VoyageMIA Yoa Art Interview

"Today we’d like to introduce you to Yoa Ruiz.

Yoa, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was born in Puerto Rico and moved to Miami when I was nine years old. Miami’s multicultural vibe mixed in with my family roots from Puerto Rico and Cuba gave my art and style a rich sense of identity. I’ve been drawing and creating art as long as I can remember. Starting out with pencil and paper, over the years, it has evolved to large multimedia projects incorporating wood, blueprints and oil paint. I’ve been fortunate enough to showcase my art in shows and galleries as well as the Boca Raton Museum of Art, The Miami Herald, Art Business News, Luxe Magazine and Univision National TV Network among others. 

I am a proud graduate of Florida International University, where I learned how to paint and channel my creativity towards art. Along with studying fine art, I completed my degree in Communications and Advertising. This allowed me to diversify my skill set and learn about art direction, graphic design, marketing and branding as well as how to communicate creative ideas in various media platforms. Throughout my career, I have been able to do creative work for great companies like Ford, Domino’s Pizza, Florida International University and Miami Dade College among others. You can learn more about what we do at www.artsgraphics.net and www.yoacreative.com.

Above all, my family and my relationship with God are the main things that really motivate and inspire me. I have been blessed with a beautiful wife and three amazing kids that gave me my most important job titles, husband and father.

Has it been a smooth road?
I think every road we take in life is full of curves, bumps, and re-directions. But through those challenges is where we grow and learn. Working in art and creative projects are constant struggles because they deal with our innermost ideas and insecurities. Most creative projects I’ve ever worked on go through similar phases ranging from excitement at the beginning of the project, to frustration halfway through, and then finally victory and elation once completed. One of the hardest things for artists to deal with constantly is rejection. Over the years, you learn to develop a thick skin and take feedback as constructive criticism and try to take away the positive points. I learned early on that you will always have critics and haters and it’s impossible to please them all. Focus on pleasing God and being true to your gift and mission and the rest will fall into place.

We’d love to hear more about your art.
The creative nature of my work has allowed me to diversify what I do for business. As a result, I currently operate two different companies. The most fun and passionate one is my fine art gallery www.yoaart.com. I create original art and limited edition prints of my unique creations. I’ve been able to exhibit my art in really cool places and been able to meet amazing people along the way.

My other company is Arts Graphics & Printing www.artsgraphics.net where I provide creative services, printing, websites, promotional items, branding and design for businesses of all sizes. We have in business since 1986 and have been able to adapt and grow over the years to meet the needs of our customers. What sets us apart is the ability to connect and understand clients’ needs and provide creative solutions and personal service.

How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
Art and creative work is constantly changing. Once something becomes a trend, it challenges creative people to improve it. Technology has given unprecedented access to artists and their audience but nothing will ever replace a live environment where visitors can experience art."