younger, I mostly tried to copy off the style of shows and movies I enjoyed, like Disney Princess movies or the Powerpuff Girls. Though I’d say that my more infamous phase was Sonic, which was also the most impactful. It’s what led to me drawing very frequently and to start posting my drawings online, starting on deviantart. I drawed a lot from a few how-to-draw-books. I also ended up drawing fan art about Cartoon Network shows and comics I enjoyed. So I believe that my love for these works is what kept me drawing and let me develop a style.
How has it evolved through the years?
Like I mentioned before, I used to only draw fan art and tried to copy how other people drew. Now, I’m more confident in posting my original work that’s still inspired by what others draw, but isn’t trying to look the same. I’ve been using a lot more colors, relliying usually on watercolors when painting. I mostly drew just in pencil and wasn’t a big fan of coloring.
What are some of your influences and inspirations?
Some of my influences and inspirations are Rebecca Sugar and Natasha Allegri. I’ve seen their art since they worked on Adventure Time. By following them, I got to know about the artists who worked behind the shows I enjoyed watching. Bryan Lee O’Malley’s graphic novels have also been a significant influence in the past few years. I enjoy the way he tells stories and can make what should be unlikable characters likable. I also like Alison Bechdel’s graphic novels, especially Fun Home, and comics. I also want to mention Lisa Frank being an inspiration when I’m using bright colors. I used to collect her stickers. I’ve also been influenced by friends I’ve had who also liked to draw and by people I follow on social media.
Is there any other form of art you wish to pursue? If so, what field and why?
I wish to pursue animation in the future. It’s been a dream of mine for the last few years. My favorite thing to watch are animated films and T.V. shows and it would be great to learn how to make them. I’ve tried making a few animations on paper and little computer GIFs, but I would like to take a proper class. I have also been interested in making comics. I started reading a few webcomics last year and I think that it would be a great way for me to build stories I can share with others. I’ve been reading a lot of graphic novels recently for my English class and it has gotten me very inspired. I took a zine making workshop recently and now I’m thinking about making my own.
What do you think about the current state of the arts in Puerto Rico?
I think the arts in Puerto Rico need more support so it can get exposed to more people. There’s great museums and exhibitions, but the public that goes to them is limited. Luckily websites like Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram make it a lot easier to find these sorts of activities.
What do you think about the current state of the independent scene in Puerto Rico?
I’m not sure if I had been living under a rock all my life or if the independent art scene here has really expanded in the last few years. I only just started visiting local festivals a year ago. Seeing other people’s art is always a great experience. I never really knew which ways people worked in the arts here until I started visiting them. I can see that it’s quite a large and connected community of creative people with different styles.
If a young girl came up to you and said she wanted to be an artist, what would be your advice for her?
I’d tell her to just keep drawing and to just draw what she loves to do. I’d advise her to always carry a sketchbook with her too. If she’s nervous about sharing her art face-to-face I’d recommend her to post it online, taking a few precautions of course. It’s also nice to find support by being friends with people who also enjoy making art so you can motivate each other. If she ever gets frustrated because she can’t draw something right, it’s okay; she will need to shift her focus into something else keeping in mind that she can only improve with practice.
What is your biggest goal right now?
My biggest goal right now is to take an animation course during the summer. I had been looking for animation courses I could take for a while and I found one recently that I’m interested in. I also want to apply for a second concentration in arts and technology in my university. I’m currently studying audiovisual communications and I believe the second concentration will help incorporate my talents better in that field.
What do you seek to achieve with work?
I want improve on my art and find other mediums I can experiment with while I have fun. I want to be able to communicate what I can’t say with words through my pictures. Drawing is one of the things that cheers me up and I hope I can help others feel better too.
All of the pictures in this article were provided by Karyna Santiago