Meet Sarian Mobolade

We were lucky to catch up with Sarian Mobolade recently and have shared our conversation below.

Sarian, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.

I look towards my friends to help keep my creative mind going. They always encourage me to keep drawing and designing, even if I feel my skills aren’t up to par. I love showing them new ideas and finished pieces. It reminds me I have a creative mind.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

My main focus had always been on character design for TV animation and games, but in the last few years I have branched out in product design. It’s always fascinating to see something I draw turn into a physical product. I am currently working on a bag line called HamSweets, as well as other cute and kawaii merchandise. I have also turned for designing for TV animation to working mostly on educational designs. It’s exciting to make art that will help young learns and be apart of their school journey. I wasn’t always the most” enthusiastic” student, but being able to proved resources to make learning fun for kids makes me happy!

And for my bags, I’ll be launching them this February!

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?

The qualities that have I’ve developed over the years is a logical mind, and open heart, and a listening ear. When it comes to design, anything can be used as inspiration: a story from your childhood, a friends favorite video game, or a funny dog you see on your walks. It’s important to be receptive of everything, and know how to pick out what best helps your process. That’s where the logic is. If you can ingest what is around you and make things that really speak to your heart and mind, I believe that’s the path to being a successful designer. Try everything, watch everything, go everywhere if you can. And don’t assume you can’t find what you need in the most local of places. Be curious and get lost.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

I come from a Nigerian family, and of most families like mine, I was expected to become a doctor or nurse or lawyer. My parents, though, did not hold me to those same strict standards. They could see where my heart was and supported me through my artistic journey. Having to convince them being an artist would support me financially was a bit of a leap, but ultimately they wanted me to be happy. They still have my back today and I don’t know how far I would have gotten without them. I’m blessed to have parents who believe in me, even when some days I don’t.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sarianmoboladeart.com/