Meet Denise Cerro | Fine Artist / Mixed Media

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

Hi Denise, other than deciding to work for yourself, what was the single most important decision you made that contributed to your success?
The most important decision came with the realization that by working for myself I removed the income ceiling that was put in place by working for someone else. I was the decider on income equal to the energy I put into my work. It was scary when I first jumped in, but I also thought that maybe I could be an example for someone else wanting to venture into their own creative work, whatever that may be. I am and always have been an artist, I embrace that lifestyle and the joy creativity brings me and have always been able to support myself with that choice.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am an artist…to the core! I have been fortunate throughout my career(s) to always be in creative positions…some of which I fell into because someone else recognized me doing what I do best…being creative!

My first career was in retail Visual Presentation and store window dressing, as far as I was concerned it was the only and best job to have in retail! Dressing mannequins, setting up scenes, the freedom to create with beautiful merchandise…it was wonderful. It is also when I stepped out on my own to create CerroPaint and become a faux and mural artist.

It was quite a jump from employed to self employed and I learned quickly to never say no to a project because I was scared to do it or didn’t know how. To me these were opportunities to learn something new and grow my business and I became very successful at that.

Transitioning into full-time artist took some time, though I made time to take painting workshops and learn everything I could about painting and art. The first time I turned down a faux job and climbed down from the scaffolding felt really great…it meant I could support myself on my art alone.

To be clear…I have chosen art for the lifestyle it offers me, I get to be creative everyday and run my own business of being an artist. I have downsized considerably to accommodate what’s important to me and I enjoy the choices I’ve made through my creative adventures.

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?
I love having two art studios in San Diego. My home studio is in Encinitas Ca which is the North County of San Diego and the shared F1VEart studio in the Art District Liberty Station in San Diego.

In North SD County you can enjoy the beautiful coast line and beaches and walk for miles and breath in the sea air and clear you head before you get into the studio to paint. A few of my favorite places are Swamis Meditation Gardens in Encinitas, and the many near by walking trails. Lofty and The Pannikin coffee shops are great spots to sip coffee and watch the world wander by…north county is a very relaxed vibe.

Liberty Station in San Diego on the other hand is always busy with events, lots of restaurants and artist studios. The Barracks in Liberty Station have open art studios most days of the week. It’s also a great hub for eating out as there are a ton of eateries in the area. My favs are Con Panne Bakery (so delicious) and the Empanadas in the Public Market. Grabbing food to go, sitting out in the huge lawn area to enjoy lunch with my art pals or just watching others enjoying being outside. The San Diego Watercolor Society and Visions Gallery are also in the Arts District and well worth a visit.

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?
There are so many people and groups who have inspired me along my path…way too many to mention here! So I’ll bring it up to speed to current and real time with the artists I share a studio with. We are more than just artist in one studio…we are a creative support for each other.

The artists of F1VEart Studio & Gallery have painted together for 8 or more years and we are in the third year of our shared studio space. Our name says it all…F1VE…the i in F1VE is a #1…signifying we are each an individual within the group and the group represents, supports and encourages each artist. We plan events, share upcoming shows, critique each others works in progress and share in the successes of each artist in the studio. I highly recommend finding a group to be connected to that will support you in your creative process.

Website: Denisecerro.com

Instagram: @denisecerro

Facebook: Denise Cerro Studio

Youtube: Denise Cerro Studio

Other: F1veart.com