We had the good fortune of connecting with Lacia (CDT) and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lacia, how do you think about risk?
In some ways, you can say I grew up taking risks. For the sake of making ends meet, I had to take on a number of side jobs while attending school. Because of this that I often take risks in my career. At one moment I might be buried in books learning something new, at another I might be boarding a plane to cross the country. Whether it’s a job, career, or a new lifestyle, I’m an individual who never settles and strives all in to get what I want. You may call it risky, but it keeps me on my toes and makes me strive to improve and stay ahead. Whenever my teachers asked me what college I would like to attend or what I would like to do after graduation, the only thing I could think of was to draw. Whatever it takes.
Since I grew up in a small area in Houston, I didn’t have much choice in the artistic field. My journey to California to pursue my artistic dream has been a wild ride. I wouldn’t be here if I hadn’t taken risks and rolled the dice back then. You can say, taking risks is how I decide what to adventure to take on next.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Remember when I mentioned that the ride was wild? Well, you could have caught me doing jobs backstage that you wouldn’t normally expect, and you’d still be surprised at how I ended up where I am today.

Initially, my dream was to pursue game development. However, as a teenager faced with the daunting task of choosing a college, I was limited in my options because I couldn’t afford to study out of state. Consequently, I decided to enroll in a new program called “Visualization” at Texas A&M University, which was starting at a nearby university. Although my grades weren’t the best, I managed to secure my acceptance by actively participating in the National Art Honor Society (yes, it’s a thing!) and engaging in numerous volunteer activities during high school. These included street painting to raise awareness, showcasing my artwork in exhibitions, and even volunteering under the scorching sun to support marathon runners. These unconventional jobs helped me develop my communication skills and gain a broader perspective on the world. Eventually, all my efforts paid off, and I was accepted into the Visualization track at the University. There, I extensively studied the pipeline of film, games, and animation.

Admittedly, I wasn’t the most studious student, but I made up for it by participating in various extracurricular programs such as clubs, commission work, and game jam competitions. I even won a few art competitions, which I’m quite proud of. While education is undoubtedly important, I believe that there’s a whole world waiting to be explored beyond the confines of the classroom. I hope aspiring talents understand the significance of venturing out and gaining real-world experience before telling stories to the world. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to experience this early on during my college years. Balancing the demands of coursework with numerous extracurricular endeavors was challenging, but I embraced the chaos. In fact, I joined a Blizzard esports organization during the Esports boom, driven by my desire to gain a deeper understanding of the gaming industry. Starting as an event coordinator and team manager for the university’s organization, I worked my way up, and I have no regrets about the tough journey. Who would’ve thought with that journey I would land myself doing vtuber work, where it embodies all of the art, content creation, and story?

One of the valuable lessons I’ve learned is that while it’s exciting to explore different paths, it’s crucial to keep your ultimate goal in mind. Even in the face of rejections, failures, and discouragement throughout my journey, I persevered. I’ve been turned down for internships, mentorships, and basic opportunities because I didn’t come from a prestigious background. It’s been tough, and there were times when everything seemed dark, and I lost my way.

However, what I’ve learned is that if no one is willing to give you that big break, you have to make it happen yourself. The experiences, hardships, and late nights you endure build the tenacity required to keep fighting for what you want. Chase your dreams relentlessly, even when it feels like your heart may give out. Never give up. Life has its way of working itself out in unexpected ways. Embrace the journey—it’s something you’ll never anticipate. Enjoy the ride.

As an additional note, I once tweeted about my experiences, and looking back, I can’t help but laugh at how I wished I could tell my younger self that things would get better. It’s been eight years since I was a teenager, tirelessly grinding to become an artist. It’s truly surreal that I am finally reaching this point inside the Vtuber community:

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 bustling areas. Immersing myself with the sounds of everyone own steps, the chatter of lively groups, and the sight of different faces gives me the sense of peace. I hope that if brought my best friend here, they would enjoy the sights of life and rhythm around them. I would love t take them to town centers to feel alive, and drink the most delicious not over sugary boba drinks. Definitely check out TP tea in San Jose or even Round 1 in Burbank to get that Japanese arcade fill. Trust me the games are forgiving and you can always walk home a winner.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
This one is for my dad, Francisco, who didn’t get the chance to pursue his artistic dreams to take care of me. I wouldn’t be here without him critiquing me or encouraging me to take a chance to chase my dreams. I grew up with an artistic mentor by my side by a young age, and being a first generation child in the family, I wanted to make sure I can say my dad’s name proudly to get where I am today. Thanks dad, I wouldn’t be here without you.

Website: https://laciaeverlight.carrd.co/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LaciaEverlight

Image Credits
• PixelLink / Raki Kazuki • Kiel Dostal / @kiel_stalVT • Luxe / @Luxevtuber

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