Meet Chiara Caballero | Art & Design

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

Hi Chiara, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
It started with a realization during my time as a Digital Specialist at Kinko’s. I couldn’t help but notice the vast difference between what the company charged customers and what they paid me. It got me thinking about the whole wage scenario in various fields in the United States. After diving into the tax structure and understanding the potential for better wages and work-life balance as an entrepreneur, I decided to take a leap and channel my art & design skills into my own venture. I am also currently learning how to market and grow online sales for a coffee company in Portland, OR from Tucson.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My journey as a creative has been a winding path, filled with profound moments of pause. Over the years, I’ve gathered a wealth of skills and experiences that have shaped me into a more compassionate human being. However, reaching this point was not easy. Growing up, I grappled with the belief that art should only be a hobby, while a more lucrative career should be pursued. Consequently, I found myself in school for Graphic Design, although my heart longed for a career as a painter and multi-disciplinary artist. It’s heartwarming to witness the shift in thinking now, as we embrace our passions, knowing that money and a livelihood will most likely follow suit. My journey hasn’t been as smooth as we all hope; it involved facing poverty, struggling with mental health crises, experiencing job loss, and the dissolution of a marriage, all of which left me with a profound lack of confidence in myself. The most challenging hurdle has been working through these deep-seated insecurities that took root from a young age.
In creative work, confidence is crucial, but it can be hard for those who’ve experienced developmental trauma and PTSD. The impact of trauma is widespread, affecting mental and physical health, with many illnesses rooted in past experiences.

For my healing journey, I’ve learned to honor every aspect of myself, embracing both light and dark. Engaging in shadow work, practicing meditation, spellcraft, and fostering a connection with spirit and nature, have all contributed to my healing process. Recognizing our interconnectedness as humans has also been a powerful aspect of my journey.

What brings me the greatest pride is my work as an artist and zine maker. I’ve dabbled in abstract video and stop-motion animation for classes, and I find joy in crafting unique ASMR/AI combinations for Tiktok. These pieces allow me to share fantastical, spooky, and seemingly unrealistic experiences that mirror my reality during periods of psychosis. This altered state of mind is a space where reality bends and merges, challenging what keeps us grounded, and sometimes completely cutting us off from those around us in the 3d landscape of Earth.

Another source of pride is the time I spent self-publishing my work and the work of other artists under the name of Ornithopter. Walking away from that project was one of the most challenging decisions I made. Still, during its existence, I had the honor of collaborating with a diverse spectrum of artists, from students to seasoned illustrators with impressive reputations. I also met some of my publishing and artistic heroes during this time.

My journey led me to contribute to the field of mental health as a Peer Support for a nonprofit in Washington State. My zine, Centurion Parade, delves into my experiences with psychosis and the intersections of justice and mental health systems.

My journey has been worth it, as I now live a more authentic life, embracing my deep need to express myself through various visual forms. My work spans from designing logos to creating art to marketing. The diversity in my work keeps life interesting, allowing me to explore different avenues while honoring the time I have.

I also sprinkle volunteer work into my life, making me feel like a contributing member of the community. Serving on a board for a peer-led organization in Washington and helping out at a women’s shelter in Tucson are both fulfilling ways to give back. I believe that homelessness, the lack of basic necessities like food and shelter, is one of the gravest epidemics in our country. I’m also passionate about addressing deficiencies in our mental health, medical care, substance dependence & addiction support, workforce treatment, and education systems. It’s also very important for people to be aware of how profit has superseded humanity in the U.S. so they can invest in the national community wisely with their resources and seek alternatives to those systems where appropriate. The moment we separate ourselves from one another, there is a problem. The people on the streets were once functioning members of society and we should ask why we feel it’s okay for them to no longer receive support from the community.

The path to where I am now required time, and support from my wonderful family and friends. Success, for me, isn’t about reaching a particular destination; it’s about honoring myself, others, and the world around me. My brand aims to reflect unity, inspiration, and empowerment, and my artistic process is as valuable as the final masterpiece, no matter how elusive it may feel at times.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
A week in Tucson: from morning to night I would suggest a delicious coffee joint most mornings like Exo, Cartel, Crema, and Presta. I make a decent latte at home too, so I would also offer that. I would narrow down their interests for my recommendations for the sake of not having a singular audience to cater to, I will rattle off some delicious places food and otherwise: Ja Ramen, Saffron Indian Bistro, Culinary Dropout, El Charro, Mi Nidito, the plant-based burger container in the Annex, the Cup Cafe, a visit to 4th Ave, the Botanical Gardens, Nexus Occult bookstore, Wooly Fern for affordable oddities and vintage, 22nd Street Antique Mall, Solar Culture Gallery to see one of my larger painting collaborations with Kuma Nokage, a movie at the Loft, Fox Theatre, the Rialto for a concert, a mural tour, time making things together, a visit to Casa Video, the Screamery for ice cream and that awesome juice place downtown on Congress. The many arts and crafts markets, the Antique Flea Markets, the Made in Tucson Market, and one of the many killer, themed group art shows in town. With the Summer heat currently, I advise one to stay away, however. There are also many hiking trails, biking, and incredible Mexican food. If we had more time, I would suggest a visit to spooky Jerome, Arizona to feel the energies of past residents or Sedona for peace in the desert, or Bisbee for its visible history, and the food in Phoenix is stellar.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am incredibly fortunate to have had a strong support system throughout my journey. My family, particularly my parents, have been my unwavering pillars of encouragement and support. They have believed in me and have provided the guidance, inspiration, and resources I needed to pursue my dreams.

In addition to my family, I’ve found inspiration and guidance from various sources. Self-help books have played a significant role in shaping my mindset and personal growth. They have provided valuable insights and practical tools as well as online trailblazers who illuminate a path forward.

The Tucson Arts Community with its vibrant and supportive nature has provided me with opportunities to connect with fellow artists, collaborate, and grow. Their collective passion and creativity have fueled my own artistic endeavors and helped me build a fabulous grouping of like-minded individuals. My wonderful friends and the supportive collective we’ve formed (The Ink & Key Society) as we learn to honor one another in an egalitarian structure, propelling one another to keep creating.

Website: https://chicaballero.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chicaballero_art/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chiaracaballero/

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@chicaballero