Kimberly Perez celebrates Halloween through her art all year long.

While admitting that people sometimes don’t understand why she creates Halloween-inspired work throughout the year, she said that it is her passion. And it has allowed the 33-year-old Riverside resident to make a career out of her art.

Perez described her work as “cute and spooky,” and has created the word “spooksieboo” as a way of describing it. This has, in fact, become her online identity. Her Facebook, Instagram and Twitter sites bear this name, as does her website and online shopping platforms, such as Etsy and Spoonflower.

“Throughout my career as an artist, I’ve found those who appreciate Halloween all year long,” she said. “They are my most loyal supporters. You don’t have to create art to please others. Instead, put your heart into your art and the right people will fall in love with it.”

She exhibits and sells work at such annual events as Midsummer Scream at the Long Beach Convention Center, Spook Show at the Halloween Club’s La Mirada superstore and WonderCon at the Anaheim Convention Center.

Perez also sets up as often as she can in the artist vendor parking lot at the downtown Riverside Artswalk, which takes place on the first Thursday of each month.

“The first place I got to expose my art in the Riverside community was at Artswalk,” Perez said. “Artswalk holds a special place in my heart. I didn’t know how much exposure I would get there. I got more than I could ever imagine. It was a pivotal moment and the beginning of my career as an artist.”

Perez said the atmosphere seemed like something she wanted to be part of and that reserving a spot was within her means.

“In my opinion, having the Artswalk is important and key to bringing a community together,” she said. “Without platforms such as this, local artists can’t share the magic they create with the community.”

Perez was born in the city of Orange, but raised in Corona. As a child, she was fascinated with animation, particularly from Disney.

“Watching animated films inspired me to start drawing,” she said.

She took all of the art classes available to her during high school, including an animation class. At the same time, she studied with a home-study course that offered training in cartooning and illustration. Perez has continued her education by taking courses at community colleges, such as Riverside City College.

She hopes to eventually illustrate a children’s book and create an animated series.

“I want to bring characters to life for entertainment,” she said. “There’s nothing more satisfying than seeing people smile at the sight of your art.”

Perez also hopes to inspire young artists to create in their own style.

“Becoming a full-time artist was not easy, but it’s possible,” she said. “Keep believing and just keep drawing. You will get far and achieve your career goals if you put in the work. Nothing is out of your reach.”

Information: www.spooksieboo.com.

Patrick Brien is executive director of the Riverside Arts Council.