We had the good fortune of connecting with Chera Creative and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chera, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I grew up in a very artistic family, so pursuing a creative career was natural since I had been painting and drawing for as long as I could remember. I took all the grade-level art classes and then decided to major in Graphic Design at Abilene Christian University. Although painting was my biggest passion, I decided a Graphic Design major would allow me to expand my artistic skillset while still taking painting courses within that degree. Outside of college I took a Graphic Design/Art Director job at Mary Kay Corporate in Dallas while painting and pursuing Chera Creative as a side hustle. I knew eventually my dream would be to build up Chera Creative big enough to eventually switch to full time. After 5 1/2 years of hustling and doing both, I was able to make the leap in March 2022.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

Through my art and paintings, my goal has always been to emit a sense of joy and happiness through the bright beautiful colors and organic floral subject matter. I am a lover of the outdoors and flowers so getting to paint all of the things that bring me joy is the best job I could ask for.

One of the most special parts of my mural career has been getting to go back and paint murals in my hometown. I grew up in the small town of Merkel, Texas which is currently going through an amazing restoration project. I have had the honor of painting four murals to bring art into the town. The best part is that my grandfather, the original painter of the family, gets to come out and help paint with me and my dad on those murals. Having three generations painting together is so special and the rest of my family pull up their lawn chairs and cheer us on from the brick streets. Memories I’ll cherish forever.

Chera Creative has evolved many times before it has become what it is today and will probably evolve many more times in the future. I say this because many artists think they have to have it all figured out before starting but that’s not the truth. A lesson I have learned along the way is that it’s okay to try new things until you find what you truly love. How will you ever know if you don’t try? I always knew I wanted to paint full-time for Chera Creative but didn’t know exactly what that looked like. Out of college I tried many different avenues: performance painting, painting graduation caps, champagne bottles, invitation/stationery design, live wedding painting and many more directions. All were great for the time-being but not my passion to do forever, so I moved on to the next thing. Whenever I painted my first mural, I knew this was something I could be happy doing forever.

As I learn more through my career my passion to share and teach grows stronger. I absolutely love sharing methods and tips to other artists who want to become muralists. I have released multiple mural painting resources on my website and intend to share even more resources in the coming year.

I am grateful for the power of social media getting my art out into the world and all of the amazing followers and supporters of my work that it has brought in. The encouragement in the comments and messages has really kept me going and keeps me sharing my work with the world. As an artist, it is vulnerable to share your work because it really is such a subjective career but I am grateful for everyone who has seen the beauty in my work and has supported me. If you have an artist friend, show them some love. It means a lot.

2022 has been such a blessing for Chera Creative. I started this year with a feeling heavy in my heart that it was time to take the leap to full-time with the faith that the momentum I was seeing would continue, and it did just that. I got to work with companies like Omni Hotels, UTSouthwestern Medical Center, ItCosmetics, Shops at Park Lane, Flea Style, Kips Bay Decorator Show House, and so many more amazing clients. I also had the opportunity to go back to my alma mater and paint a mural for my old art department. Seeing my old professors and sharing my experience to current students was an amazing full-circle moment for me. I cannot wait to see what 2023 has in store.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

The best part about painting murals is that I get introduced to new restaurants and places in town that I would absolutely recommend.

Krio Dallas (where I painted my first mural) has incredible food that is an Asian Cajun fusion.
Walton’s Garden Center has another one of my favorite murals, as well as amazing plants/flowers and their gift shop is the best in town.
Flea Style in Deep Ellum, I’ve painted two murals here and the experience of making your own custom hat is so much fun (and their team is so sweet and friendly).
The Shops at Park Lane which has the best shopping and my largest mural to date in the escalator corridor.

Some of my other favorites include: Grabbing coffee at Fairground Coffee at Knox Street.

Walk down Katy Trail.
Picnic at Klyde Warren Park
Walk through the Dallas Farmers Market and get jewelry and permanent bracelets at Nikki Smith Designs.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

My biggest shoutout has to go to my family. I would not be where I am today without their constant support. It has been a long journey getting to where I am today and they have been by my side every step of the way. My dad retired from the military right when I started mural painting and now helps me with my big mural jobs, traveling wherever I am to be my “muralist assistant” and my mom the “snack-engineer” and “people-relations” (very necessary positions as a muralist). My sister brands all of my coveralls/merch and she, with my brother-in-law, are the biggest promoters of my work. A special shoutout to my husband who supported me 100% leaving my corporate job 1 month before our wedding to pursue my passion of being a full-time artist. I could not do it without his love, support, listening ear, advice, and caption-writing (haha). So thankful for my family.

All of my professors at Abilene Christian University. If you are thinking of majoring in art or graphic design, their program is incredible.

My favorite podcast for business is @goaldiggerpodcast with Jenna Kutcher. I have listened to her for years and she has the most encouraging relatable business advice and has encouraged me to keep pushing all these years.

Website: www.cheracreative.com

Instagram: @cheracreative

Facebook: Chera Creative

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