Reyna Noriega

Reyna Noriega is a visual artist, photographer, and writer who brings her love for diversity and creativity into everything she does. Beginning as a writer, she had a knack for weaving compelling stories at a young age, garnering the notice of her teachers, the Scholastic writing awards, and the audience of her ever growing love, entrepreneurship and lifestyle blog. She has written for YesJulz, Thought Catalogue, Cynical Magazine, and she published her first book, “Prose & Cons” in June of 2017.

She interned with the MoCA museum in North Miami where she furthered her photography career in 2010. Since then Her Photography has been published in various magazines, and she was a top finalist of the "Capture Coral Gables" Contest. In 2014 she began teaching Art and Graphic Design at a local high school where she sponsors the Yearbook and National Art Honor Society. Today, Reyna works as a freelance photographer, graphic designer and illustrator servicing local companies, brands, and clients. Reyna is an incredible light and she’s beyond talented. It’s been incredible to watch her grow and expand over the last year, and I’m so excited to introduce you all to her passion, joy, and inspiration.

I'd love it if you'd introduce yourself, what you do, and what you're working on.

I’m Reyna Noriega, a Miami based visual artist including photography, illustration, painting and graphic design, an author and devoted dog mom lol.

I am working on releasing a few new titles in 2019, more art and rewarding projects.

How did you get started?

I’ve always loved art but didn’t try for myself until my junior year of high school. I had the choice of piling on another AP class to my already taxing list of AP & International baccalaureate program or taking it easy in art and getting the cool free sketchbook lol. I chose the sketchbook and ended up having great teachers that challenged me more than I was expecting in that two year elective. I fell in love with it and wanted to further study art in college, got accepted into a visual arts program, but chickened out last minute. I studied psychology and it wasn’t until a high school art teacher position fell on my lap that I was re-introduced to this love, and this time stayed for good.

What inspired the work that you're doing?

I learned that I enjoyed creating more when I was saying something, a message that could benefit multitudes of people.

What is your biggest passion? Do you feel like you're living your passion and purpose?

My biggest passions are helping creatives find their voice, and creating for women and minorities that have projects that will change the world for the better and luckily through living my truth I am able to do both.

What is your joy blueprint? What lights you up, brings you joy, and makes you feel the most alive?

Working towards my big goals, being someone that makes my family proud and shows my friends whatever they believe is possible.

How do you live intentionally? Are there tools/resources/practices that you rely on to help you stay mindful and grounded?

Since writing everything down, over and over, it has led me to live more intentionally. Every time I have to rewrite something on my goal list that should’ve been taken care of I get a little upset and it pushes me back into gear.

What would your younger self think about what you're doing now?

She’s crying inside me bursting with joy so happy that the “dreams” and “wishes” that were only a whisper at one point, have become real. I’m living my childhoods dream in so many ways and that means everything to me.

Do you have a go-to mantra or affirmation?

Every morning at 10 am my reminder goes off. “What I desire is already mine, the universe is working it all out.” That helps me to approach each day with flow and without anxiety knowing that what’s meant for me is coming, I only need to continue moving in that direction.

What is your biggest dream?

The one that I am working on getting comfortable with. I want to write something, create something that positively influences the whole word but I have been afraid of that responsibility and what comes with that influence so in 2019 I’m challenging that mindset.

To learn more about Reyna and her work you can connect with her on Instagram @reynanoriega_ and you can check out her portfolio at reynanoriega.myportfolio.com and visit her at www.reynanoriega.co

Joy Corner is a new interview-style blog series brought to you by Seek The Joy Podcast. Our mission continues to be a desire to share your stories, truths, joys and inspiration in your words. We invite you to join our corner, and share your joys, passions, and moments of inspiration as we continue to seek the joy, together. Join this series here

Reyna Noriega - Artist, Photographer, Author