Today we’d like to introduce you to Brit Parla.
Brit, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
For as long as I can remember, I have always walked down an artistic path. Whether it was dressing at a young age, cooking or drawing, I was always pushed in the direction of self-expression by my parents. It was only natural for me to want to pursue an artistic career, and that somehow led me to graphic design later in life.
I took all of the necessary classes in high school and attended college for graphic design as well. Since I’ve been doing work on the side as a freelance designer. Design is undoubtedly fulfilling and a career that I will continue to pursue. However, being in front of a computer for hours on end gets quite monotonous for me. Because of this, it’s always been extremely important for me to have non-digital outlets. The biggest one for me has always been drawing.
One night, my best friend and I were sitting in my kitchen drawing and talking, and she brought up the subject of fluid art or fluid painting. I had never heard of it, so she showed me some photos and videos and insisted that we learned. I was a little bit intimidated, but she insisted that she learn, and some months later, showed me the ropes. Obviously, I fell in love quickly, and the rest is history.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. As aforementioned, my best friend was the one who had opened my eyes to the world of fluid art. In the beginning, I faced a lot of guilt. I constantly felt guilty that I was taking away from something that she had worked so hard towards. I was vocal about this and talked to her about the way I was feeling. But she always steered me away from my fears. From the get-go, she was always persistent in encouraging me to move forward with what I was doing.
She said one thing that will always stick with me. She told me that if painting in this style made me as happy as it made her, then it didn’t matter. This spoke volumes to me and leads me to the piece of advice that I have for other women who are embarking on their journey: it won’t dim your shine if you support others. You will not lose ANYTHING by supporting your sisters who are also on their artistic journey. We, as women have to have each other’s backs above all else. We owe it to each other and need to work together to form the biggest support system possible.
Please tell us about Ethereal Loon.
I am a proud graphic designer and fluid painter. At this current moment, I am focusing on my paintings. Fluid painting is done by mixing acrylic paint with water and other chemicals. The object is to get each color to a different consistency. The next step is mixing the paints and then pouring them out onto the canvas, wood, jewelry or glass (you can paint on ANYTHING!) It gets really interesting. No two paintings will ever be exactly the same and no outcome of a painting can ever be fully predicted.
As a brand, I am most proud of the fact that I am a one-woman show. I think I have a slight advantage over most business owners because of this because I also design all of my own collateral. My website, business cards, photography, packaging – EVERYTHING is made and designed by me. It’s really empowering being completely in charge of the overall image of my brand.
Who have you been inspired by?
My number one inspiration, especially in this realm, is my mother. She went from working for other people at jobs she didn’t truly love, to running her own business completely on her own and living her creative truth every single day. It has been beyond inspiring to watch and has also shown me that if I put in the time, effort and energy, that I can have a similar outcome in life.
Obviously, my second inspiration is my best friend, Maggy Manzo, as mentioned before. I simply would not be where I’m at in my creative ventures without somebody as selfless and compassionate as she is. I learn something new from her every single day. We’ve got to help our sisters shine and she is a living and breathing embodiment of this rule.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.etsy.com/shop/EtherealLoon
- Phone: 224-406-3503
- Email: britparla@gmail.com
- Instagram: britparla
- Other: www.britparla.com
Image Credit:
Main photo: Aubrie Rodheim
Brit Parla
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