MB: Tell me about yourself.
HA: My name is Heidi Grace Acuña (they/she), and I create to live. I am a multidisciplinary artist, fashion designer, costume designer, graphic designer, and stylist. In other words, I create with whatever I can get my hands on. I was raised on O'ahu by immigrant Filipino-Ilokano parents, and am now based in Seattle, WA.
MB: When did your artist journey begin?
HA: I have been creating since I was a child. I can vividly remember drawing cartoon characters in the back of my dad's office.
MB: What compelled you to teach art?
HA: I began teaching art because art is about connection. I believe everyone can make art and if I can teach some techniques on some of my art making practices, then I can help at least one person share their story with the world, or I can help at least one person find another way to express themselves.
MB: What demographic do you teach for?
HA: I have taught middle schoolers through The Feels Foundation's afterschool art program Art Together. I have taught teens through Gage Academy's Teen Art Studio program, and at the Bellevue Arts Museum for their annual Teen Takeover night. I have also taught upcycling techniques to Tacoma Sunday Market patrons as part of their ReWerkshop event.
MB: What is your favorite type of art to watch other people learn?
HA: I love seeing people learn screen printing. It can seem like a daunting thing, but once people learn how to screenprint they see how simple and fun it is!
MB: Do you have any tips for young artists getting into the creative space?
HA: My tips for young artists getting into creative space would be to take note of what makes you feel, and what is something that you would take some (or a good amount of) time to say or express. I also think that music is a necessity for me to create because I will get lost in my project.
MB: What are two things you’ve learned about the business of art that helped you succeed so far?
HA: One thing I learned is to promote yourself. Be confident and believe in yourself. Second, I learned to be open to new opportunities and connections because you'll never know where this creative journey will take you!
MB: What’s an art moment that sparked joy over the last few weeks?
HA: I have been creating costumes made mostly of secondhand denim jeans and workwear for an upcoming project I was hired on for, and it was filled with kilig (Tagalog word for excitement) to see the dancers serve their movement magic in them at rehearsal!
Thank you Heidi for your support in arts and your impact on our Seattle community.
