Meet Tania M González | Illustrator & Artist

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

Hi Tania M, how do you think about risk?
Risk is a very fun word because it’s levels change so abruptly from person to person and it’s variations can say so much about a person’s economic, political and moral values, that talking about risks with strangers is not something I’d recommend. Yet here we are.

I think it’s been easier for me to think that Ive taken risks in my life instead of my career. One affects the other, but in terms of decision making, that first leap, has always been a “putting life in front to take the bullet” move. Anyways, for me taking risks has been crucial in everything. I’ve traveled and exposed myself to new people, new opinions of my work; it’s opened and closed opportunities. It’s also given me confidence in asking for things like, “why wasn’t I invited to this event?” “Why are you showing only this type of art”? “Why are there no women here?” I love it.

At this point in my life I think I’ve gotten comfortable with the idea of taking risks that somehow “add” something to my life?, but Ive yet to become comfortable with letting go of “opportunities” I don’t really want. It’s a process.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I think my art has a little bit of everything I like and everyone I listen to. I’ve been drawing for a long time and I recognize that my family has been of great influence in the things I decide to read and learn about. I’m very thankful to have a net of people whom I admire and who like to share their life experiences and thoughts with me. That’s why I think that from a young age I knew what I wanted to do, and I imagined how I would get there. Not that my fantasy art journey was ever correct in it’s path, but there was something to go by at least.

Along with art dreams followed the money struggles so I got into graphic design as a means to pay the bills. At some point graphic design turned into UI UX, and that came with some pretty neat opportunities that lead to some of the most important life lessons I’ve learned so far, and also, some of the shittiest times I’ve been through. The lesson was (at least the one I remember right now) to ask away because no one knows shit, and be loud when you do it. Fast forward to a few years of me pretending to know what I’m doing and requesting art residencies and writing proposals, and sometimes, even getting some of those.

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?
Luquillo! I love it and I know exactly how the itinerary goes because I’ve done this a million times. First we’d go to the beach, have breakfast at home to save on some cash, maybe get some extra coffee at the bakery just outside the town. If were feeling adventury we can always go to El Yunque and take a dip in the river or go on a hike. And when hunger strikes, we can get some nachos and drinks at Lolitas in Fajardo, or visit the food trucks for some well deserved fried cheese.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Yes! Shout out to my family who has supported my decisions, even when they though they were not the smartest choices or when they were afraid for me. Los amo. I don’t pray but I know for a fact my mother has some witchcrafty skills and her prayers have saved me from a lot. And my sister who listens to my rants and holds me together when I start to fall apart.

Also my friends at the Les Insu colective. They are an amazing group of people I admire and hope to keep working with for many many years.

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