About Me
My artist and online alias is Miranda Adria, but my real name is Cristina Maria Cruz. You can call me either Miranda or Cristina; whichever you prefer. I was born on August 22nd, 1983, which makes me half-Leo and half-Virgo (i.e. a Cusp). I am currently working as a professional digital artist, and I live in Strasburg, VA.
As of May 19th, 2013:
• My height is 5’6”.
• My shoe size is typically between 8.5 and 9.5 US.
• I have 12 matching ear piercings, and two lower lip side labrets (snakebites).
• My hair is black and cut into a mohawk/deathhawk.
“Miranda Adria” came about as a way to escape from the frustration of dealing with my real name. All my life, people have constantly either misspelled my first name or mispronounced my birth last name. So, I came up with my own name; one that I wouldn’t be ashamed to have my artwork produced under. Miranda is Latin for “one to be admired” and Adria is Latin for “from the dark river”. I figured those two sounded very nice together, so voila!
I first became interested in digital art through my brothers, who grew up in the age of arcades and the birth of home gaming consoles. Through them, I grew fascinated with the technology that made video games (and computer graphics in general) possible. Originally, I wanted to create video games, but when I was 14 or so, I learned how to use Photoshop. It was all uphill from that point forward. I absolutely loved what I could do with the program, and have been using it since version 3.0.
I currently work as a professional digital artist/graphic designer/film editor for a fellow artist at his studio, and also work as a freelance artist for my own artwork and projects. The genres of artwork that I specialize in are photomanipulation and mixed media, with a smaller concentration on digital painting.
My artwork has been printed in several worldwide magazines, news articles, and gallery pamphlets, along with being used for the covers of four novels by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes.
I’ve loved playing video games since I was a kid. I own a PS3, a Super Nintendo, and an Atari 2600 that my dad is safeguarding for me. Heh. Some of my favorite games are:
- Assassin’s Creed series
- Devil May Cry series
- The Darkness I & II
- Bayonetta
- Castlevania series
- Battlefield 3
- Grand Theft Auto series
My husband and I used to frequently play BF3 multi-player with our friends. We have since become separated and are living in separate locations.
I grew up surrounded by many different genres of music, so I am always open to anything new. I try to not limit my musical choices by genres or styles, even though I think it is important to keep music organized and categorized. Some of my favorite genres are:
• Gothic Rock/ Deathrock
• Industrial
• EBM
• Darkwave
• Synthpop
• Drum & Bass
• Happy Hardcore
• Indie Rock
• Electronica
But as I said, I listen to a wide variety of genres, including but not limited to: Hip Hop, Country, Alternative, various Metal styles, Pop, Adult Contemporary, Country, Classic Rock, Motown, Golden Oldies, Jazz, Blues, etc.
I consider myself Goth, which basically means I consider myself part of the Goth subculture. It has been a big part of my life since I was about 16-17 years old. I have studied the subculture in depth, both through personal experiences in the scene itself (events and clubs) as well as through documentorial literature. Many people often wonder what being Goth means, and it’s really a simple answer. Back in the late 1970s’, a piece of Punk rock started to shift from the angry, anti-establishment attitude to a more introspective, romantic view of the tragedies in the world. Bands that helped pioneer the movement, who were mostly made famous by the Batcave Club, are Bauhaus, Joy Division, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Alien Sex Fiend, and The Cure. Many people will swear to the heavens that Goth began with the viking clan of the same name which were most prevalent in the 2nd and 3rd centuries. This is simply not true. The word “Goth” has had many uses and definitions throughout history, but for the most part, they have absolutely no relation to each other. The Goth subculture brought in influences from Gothic literature and architecture, sure, but those two moments in history were not the start of the subculture.
For those who may not know me very well, you should be warned that I can be brutally honest. I do not sugarcoat things, and I do not lie. Dishonesty, in my eyes, is one of the absolute worst traits anyone could have. As I like to say, I would rather be told an ugly truth than a beautiful lie.
However, I still strive to be a good person. Typically, I am a very fun-loving, quirky, friendly, and nurturing person. I have my moments, of course, just like everyone else, but I still try my best to treat others as I would like to be treated. I am a very good listener and I can always keep a secret. Here are some more important facts about me:
• Christianity makes up the bulk of my beliefs, but I also take inspiration and spiritual guidance from Greek, Roman, Egyptian, and Wiccan beliefs.
• I am 100% pro-choice; no exceptions. I believe any reason to have an abortion is a valid reason.
• Dear MRAs (Men’s Rights Activists)… this blog is not a safe zone for you. Sorry that I’m not sorry.
• I strive to use genderless pronouns whenever possible.
• I do not, in any way, advocate or tolerate the use of the racist, sexist, transphobic, or ableist terms, either.
I think that is a pretty good introduction into the person that is me. If anyone is ever curious about anything, please feel free to message me! My Ask box is always open (even to anons).
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