We recently connected with Sunday Avanti and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Sunday , thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
My work ethic is deeply rooted in the incredible example set by my mother, who is my ultimate hero. Witnessing her unwavering dedication and tireless efforts in her daily pursuits has been a constant source of inspiration for me. She possesses a unique blend of creativity, passion, humor, and a touch of playfulness that makes her not just a hard worker but a well-rounded individual.
From as far back as I can remember, my mom has been a hustler, consistently turning challenges into opportunities. She has a knack for making the most out of limited resources. I have seen her squeeze 102 pennies from a single dollar on multiple occasions.
Her presence in every aspect of my life has been a constant. Whether it was driving me to weekend rehearsals, attending every girls’ scout meeting, or sacrificing her own needs to ensure I had the tools for a project, her selflessness and dedication have left an indelible mark on me.
Through her example, I’ve not only imbibed a strong work ethic but also learned the values of resilience and selflessness. Her teachings have equipped me with the ability to bounce back from setbacks and face challenges with a determined spirit. In essence, my work ethic is a reflection of the invaluable lessons and qualities instilled in me by my incredible mother. I love her so much.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Hey everyone! I’m Sunday Avanti. My pronouns are they/them, and Atlanta is my home. I wear multiple hats as an artist, librarian, archivist, and proud dog mom. My artistic focus revolves around figurative illustration, with a particular emphasis on portraiture storytelling. My work often captures the essence of everyday activities—like tending to the garden, sharing meals with friends, or simply reflecting at home. What sets my work apart is the intentional incorporation of my experiences as a Black queer person from the South, infusing elements of my home such as plants, books, and the delightful chaos of life.
Throughout my creative journey, I’ve explored various forms of self-expression. I started making picture books in second grade. I did open mics all through high school and I was a dancer into my early twenties. I’ve embraced a diverse range of creative outlets. This diversity has shaped me into a well-rounded and open-minded artist. However, my heart consistently pulls me back to art, especially drawing and painting. My recurring themes include painting my friends, family and loved ones and beauty in the mundane. Through my art, I aim to convey the existence, togetherness and love we share. It is important to me to create work that shows that at the end of the day we existed together and that we loved each other.
Alongside my work, I’m working on a self-directed project called the Butter Pecan Archive. I named it in honor of my grandmother. It is an homage to her favorite ice cream flavor. This project involves cataloging and archiving her papers—a poignant and fulfilling experience, albeit one with its challenges. Simultaneously, I’ve embarked on a new venture with a YouTube channel, where I share long-format videos delving into my artistic journey and experiences. This multimedia aspect adds a dynamic layer to my creative legacy, despite the considerable effort involved. In the end, it’s a joyful and rewarding undertaking.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
I have been working for myself since 2018 and three key pillars that have significantly influenced my journey are resilience, time management, and self-care. I believe these are attributes not only for those starting their professional journey but also for those further along, as continuous development and adaptability are essential in our ever-changing landscape.
Early on, I grappled with the crucial lesson of resilience. Accepting failure and facing rejection are daunting challenges, yet they are integral parts of any career. Acknowledging this reality is essential, as it opens doors to numerous opportunities and relationships that might be missed if one gives to that discouragement. To quote Nelson Mandela, “Do not judge me by my success, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.”
As a freelancer, the temptation to work exclusively when projects are in abundance is ever-present. However, I’ve learned to treat contracts and projects with the same dedication as any traditional job. Establishing a well-defined plan, adhering to deadlines, and incorporating flexibility for unforeseen circumstances. During slower periods, I give myself time to devote to personal projects, content creation, and shop updates.
At the same time, maintaining a healthy work-life balance has become a cornerstone of my professional philosophy. Establishing clear boundaries around time and energy is crucial. While it might be tempting to work 10, 12, or 15 hour days without the constraints of a traditional office setting, I’ve learned through experience to prioritize self-care. CLOCK OUT! Say yes to game night with your friends. Go out to dinner with your sweetie on a Tuesday. Close the laptop and open that book that’s been sitting on your bedside for the last six months. Taking breaks, having experiences, and nurturing those personal connections are integral to preserving your well-being and productivity in the long run.
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
I am currently struggling with challenges related to consistency and, to some extent, time management. My creative process lacks the desired structure, manifesting as a recurring cycle of immersing myself in projects, becoming consumed until their completion, and inevitably facing burnout. It’s a pattern I’m determined to break.
Recognizing that this approach is not conducive to my well-being and artistic growth, I am actively working towards fostering a more disciplined creative process. One of my primary goals for the upcoming year is to establish a structured routine, encompassing setting a schedule, planning projects, and cultivating the habit of maintaining an (almost) daily planner. Crucially, I am committed to showing up on days when motivation may be lacking.
By incorporating these changes and prioritizing self-care, my aim is to achieve greater consistency in my creative practice. I believe that the introduction of discipline and a more organized approach will not only enhance the quality of my work but also contribute to a more sustainable and fulfilling creative practice.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sundayinbloom.com
- Instagram: https://www.instgram.com/sundayinbloom
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sundayinbloom
Image Credits
All photos were taken by me. <3
