Local Artist Blossoms into a Booming Business

As the holidays slow down and we prepare for the new year, there is no better way to celebrate and preserve the memories with our family and friends than through timeless photographs and art.

Local artist Krissy Fernandez of Junk & PO has been creating and capturing special moments almost her entire life, but now she has taken her passion to a whole new level. Fernandez has transformed her hobbies into a full throttle business, catering to artistic outlets such as graphic design, photography, and painting.

This ambitious, driven, young artist has been gearing up for a busy year ahead filled with fun photoshoots, impressive art gallery shows, and creative magazine editorials. 

Whether you're looking to update family portraits, thinking about an engagement shoot, or need new headshots for your actors' portfolio, Krissy Fernandez of Junk & PO can produce just as your heart desires!

Check out a few examples of her work located above, and the fun interview with Krissy below:

1) If you could describe your art in three words, what words would you choose?

Fernandez: I would describe my paintings as "memories of melancholic sweetness." ...Oh. That's four words. Sorry, math was never my forte!  

2) What inspired you to pursue to path of art design, painting, and photography?

Fernandez: The need to create was always there. There was ever an instance when I declared to myself that this is what I wanted to pursue, in terms of career choices. Letting my imagination run wild and creating visual representations from it was something I've always embraced and loved doing. It was only natural to subconsciously follow what has been calling me my whole life. 

What inspires me to keep going, however, are the extremely creative, self-motivated people I meet and surround myself with. This ever-growing network is quite special, as it is the strongest source of energy for me to tap into when inspiration runs low. I simply love seeing my friends and family do their best – it certainly brings out the best in me!  

3) Is there a quote you live by?

Fernandez: Ok, this might be a little strange, but Newton's First Law of Motion definitely has some weight on me: "An object at rest stays at rest and an object in motion stays in motion with the same speed and in the same direction unless acted upon by an unbalanced force." It didn't resonate until I heard the quote sampled in a song by Aesop Rock (one of my favorite hip hop artists!) and it sparked some introspection on my productivity, creative or not. I enjoy staying productive I know as long as I keep pushing forward, I'll continue to grow as a person. I can't allow myself to fall into a state of dormancy; there is no valid reason to and life is just too short. Don't get me wrong, though. I do encounter a lazy day or two, and those days hurt!  

4) Of all the services you offer, what is your favorite?

Fernandez: This is tough, because I love all of them for different reasons. With my paintings, I get to share experiences and life lessons that are so personal, I can barely accurately put into words. Regardless of what my intentions were, I love that a painting can produce a narrative that someone else can relate to, which often initiates a conversation simply because of that. I've had life-long friendships start out this way! 

With photography, it's the opposite. It allows ME the chance to relate to someone else's life and capture the moments that truthfully represents them. This is why I love getting to know my clients before a shoot! Again, life-long friendships have started this way. :)

And last but not least – graphic design. The collaborative work that is put into a design is what engages me the most! There is a lot of problem-solving involved, whether it's a logo or a wedding invitation – and I love the process of exchanging ideas to produce a beautiful and effective design. 

5) What are you up to next?

Fernandez: I'm constantly looking for different outlets to share my work, so there will definitely be more art shows! I plan on starting a new series of paintings, of course while booking tons of photo sessions and graphic design gigs. I also hope to do more traveling and wine tasting this year, but it depends on how busy I get! 2012 will a fantastic year. 

6) You don't have your website up quite yet, where are the best sites to find your work and the best way to contact you?

Fernandez: While my official website is being worked on by the fabulous PandaKat Designs, I do have a blog where you can keep up with my weekly adventures and view my recent paintings, photography, rates, etc. junkandpo.wordpress.com.

Also, check out my Etsy shop for high-quality art prints of my paintings: junkandpo.etsy.com

Lastly, I LOVE getting emails – even if you just want to say hi! Please send them to krissy.fernandez@gmail.com. :)