Today we’d like to introduce you to Cristle Sims.
Hi Cristle, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I began creatively expressing my dreams and visions artistically at the tender age of eight. I was born in Memphis, Tennessee, in the Orange Mound community, and raised in Los Angeles County, California. Growing up in a creative environment and in creative schools, I was involved in competitive cheer, dance, choir, and theatre. At age nine, I became a youth member of an A.M.E. Church, where I developed my love of singing, music, and leadership. I entered and won numerous talent shows and even had the opportunity to sing at an NAACP awards event at the age of ten.
Later in adulthood, I continued to develop my skills and passions as an all-around creative and visual artist, visual designer, singer, and model. My creativity was fueled by growing up in an unorthodox and unique environment, filled with both highs and lows. Growing up in the ’90s and early 2000s truly shaped my artistic eye and personal sense of style. I’ve always been drawn to color, nature, travel, and philosophical studies.
I am currently a Communications and Interior Design Manager professionally. I am also a visual artist and vocalist. I have had work displayed at local galleries, prominent universities such as Penn State, and major retailers like Whole Foods Market. I continue to create music from time to time. Through my work, I hope to delight and remind others that within all of us exists infinite imagination and vibrant inspiration. It is always okay to express yourself and be as creative as you wish, as long as you love what you create.
I am inspired to create by living authentically through life’s experiences and adventures, while keeping a youthful, childlike curiosity at heart. My artist nickname was inspired by my favorite color, violet, which represents one of the most creative auras one can embody. I believe every woman is a queen in her own right. Early in my career as a visual artist, one of my main focuses was to inspire Black women and women of color—to allow them to marvel at and see themselves within my creations. I was drawn to illustrate this and reflect it in my artist name, which began as Ultra Violet Queen Art and later evolved into Ultraviolet, also known as Ultraviolet Aesthetics.
I work with acrylic paint, markers, watercolor, digital media, and various mixed-media forms. I also create textile designs and custom-designed clothing. I am a full-time professional visual/interior design leader, and I am always open to creating and designing custom art and spaces independently as well.
Current location: Memphis, Tennessee.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My creative journey has definitely had its ebbs and flows. Most of the challenges I’ve faced were internal rather than external, rooted in self-doubt, personal growth, and learning to hold myself accountable. I’ve learned that the more I focus, get out of my own way, collaborate and co-create, and pour positive energy and dedicated time into what I love, the more opportunities naturally open up.
Being raised by my grandfather shaped me in a profound way. Both my mother and father struggled with addiction for many years, and as a child I often longed for a traditional upbringing with them. Despite that, my grandfather was-and still is-an incredible influence. He raised me the best way he could and always encouraged my creativity and dreams.
At fifteen, I returned to Memphis and met my father for the first time, which was both healing and emotionally heavy. As our relationship grew, I realized many of my artistic gifts came from him. My dad could sing, rap, write, and illustrate extremely well. Although I experienced some very challenging moments growing up, those experiences ultimately fueled me. Instead of breaking me, they inspired me to keep moving forward, keep creating, and continue pursuing my dreams. I am now a mother to two healthy and amazing boys. My oldest son can sing and draw. My mother transitioned in 2018 as she lost her battle to addiction, I continue to honor her and live my life in a way to make her proud of me and her grandsons.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Artist: I Work with Acrylic paint, markers, watercolor, digital software, and other various mixed media from time.
Designer: I am a full time professional visual/interior design manager for a global brand.
I interior design spaces contractually & independently, create custom art, and assist with space planning & organization.
Music: I sing and create music, have experience in modeling in commercials, runway shows, and print.
I’m proud of the work that I’ve done that has been featured in art galleries, on TV, published, and the work I’ve sold where proceeds went towards a program I support and am inspired by. I’m also proud of the work I’ve done that involved collaborating with others to create something that is innovative and Community driven.
I’m proud of my first song I created an uploaded on all streaming platforms last year by the name of “ Pineapple Mimosas”
My college background is art, interior design & business.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I believe connection is key. Communicating, meeting & networking plays a pivotal part in both mentorship & community building. Attending artist events, signing and being a a vendor or part of artist/creative events. Posting my work & Connecting through the social media algorithms. Greeting and reaching out to artists/people I admire typically works as a way for me to get closer to like minded.
Collaborating with other creatives has been another way that I’ve formed organic friendships and mentors.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://music.apple.com/us/album/pineapple-mimosas/1762290691
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ultravioletj and https://www.instagram.com/uvqueenart
