Gina has had a passion for art ever since early childhood always wanting to be an artist; designing dance flyers, t-shirts for friends, murals for her high school and various art projects for small businesses. Gina took art classes in the summers at the California College of Art in Oakland, Ca. as a teen which fed her enthusiasm and drive for all aspects of art and design. Gina got her degree in Fashion Illustration from the fabulous Academy of Art University in beautiful San Francisco...which ultimately gave her the tools, confidence and courage to head east! New York City! Gina quickly started her career in fabulous New York City designing art for the world famous NY garment industry. There she found success at creating graphics for women's and children's clothing and textiles. She eventually incorporated Gina Rivas Design and offered her design and artistic skills to the Licensing Industry. Gina describes her vibrant unique style as a definite reflection of her diverse cultural background which consists of her mom's family "migrating" from New Orleans and holding on to their colorful creole culture. Gina's other half in Chicano...yes Mexican American...and very proud of it! Gina celebrates her cultures with everyone everyday through her art and design and often with a party! Gina's art is featured on numerous giftware, party-ware, home decor, fabric and paper products throughout the country and Canada with many new products coming to market in 2010. All designs are sketched by hand, and either painted or drawn digitally with a wacom tablet allowing freedom to alter them for various applications and needs. Gina...after living in Queens New York for 10 years made the move to the beautiful suburbs of West Orange, New Jersey with her husband Joe who continues to add unconditional support and encouragement for "this hobby" of hers. Gina is also the proud mom of two very active boys. Her oldest son Joseph is in 4th grade and is a budding artist as well as fantastic athlete. He is her jr. assistant at Gina's various art shows and face painting gigs. Her son Nicholas is in 2nd grade and is just now interested in developing his creative side. He loves to be in the art studio doing his own thing...which usually consists of creative action moves! Last but not least is Cisco, their german shepard, who is still a puppy but almost full grown so imagine that!