Meet Zuzu

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

Hi Zuzu, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My business has evolved organically over the last two decades, but in truth, it was born long before it became a formal entity. As a teenager, I was captivated with graffiti, street art, and skateboard culture, immersing myself in that creative energy. Later, during college, I studied Creative Advertising and began exploring digital art, painting, event production, and began building my brand. This was when I decided that I would dedicate myself to mastering the two loves of my life: Art and Business.

Being an artist is so much more than simply creating art. Your art is a business. Having an understanding of branding, marketing, client relations, accounting, negotiation and communication skills are all imperative. It’s about having the tools to survive and thrive creatively. Artists are entrepreneurs and understanding this as an artist is a game changer. Learning to find the balance between collaboration, delegation, and doing things yourself is a skill that sets you apart in the art world and has undoubtedly strengthened my business.

The philosophy behind my business is to create meaningful artwork and experiences that resonate deeply with people. It’s about doing what I love while supporting my own values. Entrepreneurship, to me, is the ultimate expression of self-determination and self-expression. I’m grateful to continue building a life and career where I can experiment, grow, and evolve creatively on my own terms.

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.
I take immense pride in being both a full-time artist and the founder of my own business. What makes my company special is my ability to merge artistry with entrepreneurship. I’ve built something that not only fuels my passion for creating but also supports a lifestyle of purpose, freedom, and growth. At the heart of my brand is a simple truth: I’m here to create, to inspire, and to live life to the fullest. My art is a reflection of this. I want people to know that their dreams are worth fighting for.

My path thus far has been shaped by a relentless dedication to learning, adapting, and expanding. Running a business as a creative requires a balance of artistic intuition and business acumen. The process is never-ending, and that’s what excites me. It’s a wild and ever-evolving journey that demands resilience, flexibility, and the courage to keep pushing forward. Art is powerful and as artists, we have to step into our power to show the world our work. It’s vulnerable and unpredictable.

A turning point in my career was learning to value my self-worth as an artist. Upholding this value has been essential to my success. I’ve learned to protect my vision, trust my instincts, and say no to projects that aren’t aligned. As creatives, we are often misunderstood, undervalued, and asked to compromise. I’ve had to navigate everything from the skepticism of “haters” to the unpredictability of income, shady deals, and inevitable self-doubt and criticism. However, I’ve come to view challenges as fuel for growth. Every setback has been a lesson, sharpening my skills and deepening my commitment to my craft.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is this: We can’t allow the world to break us. Life is unpredictable, and the road isn’t always gentle, but our dedication to our purpose must be unwavering. The creative spirit is resilient, and it’s capable of overcoming any obstacle. Your art matters — Never forget that!

I’m currently embarking on one of my most ambitious projects to date! The SPRAYCATION Mural Tour, a 5,000+ mile journey across the western United States. Throughout summer and fall of 2024, I’m painting large-scale murals in iconic cities while traveling in the legendary AquaBurn RV, which was gifted to me at Burning Man 2023. For me, this project is a soul journey. It’s a time to heal, grow, and show up for myself in every way. Solo nomadic travel has many ups and downs, and I’m here for all of it. This tour challenges me professionally to expand my reach outside of Austin, TX in new cities and communities across the U.S.

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.
PROPOSED ALTERNATIVE QUESTION: Discuss your experience in being a female artist and business owner.

As a female artist and business owner, I’ve made it my mission to shatter preconceived notions about creativity and entrepreneurship. I believe resilience, independence, and authentic self-expression are the true keys to building a fulfilling and impactful career. My goal is to empower all artists to break through the barriers we face in the art industry, where our passion and creativity are often underestimated. For me, creative expression is not just a form of art—it’s a way of reclaiming our voice and power, and using it to influence the world around us.

Navigating the art world as a woman comes with its own set of challenges, but I see these as opportunities to redefine what success can look like. I’ve always aimed to challenge traditional norms and show that success is not about conforming, but about embracing your individuality and honoring your creative spirit. I want to remind all entrepreneurs and artists that your art and your voice matter, and nothing can stand in the way of true determination.

One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned is that the conventional definitions of success — external validation, financial wealth, societal recognition often fail to capture what truly matters. I’ve redefined success on my own terms, choosing to pursue an authentic sense of accomplishment that allows me to explore my creative vision without constraints.

This mindset has led to many remarkable opportunities. I’m honored to have been named “Best Muralist of Austin” for three consecutive years (2021-2023) and to have collaborated with global brands like American Express, Rolling Stone, Coca-Cola, Neiman Marcus, SXSW, Budweiser, Facebook, Fender, and MLB. These achievements are a testament to the power of staying true to my path and my values.

The life of an artist is never easy—it’s a lifelong journey of self-expression and unwavering dedication to your craft. There’s no single “right” way to do it; you have to carve your own path. My message to every artist and entrepreneur is simple: recognize your potential, embrace your power, and know that your contribution to the world is invaluable. We need your art, and we need you. Never give up on yourself.

Discuss your experience in being a female artist and business owner.

As a female artist and business owner, I’ve made it my mission to shatter preconceived notions about creativity and entrepreneurship. I believe resilience, independence, and authentic self-expression are the true keys to building a fulfilling and impactful career. My goal is to empower all artists to break through the barriers we face in the art industry, where our passion and creativity are often underestimated. For me, creative expression is not just a form of art—it’s a way of reclaiming our voice and power, and using it to influence the world around us.

Navigating the art world as a woman comes with its own set of challenges, but I see these as opportunities to redefine what success can look like. I’ve always aimed to challenge traditional norms and show that success is not about conforming, but about embracing your individuality and honoring your creative spirit. I want to remind all entrepreneurs and artists that your art and your voice matter, and nothing can stand in the way of true determination.

One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned is that the conventional definitions of success — external validation, financial wealth, societal recognition often fail to capture what truly matters. I’ve redefined success on my own terms, choosing to pursue an authentic sense of accomplishment that allows me to explore my creative vision without constraints.

This mindset has led to many remarkable opportunities. I’m honored to have been named “Best Muralist of Austin” for three consecutive years (2021-2023) and to have collaborated with global brands like American Express, Rolling Stone, Coca-Cola, Neiman Marcus, SXSW, Budweiser, Facebook, Fender, and MLB. These achievements are a testament to the power of staying true to my path and my values.

The life of an artist is never easy—it’s a lifelong journey of self-expression and unwavering dedication to your craft. There’s no single “right” way to do it; you have to carve your own path. My message to every artist and entrepreneur is simple: recognize your potential, embrace your power, and know that your contribution to the world is invaluable. We need your art, and we need you. Never give up on yourself.

Website: https://ihavepinkhair.com/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/zuzubee

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/love.zuzuart/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNqHeGYeilt3RZQV0Gp_LWvNYJVVOXiZK 

Image Credits
Photos by: Zuzu, Naedaze, Viktor Cepeda, Good Dad Studios