Meet Tina Quiri | Designer & Illustrator

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

Hi Tina, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I think, in general being an artist means, you have to take risks. You never know what the outcome will be or what your future will look like.

After high school I went to nursing school, because it was safe and I figured I could make a decent living. But while doing that I always had this itch that could never be scratched. I was always a creative person and knew I needed to do something art related. So many years later I tried fashion design school, then graphic design school and have had so many random jobs in between. When I finally started exploring the things I truly wanted I haven’t been able to stop.

There is a line in Into the Spider-Verse where Miles asks Peter “How will I know I’m ready?” and Peter B Parker replies “You won’t. It’s a leap of faith” and I think you just have to go all in for things you believe in. Nothing is easy and most times people won’t even try things they want to because they are afraid of failing (I’ve felt that way A LOT).

Taking a chance on yourself is risky but I think if I didn’t take these risks and try so hard for the career I wanted that I wouldn’t be where I am today. I mean I just came back from my first Festival of the Arts at Epcot so things are looking up. I used to be so scared to pursue art but now that I have my only regret is I wish I took more risks sooner.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
So, this year was my first time being invited to Epcot International festival of the arts. I released my debut officially licensed print through Acme Archives for Star Wars Visions titled “The Twins”. It was such a wonderful experience to meet so many people who enjoyed my work. It was an awesome feeling to have people be excited about my work. It was just an amazing experience.

Figuring out what I wanted took a bit of time. I tried nursing school, fashion design then graphic design. I started out doing sketch cards at the beginning of my illustration journey which led to storyboarding and other cool things along with some voiceover work (I really love doing voiceover!)

My fiancé Joe and I attend conventions and do lots of freelance work. We’re a great team and I feel like I can take on anything with him by my side.

Being an artist is rough sometimes. Your style might not be what someone is looking for. But don’t let it discourage you from continuing to make art. There will always be someone out there who understands your art, and who will love it. Everyday I love what I do and wouldn’t trade it for anything.

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?
Absolutely! I wanna give a HUGE shoutout to my fiancé Joe Hogan! What an amazing human being. He’s always supported me on my journey to become a better illustrator, voiceover artist, partner, friend and an officially licensed Star Wars Artist! He’s helped me grow into a more confident person and is just one of the sweetest people I’ve ever met. I’ve never known love and support like this and am always grateful to have him in my life. Also all of the wonderful Star Wars artists. So thankful for them being so kind and welcoming to me.

Website: tinaquiri.com

Instagram: @tinaquiri

Facebook: @tinaquiri