Check Out Rachel Castaneda’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Castaneda. 

Hi Rachel, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I’m Rachel, an artist living in Apex, North Carolina. Although I always had a passion for art and took art classes in college, I didn’t consider it a viable career option for most of my life. Up until recently, it was more of a hobby for me. I went to school for teaching, a career I have absolutely loved. I taught elementary school for the last 12 years and always found a way to incorporate art into my job. I have two young children- a daughter and a son born in 2018 and 2020. Eventually, the difficulties with balancing my school and family life is what led me to take a step back from teaching. In October 2021 I started an art side business that focused mainly on hand lettering. I was still teaching at the time and used this as a way to make a little extra income and also as a creative outlet. My “little side business” really took off in the spring of 2022 when I started painting murals. I soon after decided it was time to resign from teaching and spend more time with my kids and growing my art business. Most of my work recently involves mural painting (my favorite thing to do!) as well as large chalkboards on-site at wedding venues. I also do restaurant menu boards/A-frame chalkboards. I recently illustrated my first children’s book which was a very exciting venture, as well! 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My biggest struggle in business so far would have to be overcoming self-doubt and working to build up my confidence as an artist. Although I have an art background (I took advanced classes in high school as well as classes in college) I am basically self-taught. When I see other artists out there- and compare myself to their work, I sometimes doubt myself. I think on some level most artists struggle with imposter syndrome a bit— but especially those of us who are figuring it out as we go. Every mural I paint and every chalkboard I complete helps me to build my confidence. I am realizing more every day that it is literally just chalk! Or just paint! It isn’t that deep. The more relaxed I am about a project, the better it comes out. I am learning to have faith in my abilities and take risks. I am also learning to abandon my perfectionist tendencies. When a person is hiring you to hand letter or hand paint a project- it is because they want it to be hand-lettered or hand-painted. It should not look like someone slapped a vinyl sticker on it. 

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I take on many types of art jobs, but murals are my favorite so far. I have painted ten murals in 2022— mostly in schools and workout studios. I love murals because I am able to create a piece of custom (and huge!) artwork that will live on the wall for, hopefully, many years to come. I create my murals to inspire and uplift people and I hope the bright vibrant colors and designs do just that. I really enjoy the process of collaborating with business owners on the design portion of the mural. I believe two heads are better than one – the creative ideas that come up from having a discussion about a design plan is pure magic! I love bringing these visions to life and even more so when I get to see their faces when a project is completed. 

What matters most to you? Why?
Taking pride in my work is important to me. I am hypercritical of my artwork and always want it to be the best it can be. I take time before every on-site project to prepare and make sure I am ready to go. I am a perfectionist when it comes to all art projects I do— this is something that is probably a strength as much as it is a weakness— but it means that if I need to stay up until the wee hours of morning fixing something, or even starting from scratch, that is what I will do. I will do whatever it takes to make sure the project is done and it is done well! 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.rachelwritesnc.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelwritesnc/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachelwritesnc/