Daily Inspiration: Meet Teri Galvez

Today we’d like to introduce you to Teri Galvez. 

Hi Teri, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
Hello all! I’m Teri (spelled like teriyaki), and I’m an artist based in Denver. I’ve been drawing since I was a kid, and I always loved giving them to my friends and family. I didn’t really think much of it then though since I aspired to be an animator before I understood just how difficult that was. I struggled with trying to learn it since DU didn’t really offer anything like it and ultimately moved away from it as a career path. While at college though, a friend of mine introduced me to her artist friend who was selling at an anime convention, and she allowed me to bring a couple things to sell. That sparked so much joy in me. Being able to interact with people of like interests, creating art that people connect to and want for themselves, and meeting other amazing artists were all so thrilling. Since then, I’ve worked hard on creating my own style, improving my art, and thinking up some fun products that people can enjoy. The artist (SuzuStudios) who helped kickstart me into this has become my best friend, and we travel around selling at conventions whenever we can. I also have a lot of other projects I want to do, like making comics, coloring books, children’s books, and crafting some other neat things.

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?
No, not at all. The very first time I sold at my friend’s table I had all of 1 type of print and none of it sold ha ha. Instead, I spent that day making bookmarker commissions for people on the spot. My print was an original design and nothing super great at that. So, I had to learn a lot about trends and discovering my style (which is always still in development it feels). There were lots of moments of inspiration followed quickly by frustration trying to get the idea onto paper. At many conventions, I felt I didn’t have enough to sell, or my artwork wasn’t as good as those around me. But I had (and still have) good people around me to encourage me to keep going, keep drawing, keep growing. That’s why I also want to lift up other artists around me because it meant a lot to me especially when artists I really admired gave me words of encouragement. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m an artist that specializes in anime/pop culture fan art, as well as illustrations, mascot design, and some other crafty items. I’m most known for anime and video game art, and some of my favorite pieces are my very first print of Samus Aran in watercolor and my digitally painted Spider-Man poster. 

What makes you happy?
Friends, family, food, and travel ha ha. All of them at the same time if possible. It’s more fun bringing friends and family to new places, trying a new restaurant, and each ordering something different so we can try most of the menu in one go. I’m a huge fan of traveling, and would love to do it more. Anime and video games also bring me lots of joy, hence why I draw them! They’ve been a source of inspiration and escape since I was young, and I honestly don’t think I’d have pursued art if it wasn’t for having these crazy wonderful sources to fuel my imagination. I also started streaming video games on Twitch recently and I’m hooked. I love the community and being able to share funny moments with people that would otherwise only be funny to me if I was playing alone. I hope to stream my art process at some point once I figure things out. I hope more people will come hang out with me during these streams 

Contact Info:

• Email: teri@teriyakitime.art
• Website: www.teriyakitime.art
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/teriyakiart
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/itsTeriYakiTime
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/itsTeriYakiTime
• Other: www.twitch.tv/itsTeriYakiTime