Claudia hernandez visual artist

EXCEPTIONAL YOUTH SERIES

claudia hernandez
visual artist

Bio:  Claudia Hernandez is a proud senior at Parkdale High School in Riverdale, Maryland. Although she has "flown beneath the radar" in formal accolades, she has developed a "word of mouth" reputation in the Arts community. She is the head design editor and major contributor of the 2013-2014 Parkdale Yearbook. In her spare time she loves to listen to music and draw. She also is an avid skater.  In the summer of 2014 she hopes to begin her studies as a certified medical assistant, in hopes to raise enough money to pursue her dreams of becoming a graphic designer. 

the interview

Define visual artist? 
To me visual artist are people who can manage to create an image in someones mind. Even an author can be a visual artist to me if they use enough detail to portray a picture and scene of what exactly is going on.

Where do you draw your inspiration from? 
I gain inspiration from things that people wouldn't consider art and just a destruction of property. I may not be able to draw or create graffiti, however i enjoy it so very much. Just staring at it gives me so many ideas. I don't just see it as one overall thing, but break it down into sections and admire the technique. I also  gain inspiration from tattoos. Most of my art and technique resembles those of tattoos. People who judge others for having so many can get on my nerve. They see it as hooliganism, but i see it as stories. Other things that give me inspiration include music(of all kinds) and anything mysterious, dark, twisted, wicked, and fantasy like. 

What inspired you to create?
The thing that inspired me to create my form of art was the criticism i could hear the media give on things like graffiti and people with tattoos.

Why is what you do important?
What I do may not be important to others, but it is important to me. For me it is a way to express myself and share my ideas with the world.

Who is your favorite artist(s)?
My favorite artists are those that are unknown. The ones who create masterpieces but never get recognized.

What do you think is the most important tool for an artist? 
The most important tool for an artist is their imagination.

What advice do you have for someone that wants to be a visual artist? 
Let your imagination go wild! Don't let people tell you what to do and don't let their criticism get to you.

What is an interesting fact about you?  
I have never taken an art class in my life besides ceramics, which doesn't exactly help me in the drawing aspect.

Where are you from / Where do you live? 
I am from Houston, Texas but I have been raised in College Park, Maryland for about 80% of my life.

Where do you see yourself 5 years from now? 
In five years I see myself still drawing in a sketch book, carrying it around from one place to another, but maybe not in a career where I am following my dream to become a graphic designer.  Instead I will probably be working to save money so that I can one day achieve my dream.

Social Media Information: 
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            (name^^^: WillIEverBeAbleToSleepAgain )

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