Meet Teri Galvez | Illustrator and Crafter

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

Hi Teri, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
When I was younger I really thought I was going to be a doctor, but there was this click when I discovered anime. Like, really discovered what anime was. The storytelling, the art style, the amazing characters all drew me in. “I want to draw like that” I thought, and started practicing. The more I practiced, the more I loved it. I started researching more about anime and manga, and in 6th grade knew that I wanted to pursue art. Over time, the specific career has changed from manga artist to Pixar animator to illustrator. It’s been quite the journey, and I still want to explore a lot of art fields and careers, but overall have landed on being an artist. It’s what I love.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As I’ve mentioned, I mainly focus on illustrations based on anime, video games, and other popular pop media. I’m really excited about how much I’m improving and learning, and hoping to bring a whole new level to my work with each day I get to work on it. I got where I am today with a lot of trial and error, and truthfully I’m still on a very bumpy hill of trying to figure things out. It’s not easy trying to discover your style, and I think I’m still on the path to truly finding it, but man is it way better than when I started. When it comes to art, you stumble a lot, and I’m a natural klutz. You get discouraged when it takes longer than usual to get an idea onto paper, but pushing on through is really the only way to get there and it’s so satisfying when you do. It’s cheesy advice that’s been given time and time again, but there’s this great quote that goes like “artists don’t have talent, just the drive to create”, and I think that fits my story very well.

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?
If you’re visiting Denver, there’s always plenty to do. For places to eat, I’d recommend our public marketplaces like Dairy Block, Stanley Marketplace, and Edgewater Public Market since they have amazing food court style options but more locally selected eateries in them. For drinks, I’d check out Howl at the Moon or Oskar Blues for some entertainment and good atmosphere, but we’re also a big brewery town so there are tons of options that are worth checking out. If you don’t drink, Sherry’s Soda Shop in Five Points is a great place for aesthetics as well as sodas and ice cream. We have a Meow Wolf that I highly recommend everyone check out as a full day trip since there’s a lot of mystery to explore and solve in there, as well as a great cafeteria when you need a break. Chill out at Cherry Creek Reservoir, Sloan’s Lake, or Wash Park when the weather’s nice for a stroll or picnic. I could go on, but I don’t know if you have the time.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are a couple people I want to dedicate my shoutout to, first being my parents. It’s a common joke that Asian parents always strive for their kids to take up top professions, such as doctors and lawyers, and my parents were no exception. So imagine having a kid who said they passionately wanted to be a doctor and then changing their mind to artist. Quite a shock, but I’m incredibly lucky that my parents are super supportive and were totally onboard with my passion. My mom would research a lot of different art roles, salaries, and opportunities so that I could grow, and I’m always very grateful that she never pushed my dreams away.

The second person is my high school art teacher, Terese Lefavor. She’s truly one of the best teachers I’ve ever had the pleasure of having. Ms. Lefavor provided a safe space to grow and ask questions. Having gone to school during a time where anime still wasn’t really cool or widely accepted, it was really important to me that my teacher didn’t shut me down for drawing in this style, and encouraged me with whatever resources she could give. I continued to see her even during my college days, and I truly appreciate everything she did for me.

Many of my friends have also been a huge support system to me, but two have really stood out as they have not only encouraged me but assisted me at many of my events. Kachi and Taylor are some of the best people I know in regards to anything. Their kindness, patience, and encouragement has really helped me become confident in my work and has pushed me to keep elevating myself.

Last but not least, my best friend Sue-Ella. We met through a mutual friend who asked if I could sell some art at Sue-Ella’s table at a convention. If she didn’t agree, I don’t think I would’ve had the confidence or interest to sell in that capacity, but it opened up a whole new world for me. Sue-Ella and I became much closer over the years, and now try to sell at the same conventions whenever we can. She’s an inspiration in my life as she’s just transitioned into full-time artist after having taught graphic design for 8+ years. She’s one of my biggest supporters, and I’m grateful she pushes me to be a better artist all the time.

Website: www.teriyakitime.art

Instagram: www.instagram.com/teriyakiart

Twitter: www.twitter.com/itsTeriYakiTime

Facebook: www.facebook.com/itsTeriYakiTime