Today we’d like to introduce you to Caitlin (Zando) Garza
Hi Caitlin (Zando), we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
The first wall I ever painted was my bedroom wall when I was fifteen years old. I had absolutely no idea what I was doing, but I loved it. (It’s the photo with the painted blue whale with the buck teeth ha) Around that time I didn’t even know what a muralist was, or that it was a profession. So I just moved on with my life. I spent so many years working in the retail field but never felt fulfilled. It wasn’t until I graduated from college and moved to San Antonio, and I knew I wanted to do something that brought me joy and I eventually realized I found that in painting. I decided to look up “wall painters”, and I found out about muralists. I was filled with so much excitement and inspiration that right then and there I just did it. I contacted my first client and that’s how it all started. Eventually I left my previous job so I could give 100% of myself to this, and I am so happy that I stepped out of my comfort zone to get to where I am today.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It certainly hasn’t been a smooth road getting to where I am now. What definitely set me back was how the world views artists and how this field can be seen by the public. For so long I let that consume me and make me feel that this wasn’t something I could do for my career. Eventually, the more work I put into this the more I realized it didn’t matter what anyone else thought. I am going into a field that makes me happy, and that’s all that really matters. Seeing how happy my work has made my clients has done so much to replace those negative thoughts with positive ones and continues to push me forward.
We’ve been impressed with moncheribleu, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
It is disheartening to see modern square architecture everywhere completely devoid of personality. I want to create inviting, colorful places that bring joy to the individuals that we share these spaces with, both consumer and business. moncheribleu is a business that specializes in murals, however I am an artist through and through. It makes me sad to see the waste that we as a people create, and I think that the world could and should be a much more beautiful place. I fight this by giving items, materials and canvases a second life through the characters I create. I can see the potential that lies in every cardboard box, can and paper that we refuse to recycle. I pursue that greener world in every piece, in the hope that one day it will be the world that we live in.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I have a great appreciation for my mentor, Burgundy Woods from SASAI. She is someone I can go to if I need some advice and she helped me reach a better understanding on how to start my business. My husband and my close friends are a constant support to me, and being surrounded by their encouragement makes the stressful days much easier. Social media is also a great source for improving your skills. There are so many great artists who are willing to share and assist you in growing your own abilities.
Pricing:
- Starting price for murals are 13$ per sq foot
- Starting price for window murals are 7$ per square foot
Contact Info:
- Website: https://moncheribleu.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moncheribleu/
