Rising Stars: Meet Zuri Aragon

Today we’d like to introduce you to Zuri Aragon.

Hi Zuri, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Ever since I can remember, I’ve had a passion for art. I remember three years old me, I’m Mexico, carrying a notebook anywhere I went, drawing anything that caught my eye, for example, I remember drawing my mom pregnant with my younger brother, or other family members, trees, and even shoes. At the age of 12, we moved to the states, and that’s the age where I just wanted to keep learning more, so the move was a huge advantage for my artistic growth since my dad was able to buy us our first computer and watching all those YouTube tutorials played a huge role in my learning. So once I felt comfortable drawing with pencil, I wanted to move into pastels, then acrylic, watercolor, etc., and I just want to keep learning more. In high school, I had the opportunity to learn pottery, so I took it, and I fell in love with it. Sadly I haven’t had the chance to learn and work more with natural clay, but in the meantime I’ve been having fun making accessories with polymerclay. I’m also currently a contracted pet portrait painter, my dream job.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely not. Sadly, I dropped out of college when I was planning on studying graphic design because my dad got very sick at the moment and I considered it was the best decision. I’ve also gone through periods of discouragement. I’ve always wanted art to become my job, so feeling that it wasn’t taking me anywhere would result in me stop painting and just looking for another job.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m currently a contracted pet portrait painter, so I’m specializing a little more on pet portraits, but I love making people portraits too. On my free time, I’m also making and selling polymer clay accessories inspired in nature as a side hustle. And I’d say that what makes me different from others who also specialize in the same areas is that I pour my heart into my work because it’s literally my passion, it’s a part of me. I’m very meticulous with my work, so I make sure my work is the best I can do, and every day I just look for ways I can continue to improve. Also, I like making my customers happy, so besides being open to commissions, I’m very flexible and I like working based on what my client wants, even when they have a budget. What I’m most proud of is just where I’m at right now. I know there’s still plenty of room to continue improving and growing, but I’m just happy with where I’m at.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love how calm it is, compared to big cities with too many things going on. I love I’m able to enjoy watching beautiful sunrises, sunsets, and the starry sky at night. All the dessert vegetation and it’s life is also a huge inspiration. I think the only thing I don’t like is the heat!

Pricing:

• 6”x6” single pet portrait-$30
• 6”x6” single person portrait-$35
• 16”x20” family portrait-$120
• Polymer clay succulent studs-$14
• Polymer clay sunflower dangles-$15

Contact Info:

• Email: zuri.srosas@gmail.com
• Website: littlerose.bigcartel.com
• Instagram: aragon_artstudio, little_rose_accessories