MAKING MAGIC

This mom turns ordinary photos of her children into works of art

- MELON RADEBE

THE pictures look like they’ve been plucked from the pages of a fantasy story – magical creatures such as fairies, mermaids, goblins and witches all embarking on fun-filled adventures in faraway lands. But these pics aren’t from a children’s book – they’re the handiwork of digital artist Vanessa Rivera.

And who does she have to thank for her thriving career? One of her kids and an unwillingness to part with money to pay for professional pictures of him as a newborn.

Vanessa (32) started snapping her own photos using her cellphone and DIY props and taught herself how to edit the shots using Photoshop.

Over time she became so adept she started a digital art business that’s attracted big-name brands and is successful enough to sustain her family.

She even convinced her husband, Anthony (34), to quit his job and they now make around $100 000 (R1,9 million) a year from their online company, The Life of AIVAX. 

The couple’s four children – Adyline (11), Xander (7), Indie (5) and Vienna (1) – also contribute to the family business. Her photo of a mermaid inspired by the city of Vienna was even used as Photoshop’s 2020 splash cover – the image that appears when you open the program.

“The younger ones will say things and I’ll draw inspiration from that or just from things they do every day,” Vanessa tells YOU via video call from the family home in Michigan in the US.