Bianca Lago
Year Graduated: 
2017
Freelance Artist
Self

Job description

I have my own LLC as a freelance artist working in San Francisco. My work is currently mostly commission based with a focus on portraiture. I also paint murals and have an online store where I sell my originals on printed on various merchandise. When I am not making artwork I am doing community work. I sit on the board for the Northern California Women's Caucus for Art and am the chair for the National Young Women's Caucus. I am forever grateful for the foundation that I received at Humboldt State University.

Why did you choose this program?

I choose Art with a focus on painting and sculpture because it is what I am most curious about. I believe that art is a tool for understanding the world, for healing, for communicating and for evoking change. I wanted to learn under some great artists so I could become a culture creator myself.

How did this program prepare you for your job?

This program gave me the tools and confidence to try things out for myself. Studying at HSU gave me the space to express myself more fully while also providing opportunity for professional development. I was able to learn how to be more self-sufficient and self-guided so that I could ultimately work for myself.

What did you enjoy most about the program?

I enjoyed the community the most. This is the aspect I also miss the most, as grueling as they can be at the end of the semester, critiques are what I most miss. It is difficult to come across groups after graduating that will take so much time to dissect and interpret the work you do. If you are reading this and are enrolled in, or thinking about enrolling in an HSU art class then I highly recommend taking advantage of the knowledge from your peers and instructors during critique.

What would you say to prospective students who are thinking about applying to this program?

I would say to take as many art classes as you can. My biggest regret during my undergrad was not signing up for more classes that I was curious about. I say try everything you can while you have access to all of the spaces and materials. There are weekend workshops that you can sign up for too that will help broaden your scope and can fit into your schedule here and there. HSU's art department is rich in support, you just have to be proactive in getting it, it truly is up to you to make the most out of your experience there and in life in general.

Other comments?

I highly recommend any major to take at least one art class at HSU.

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