Meet the Artist
Tess Ramirez of My Father’s Daughter DesignsQ&A
The Beginning
I started My Father’s Daughter at a time in my life when I felt very lost. I had been “career hopping” since college and was really trying to figure out who I was and what felt most fulfilling. Despite being raised by two art aficionados, I had waved off early suggestions of pursuing art professionally, rationalizing the decision by assuming I would never “make it” (even if it IS what felt most natural). I started my blog and Instagram account as a Live Journal of sorts—documenting my re-entry into studio art. One year, a LLC certificate, numerous mistakes and several triumphs later, I’m pleased to report that I wake up every day with passion and purpose. I'm very proud to be honoring my Dad’s memory, and the memories of my wonderful clients through artwork!
Art Inspo
1. My Dad, of course :)
2. Salvador Dali
3. Edward Hopper
Nantucket matchboxes
Must-Follow IG Inspo
1. @uprisenyc
2. @yolojournal
3. @creelandgow
Must-Read Art Books
1. Art & Fear: Observations On the Perils (and Rewards) of Art Making by David Bayles and Ted Orland
2. Do the F*cking Work, Lowbrow Advice for High Level Creativity by Jason Bacher, Brian Buirge and Jason Richburg
3. Show Your Work by Austin Kleon
When you get the artist equivalent of writer’s block…
Read!! Fiction!! A good (non-business-related) book always helps me reset.
New York matchboxes
The Tess Ramirez Guide to NYC
I might be slightly biased (my Mom has worked for the museum for 15 years), but hear me out! There is a perception that the museum—because of its subject matter—is a purely dark, somber experience. This simply isn’t true. Yes, the museum is a very emotional experience, but it also fills you with an overwhelming sense of gratitude, compassion, hope, and strength—sentiments I think we all can agree are needed right now. It's incredibly moving from start to finish, and leaves you contemplating what it truly means to be part of a community and country—and how to be resilient in times of darkness.
The best bar in the city! My Grandma lived next to The Carlyle for decades. She had a ritual of taking each grandchild to Bemelmans for their 21st birthday. It became such a special tradition for my family—and has extended well beyond 21st birthdays!
The Frick’s art collection is worth the visit alone, but the mansion itself (currently under renovation) is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful and peaceful places in the city. Sometimes I'll go just to sit in the courtyard and sketch. It's really meditative being there.
My friends and I have been packing elaborate picnics for Saturdays in the park since high school and it doesn't get old!
I never met a thrift store I didn’t love. Such great finds!
