Meet Kaiden Caldera | Illustrator

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

Hi Kaiden, why did you pursue a creative career?
Pursuing art was the decision that felt the most natural to me. After growing up being surrounded by artistic and creative people in my life, I had made up my mind to surround myself with art in all forms in any way I could. I wanted to do something I enjoyed and was familiar with and I can’t imagine choosing a different path.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am currently just a freelance illustrator. I love to create artwork inspired by animation, contemporary and abstract paintings, music, and my experience with religion. I make my own merch and sell at different marketplaces and I think that freedom has really helped figure out what I wanted to do with my artwork. It was not an easy journey in the slightest. Growing up low income, you have to make do with what you have and try to make it work for you. I faced resistance in many areas because of finances and it is still a struggle even today. I also deal with a lot of mental health issues and that has prevented me from being the best artist I could be in some ways. But I found that things will work itself out if I just keep working and pushing myself forward. Finances and mental health aside, I find I can keep going as long as I have people who care and support me.

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.
I love it when friends from out of state come to visit Arizona. I always take them to Phoenix Art Museum, SMoCA, and Mesa Arts Center as a starting point. I also love going to Roosevelt and seeing all of the murals and going to The Nash and seeing some really amazing jazz performances. If they are up for a day trip I also love visiting Sedona and going to Arcosanti. I love to show my closest friends my high school, NSAA. Not only is it just awesome and decked out with murals, but I love showing them the painting and figure drawing rooms as they were my second home growing up. Almost all of the food places in Arizona are so good- it’s hard to find a place I didn’t like! But of course I always make my friends eat at Filiberto’s and Dutch Bros.

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 wouldn’t be the person and artist I am today without the support and love from my family and friends. I also want to thank New School for the Arts and Academics for aiding me in fostering my artistic growth. Without the guidance of the faculty and peers, I would not have been able to experience so many opportunities.

Website: https://kaidenjane.carrd.co/

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

Other: My online shop!: https://www.spacefruitshop.com/