Meet Ioana Cretu | Fine Art Artist, Graphic Artist, and Entertainer

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

Hi Ioana, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Being a mom of 3 kids (at the time, 3, 3 and 5 years old) I couldn’t afford staying away from them for a full-time office job. Missing out on their milestones and spending so much time away from them was unimaginable to me. But bills had to be paid, and freelancing just wasn’t enough. Starting my own business not only gave me the flexibility I needed, working whenever I could or wanted, but also enabled me to do what I loved – ART in various forms.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art style took many shapes and forms over the years. I always tried to experiment different media and techniques so I could improve my skills and also to be able to always offer something new to my followers and potential clients. I think, what sets me apart from other artists is the fact that, even after 24 years, I don’t stick to only one style or one medium. I like to be versatile. If it’s art, I’m willing and always excited to challenge myself and see how far my imagination and creativity can take me.

Over the years I’ve had opportunities to work as a graphic artist in the movie industry, as an industrial and graphic designer for both private individuals and big corporations, also as a commissioned artist, mural artist, body painter, and art instructor. I’ve tried pyrography, card making, woodworking, typography, packaging, printing, photography and others, ALL of which gave me a huge array of skills and techniques that I can now apply in my artworks.

I love telling stories through my art, and I get excited when people can either relate to my paintings or create their own personal story through my pieces.
I get most excited when the clients give me free reign, trust me and my creativity, and allow me to take their vision/idea and put my own twist and interpretation onto the canvas/paper, without “barriers”.

Like in anything, there are always ups and downs or bumps in the road, but when I think back to all the amazing experiences and my journey as a whole, the obstacles are really insignificant.
Probably, the hardest part was finding a balance between my personal life and my business. I love being a mom and it has been a priority since day one, so I’ve learned that sometimes, dreams can wait. I do not consider it an obstacle, it is not about “giving up”; it is just a phase.

Balance is key. And doing what you love is the secret to a happy YOU.

My goal is to spread joy and spark emotions – whether it’s a happy memory given by the subject/story or a happy feeling given by the colors or flow of it all, if I can make someone smile with my art, I’m happy.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Ha! As an artist, I find pleasure in different things than most people – i don’t drink and I don’t eat out often – so if that person is indeed my best friend, that means we would have a lot of things in common.

I guess I would take my friend to visit NY (the Met, ice skate or walk in the park), NJ (beach, boardwalk, maybe a movie in the park, biking), PA (camping, visit museums, hiking) and for the rest of the time, we would stay home, cook some traditional Romanian dishes, wrap ourselves in soft blankets and talk all night.

For me, being in nature, preferably in the mountains, surrounded by trees and hearing the birds chirp is the most peaceful place to be in. Usually, I would choose peaceful and inspirational/inspiring over fun. But I also love being around high-energy and positive people, which are found at girls’ nights, gatherings, and workshops, which I try to attend from time to time…

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?
I came to US when I was 19 years old. Didn’t know anyone, but when the opportunity showed itself to work for an art gallery, i jumped right in. The owner there, Steve Lavon (of Lavon Art Gallery), took me under his wing.
Although I applied for a job as a framer, once he saw my art portfolio he immediately gave me a job as a contracted artist. He believed in me right from the start and made ME believe I had what it takes to become a professional. He organized gallery shows for me, he kept me painting every day and sold my paintings for the next 5 years, until I was ready to fly on my own.

Instagram: www.instagram.com/curlyiguana

Linkedin: linkedin/ioana cretu

Facebook: www.facebook.com/curlyiguana

Other: www.etsy.com/shop/curlyiguana www.etsy.com/shop/CurlyMindsArt

Image Credits
Ioana Cretu