Today, we’d like to introduce you to Gabrielle LaFalam.
Hi Gabrielle, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I studied industrial design at MassArt in Boston, where I went on to design products professionally in industries such as juvenile, footwear, and consumer electronics. After many years of enduring corporate burnout, office politics, and broken design processes, I began to question my choice of career. I created Nebulous Planet (a one-woman design studio based out of SLC, UT) in 2020 as an outlet for my creativity and a safe space for the strange. For those similar to me who felt like they were never seen or valued in their 9-5s, for the ones who felt like they needed to wear a mask. The nebulous planet represents a fight for the soul, for autonomy.
I wanted to resurrect my passion for illustration and self-expression, this time producing work for me and not some corporation. I’ve been humbled by the last four years that have been filled with new friendships and lots of growth. I’ve started selling prints and original paintings at art markets, painting murals, joining community events and participating in gallery exhibitions. I look forward to continuing to build up my creative community, share my skills/knowledge and empower other creatives – especially women – to pursue their dreams.
We all face challenges, but would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Ahh. So many ups and downs! The biggest hurdle I had to overcome was mental.
I knew I had more to offer than just executing someone else’s design brief, but I still subconsciously believed my neurodivergence was a weakness, that my dreams of creative autonomy were out of reach. I had to start believing, I mean really believing, in my potential and my perspective as an artist and as a woman. I had to be my own biggest fan. I had to be impossible to dissuade. I promised to consistently show up, no matter how hard things were. No matter how slow progress would feel.
Investing my energy into a passion project while working 9-5 is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. Managing my time and energy levels outside of work, developing a consistent creative practice and wrestling with the ebbs and flows of self doubt have all been things I’ve had face. And will continue to work on as long as I am a practing artist.
Learning to cut through the mental clutter, prioritze projects and break them down into digestible parts has been huge. One challenge with building an autonomous creative practice is there is no structure to follow, no rule book, no assignments. I’ve have to learn all the tangential skills required for running a business and social media marketing, while making time for play and expression at my own accord. But it has also been the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My work is for the art makers, the rule breakers, the 4 am after party crew and those who appreciate disruption. Inspired by the underground, I create visual art and apparel for the rebellious soul.
I specialize in larger-than-life, character-based illustration that aims to mystify and empower. I am known for my dark yet approachable style that challenges the status quo and celebrates the divine feminine.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
The first book I read that got me out of my creative funk and inspired my to pursue my dreams seriously was ” You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness…” By Jen Sincero.
When I was starting out, my own critical internal voice was the biggest obstacle (and sometimes still is!). Developing a mindfulness routine to help ease the chatter has really helped me. I recommend continuing to practice your skills and push through the discomfort. A lot of my favorite pieces had a rocky start, materializing from a sketch I wasn’t happy with at first.
Be nice to yourself. Trust in your magic. And never, EVER give up on your dreams.
Contact Info:
- Website: nebulousplanet.com
- Instagram: @nebulous_planet
Image Credits
BCC Flea Market at Brighton Resort and Nurture the Creative Mind
