Meet Kathy Lajvardi

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

Kathy, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?
My optimism has its roots in my personal journey, particularly during my time at art school. Graduating from Otis College of Art and Design in 2000, my artistic path began with a focus on fashion. However, the allure of the digital media world captured my heart, leading me to also explore Fine Art.

The Fine Art realm has been transformative for me, providing a medium to express enduring concepts in tangible forms that withstand the test of time. This shift in focus has significantly contributed to my optimistic outlook. Each day, I start with a sense of gratitude, trust my instincts, and hold onto the belief in the inherent goodness that exists in the world.

This positive mindset is not only a personal philosophy but also a driving force behind my art. I create pieces that aim to empower and inspire, reflecting the enduring optimism I carry.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
As a versatile artist, my journey is marked by the ability to explore and experiment across various creative forms. While my primary focus is in branding and advertising, I’ve also ventured into creating products like designing two books, “Drive Through Napa & Paso Robles,” co-created with my husband Naushad Huda, and written by Paul Hodgins . These books offer a quick journey through the world of wine, serving as engaging coffee table reads with insights into different wine regions. The concept originated after selling our established Digital Creative Agency, XTOPOLY, which had been running successfully for seven years. Naushad, driven by his passion for wine, embarked on the creation of a lifestyle brand named “I Like This Grape.” This brand not only hosts wine events and publishes books but also invests in wineries, playing a role in their evolution.

In addition, I take delight in collaborating with I Like This Grape, where I curate experiential events that seamlessly blend wine and art. One notable event involved a unique pairing of wine, food, music, and art. The 5 art pieces I created were inspired by the music of Kanye West, and the chef crafted dishes for each piece, aligning with the look and vibe of the wine and the art.

At a recent event, I teamed up with Kristie Tacey, the winemaker and founder of Tessier Winery. I produced four paintings to complement four of her wines, each corresponding to the four songs she had paired with her wines. Titled “Harmony in Senses,” this series comprises 40×30 acrylic paintings on wood from 2023. The artworks showcase a bold and rich style, blending abstract and geometric elements with a diverse palette of colors and textures.

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?
If I were to offer advice based on my experience and journey, I would emphasize the importance of networking within your industry and maintaining relationships. In our world, it’s often about the connections you make and how you can mutually support one another. Whenever I need assistance or a collaboration opportunity, I turn to my friends and peers. Learning the art of selling, whether it’s yourself, your work, or your craft, is crucial. If you can effectively sell and have a strong network, everything else tends to fall into place.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
My husband has been my unwavering supporter from the start. After completing Law School and a year in legal practice, he founded XTOPOLY, initially a text messaging company with clients like The Jerry Springer Show. Our paths crossed at a networking event, leading me to join the venture and contribute to its evolution into a Digital Creative Advertising Agency. During my time at XTOPOLY, I had the opportunity to work with major brands, including creating T-Mobile’s first-ever mobile site. Following the sale of the company, he consistently encouraged me to create more Fine Art, being a devoted fan of each piece. His support has inspired me to explore new artistic boundaries and strategically carve out my place in the art world.

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