Today we’d like to introduce you to Victoria Leigh Poplaski.
Hi Victoria Leigh, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Thank you so much for having me! I’m Victoria Leigh Poplaski, artist behind VLPOPART.
Like most artist stories, mine starts a bit chaotic. I’ve loved art for as long as I can remember and grew up surrounded by creatives in my extended family, with parents who always encouraged it.
At the same time, soccer was my whole world—my daily routine and my identity. The summer before my sophomore year of high school, I tore my ACL, which kicked off years of surgeries and injuries. I spent most of high school on crutches and eventually had to close the chapter on a future I thought would include playing in college. God clearly had other plans.
I’ve always had a hustler mindset. I lied about my age at 13 to get my first job at my town pool’s concession stand, and from there I was always working. I waitressed at a pizzeria for over five years through high school & into college. Freshly out of high school, I did what any 17 year old does & blindly chose a ‘realistic’ career path. I got my property & casualty licenses for insurance & took on a 9–5 job. As if I didn’t have enough on my plate, I also took on a job at Ulta Beauty as my creative escape . At that point, I was juggling three jobs at once while earning a college degree in business. I was driven, but definitely lost. Trying to figure things out while keeping myself afloat.
Looking back, my injuries in high school were when I really leaned into creating. I took every art class possible & finally gave my creativity room to breathe.
At the same time, makeup also became my artistic outlet. I always make the joke — same thing, different canvas.
Mid/end of 2019 I started freelancing in that field, trying to build my name. I had taken the leap, quit all 3 other jobs to go full steam at my goal of being a full time makeup artist. I got a taste of entrepreneurship, & something clicked.
Just a few short months later, the global COVID-19 pandemic hit. I found myself with no income, no assistance, and no Plan B.
That’s when I went back to what I knew best—it brought me a sense of calm I desperately needed.
I started painting. Just creating and posting without overthinking it. People responded. Requests began coming in for everything from canvases to jackets, purses, wallets, sneakers, you name it. I said yes to all of it. In October 2021, VLPOPART LLC was born, and I haven’t looked back since.
I’m deeply grateful to everyone who took a chance on me and gave me the opportunity to create. Their support has been instrumental in my journey, and I’m so thankful for each opportunity.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
In terms of obstacles, I’ve definitely faced my share. I mean, if you’re not hitting some bumps in the road as an entrepreneur, I’m not sure what kind of sorcery you’re working!
From juggling multiple jobs to adapting to sudden changes, what’s really kept me going is consistency. It’s all about showing up every day, even when self-doubt creeps in.. because I promise it will!
At the heart of it, I hope my journey shows that with passion and perseverance, you can build something meaningful and inspire others along the way. Embrace the challenges. Bet on yourself. You’ll be amazed by what you’re truly capable of.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My work is a blend of pop art & graffiti. I love using acrylics and paintbrushes for cleaner, more precise lines, paired with spray paint to create that imperfect, lived-in urban edge. I absolutely love the mix of the two & feel it represents me as a person & artist perfectly.
I specialize in pushing boundaries & making art that sparks conversation. It’s all about not playing it safe & being unapologetically bold. I want my pieces to do more than just fill space; I want them to bring energy & life to an environment. The more chaotic, racy, slightly offensive & bold, the better! To me, art is meant to be daring, disruptive & impactful — something to remember & be remembered for.
What sets me apart is that I bring more than just paint; I bring a vibe that transforms a room. And in today’s world, where everything’s seen through social media, I always keep that Instagram-worthy moment in mind. It’s all about creating pieces that stand out and get people talking.
My ideal clients are those who share a passion for pushing boundaries. They get that art is meant to be expressive & adventurous. They trust me to bring their vision to life in my own unique way, while making sure the piece truly reflects what matters to them. It’s that perfect blend of collaboration & creative freedom.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
If there’s one thing I’d leave you with from this interview, it’s to always bet on yourself. Invest in your own expression, & when doubt creeps in, push through & stay consistent. There’s only one you, & that’s your superpower for staying original.
We live in a world where imagination is more fluid & accessible than ever, & it’s not just about painting. It can be anything that helps you express yourself & connect with others, even if it’s just a hobby.
There’s something so fulfilling about finding a way to unplug from the digital world & let everything else slow down for a bit.
So just remember to embrace your creativity, no matter what form it takes, & let it fuel your growth in this crazy world.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.vlpopart.com
- Instagram: @vlpopartofficial
