Behind the Pages of Finding Pixel Dust—The Interview
I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with book influencer @thebookaddict25 for an in-depth Q&A about Finding Pixel Dust. She asked thoughtful, challenging questions that gave me the chance to reflect on my journey—from early setbacks and moments of doubt to the lessons that shaped my approach to creativity and leadership. In this conversation, I share the experiences that inspired the book, the mentors who guided me, and the principles I believe are essential for building a meaningful creative career.
What inspired you to write Finding Pixel Dust?
I wanted to capture that “magical spark” that carried me through a 30-year creative career, from my beginnings in Panama to leading design direction at Disney. Over the years, people often asked me how I navigated pivots, setbacks, and reinvention. Writing this book was my way of passing on the lessons I’ve learned to the next generation of creatives.
How much of the book is drawn from your own life experiences?
Every section is rooted in my personal journey. From failing math classes to chasing theater dreams, from rejections to the joy of working at Disney, it’s all there. While the book includes professional advice, it’s filtered through my own lived experience.
You share about struggles like rejection and impostor syndrome—how did you personally overcome them?
In all honesty, it took persistence, humility, and reminding myself why I chose this path. I learned to reframe rejection as a learning tool and impostor syndrome as proof I was pushing into new territory. While it felt uncomfortable, it was just a temporary feeling that I eventually grew out of. The support of mentors and peers also kept me moving forward.
Can you tell us about a mentor who made a big difference in your creative journey?
One mentor at Disney showed me that leadership isn’t about a title but about lifting others up. His trust gave me the courage to step into leadership roles long before they were formal. That lesson has shaped everything I do.
Out of all the lessons in your book, which one do you think is most important for beginners?
“Make connections, not just contacts.” Relationships built on trust and generosity will carry you farther than any technical skill alone. Skills get you the first job, but relationships sustain a career.
What was the hardest part about writing such a personal book?
Reliving the tough chapters: loss, rejection, and moments of doubt wasn’t easy. But honesty mattered to me. I wanted readers to see the real struggles, not just the highlight reel, because that’s where the most valuable lessons live.
How do you stay creative during tough times or setbacks?
By going back to curiosity. I give myself permission to play, sketch, or explore something unrelated to deadlines. That shift often opens new doors and reminds me why I love creating in the first place.
The book ends with The Creative Spark Principles. Which principle do you personally live by the most?
Integrity. For me, it’s the foundation. You can have all the talent and opportunity in the world, but without integrity, your work won’t truly serve others or stand the test of time.
What advice would you give to young artists or designers trying to build a career today?
Stay adaptable. The tools will change, industries will shift, but your ability to learn, reinvent, and stay true to your creative voice will carry you forward. And don’t be afraid of detours, they often lead to unexpected opportunities.
And finally, what do you hope readers will take away after finishing Finding Pixel Dust?
That creativity is less about perfection and more about being persistent to your dreams. I hope readers feel encouraged to embrace their own journeys with all the pivots, failures, and sparks along the way, and to see their creative life as something meaningful, resilient, and worth sharing with the world.
