Today we’d like to introduce you to Breanna Mercado.
Hi Breanna, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve always been a creative person, but for a long time art was something I kept on the sidelines. I pursued a career in leadership and management while creating whenever I could, but I eventually realized that making art wasn’t just a hobby—it was how I processed the world and connected with others.
My work began as a deeply personal exploration of identity, belonging, mental health, and self-perception. As a queer, multicultural woman, I’ve often found myself navigating spaces where I didn’t fully feel seen or understood, and painting became a way to explore those experiences and give language to emotions that were difficult to express.
Over the years, my practice has evolved from simply creating for myself to creating spaces and experiences for others. Alongside my personal artwork, I founded Creative Dreamers Network, a community-centered organization dedicated to supporting artists and creating opportunities for connection through exhibitions, events, and collaborative projects.
Today, I’m a multidisciplinary artist, curator, and community builder whose work centers on the human experience. Whether I’m creating a painting, curating an exhibition, or organizing an immersive event, my goal remains the same: to help people feel seen, invite reflection, and remind others that they belong.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like many artists, I’ve struggled with self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and the pressure to define success in a traditional way. There were periods when I questioned whether my work mattered or if there was truly a place for my voice in the art world.
Balancing a full-time career while building an art practice and creative community has also required a lot of sacrifice and resilience. I’ve had to learn how to navigate burnout, financial uncertainty, and the emotional vulnerability that comes with creating work rooted in personal experiences.
I also know what it’s like to feel like an outsider. My experiences as a queer woman and someone with a multicultural identity have deeply informed my work. Those moments of not feeling like I fit neatly into one box have become some of my greatest sources of inspiration.
Looking back, I realize that the challenges were necessary. They taught me to trust my voice, embrace vulnerability, and create work that is honest rather than perfect.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a multidisciplinary artist whose work explores identity, belonging, self-perception, mental health, and queer experiences. I work primarily in painting and mixed media, often combining expressive color, figurative elements, and symbolism to create pieces that invite introspection and emotional connection.
I’m known for creating art that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable. My work often asks questions rather than provides answers, allowing viewers to bring their own experiences into the conversation.
Beyond my individual practice, I’m also passionate about building community. Through Creative Dreamers Network, I create opportunities for artists and audiences to connect through exhibitions, immersive events, and collaborative projects.
What I’m most proud of is creating spaces where people feel safe to be vulnerable and seen. Whether someone connects with one of my paintings or participates in one of our community events, knowing that my work can spark reflection, healing, or a sense of belonging is incredibly meaningful to me.
What sets me apart is that I don’t see art as something that hangs only on a wall. I see it as an experience and a catalyst for conversation. My practice exists at the intersection of art, storytelling, and community-building, and I’m constantly looking for ways to create deeper human connection through creativity.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Many people know me through my artwork and community initiatives, but what they may not realize is that I didn’t always see myself as an artist. For years, I struggled to claim that title and often felt like I had to earn the right to call myself one.
Another surprising fact is that I love creating experiences just as much as I love creating paintings. Some of my favorite projects are immersive installations and community-centered events because they allow art to become something people can step into, participate in, and remember long after they leave.
At my core, I’m deeply interested in the human experience and understanding how people connect with themselves and one another. Art just happens to be the language I use to explore those questions.
Pricing:
- Original paintings: Pricing varies based on size, medium, and collection.
- Commissions: Custom paintings are available and begin at approximately $0.85 per square inch.
- Community collaborations, speaking engagements, and exhibition opportunities are available upon inquiry.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.breemercadoart.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bree.mercado/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@breannamercadoart
