Meet Araks Sargsyan

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Araks Sargsyan. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Araks, so glad you were able to set aside some time for us today. We’ve always admired not just your journey and success, but also the seemingly high levels of self-discipline that you seem to have mastered and so maybe we can start by chatting about how you developed it or where it comes from?

My self-discipline comes from a deep love and passion for art. The joy and fulfillment I experience when creating drive me to practice and refine my skills daily. Setting clear goals (like preparing for an exhibition) keeps me focused and disciplined. I’m inspired by other artists whose work I admire, which pushes me to continually improve.
I’ve developed a routine that includes dedicated art time almost every day. This habit helps me stay disciplined and ensures that I consistently work on my art, even when I don’t feel particularly inspired. I actively seek feedback from peers and mentors, which helps me grow and stay motivated. The desire to learn new techniques and improve my skills keeps me disciplined in my practice.
My commitment to personal and artistic growth is a significant source of my self-discipline. I strive to continually evolve and push the boundaries of my creativity, which requires consistent effort and dedication.

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?

I am a creature designer who moved overseas from Armenia to pursue my career in the industry. My work involves creating unique and imaginative creatures for various media, such as films, video games, and books. What excites me the most about my work is the ability to bring fantastical beings to life, blending elements of the natural world with pure imagination.

Currently, I am getting ready for a very interesting art show called “Carnival Fabulon,” which will take place in Portland, Oregon. The show is based on the book *Geek Love* by Katherine Dunn. It is going to be collaborative show with amazing fellow artists.

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?

Looking back on my journey as an artist, three qualities have been most impactful: creativity, perseverance, and adaptability.
1. Creativity: As an artist, having a vivid imagination and the ability to think outside the box is crucial. Creativity allows you to bring unique and compelling ideas to life, blending elements of reality and fantasy.
Advice: For those early in their journey, I recommend regularly practicing and exploring different styles and techniques. Sketch daily, study nature, and draw inspiration from various sources. Don’t be afraid to experiment and take creative risks.
2. Perseverance: Moving overseas from Armenia and breaking into the industry required a lot of determination and persistence. There were challenges along the way, but staying focused and continually working towards my goals was essential.
Advice: Keep pushing forward, even when things get tough. Set clear goals and break them down into manageable steps. Celebrate small victories along the way to stay motivated. Remember that every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow.
3. Adaptability: The ability to adapt to new environments, styles, and technologies has been vital. Whether it’s learning new software or adapting my designs to fit different projects, being flexible and open to change has allowed me to thrive in the industry.
Advice: Stay curious and be willing to learn. Embrace new tools and techniques, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Seek feedback from peers and mentors, and use it to improve and evolve your skills.
For those just starting, focus on nurturing these qualities. Practice creativity daily, persevere through challenges, and remain adaptable in the face of change. By doing so, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate your own journey and achieve your artistic goals.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?

One book that has played an important role in my development is *Alice in Wonderland* by Lewis Carroll. The whimsical and nonsensical and at the same time very well thought nature of the story resonates deeply with me, mirroring my own journey as artist.
Just like Alice, I find myself constantly getting into weird places and situations, meeting an array of unique and fantastical characters. This book has taught me several valuable lessons:

**Embrace the Unexpected:** Alice’s adventures are filled with surprises and unpredictable turns. This has taught me to embrace the unexpected in my own life and career. The twists and turns often lead to the most exciting opportunities and creative breakthroughs.

**Stay Curious:** Alice’s curiosity drives her journey. In my work, staying curious and open to new ideas and experiences fuels my creativity and helps me to continually grow as an artist.

**Find Joy in the Absurd:** The nonsense and whimsy in *Alice in Wonderland* remind me to find joy in the absurd and to not take things too seriously. This perspective helps me stay lighthearted and imaginative, which is essential in creature design.

Overall, *Alice in Wonderland* has inspired me to navigate my own wonderland with curiosity, adaptability, and a sense of humor, making it an impactful book in my personal and professional development.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://araxalice.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arax_alice_sargsyan/