Mya Legazpi is a 20-year-old artist from Arizona. In this interview, we will get a glimpse into her creative journey. Mya opens up about how being “odd” has shaped her art and given her a place to express her thoughts and emotions. She shares how watercolors have become her favorite medium, allowing her to bring her colorful world to life. Through her work, Mya focuses on capturing the beauty in everyday moments and emotions, hoping to inspire others along the way. She also talks about her challenges, like self-doubt and art theft, and how her passion for growth and experimentation has helped her overcome them.

I’m a 20-year-old artist living in Arizona. When you have always been the odd one out, you learn to accept it as you grow. I have learned that being weird has helped me make my art. I’ve found meaning, purpose, and a place to go when nothing else makes sense. I’ve been able to express my thoughts and feelings through many mediums, but watercolors have become my favorite. I enjoy the simple moments in life; they bring me happiness and make my world more colorful. Through art, I’ve brought my odd world to life and shared my vision with others.

1.   Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?

I don’t know how I ended up on this creative path, but it makes sense. It gives me meaning, purpose, and a place to go when nothing else makes sense. No matter how many hobbies have come and gone, art has never stopped being a part of my life. Through watercolors, I’ve shown my inner thoughts and brought more color to my world. I draw inspiration from my sister and Japanese media, such as anime and manga. Aside from being an artist, I am also a Judoka. In most recent years, I have been moved to show others that world. Judo has helped me find more peace as well as another community where I can be myself.

I draw inspiration from my sister and Japanese media, such as anime and manga.

Mya Legazpi

2.   What themes or messages do you hope to convey through your art?

I try to show the regular moments we may take for granted. I don’t have any particular themes that I focus on, but I try to convey real moments and emotions. Even if it’s a serious face, there’s always something more. I would say that a lot of the time, I make art as a way to express those subconscious feelings and weird ideas I have. It’s mostly for myself. If you, as a viewer, feel something from looking at my art, then my job has been done. Although I do hope whatever feeling you may get, they’re ones of motivation and inspiration.

3.   What challenges have you faced as an artist, and how did you overcome them?   

I’ve faced many challenges as an artist. Some of those challenges have been self-doubt, regret, and art theft. Dealing with crippling anxiety and fear made my growth hard, and I’ve dealt with regret because of that. I have also had my art stolen in the past, making me paranoid about sharing my work, but there was a point where I couldn’t take it anymore, and I had to keep learning. I wanted to improve, so I experimented, tried new mediums, and pushed myself. My desire to grow helped me deal with my setbacks.

4.  Can you describe a memorable experience or project that significantly impacted your career?

I think a project that significantly impacted me was my first watercolor painting of my sister. I felt so proud not just because of how far my skills have come but also because the moment I illustrated was unique, and I was able to share it with my family and many others. The moment I painted was confirmed; my sister didn’t know I took the photo, so her feelings in that moment were genuine. I think my art teachers also significantly impacted me. Their work inspired me, and I was even more motivated to get better and move forward.

I make art as a way to express those subconscious feelings and weird ideas I have.

Mya Legazpi

5.  How do you stay motivated and maintain momentum in your work?

I stay motivated by continuing to look at other artists’ work, especially those who have inspired me for years. I admire many Japanese and Korean artists! Another thing that helps me keep my momentum is continuous practice. It doesn’t have to be a whole piece, but even a few gestures can keep you in the groove.

6.  What advice would you give to women artists navigating the art world today? 

My advice would be to think outside the box. Seriously, be creative! Don’t let your ideas stay as ideas. I would also say not to let the work of others dictate your worth or how much you can grow; keep going and make your art. The more you experiment and practice, the faster you’ll find your voice/style!

Mya’s story shows us how art can be a personal escape and a way to connect with others. She keeps evolving as an artist by embracing her individuality and constantly pushing herself to try new things. Her work reflects her belief in finding beauty in everyday moments, and she hopes to inspire others to keep creating and growing, no matter the obstacles. Her advice for other women artists is simple: stay creative, don’t compare yourself, and keep practicing. To learn more about Mya, click the following links to visit her profile.

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