We were lucky to catch up with Natalia Salivia recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Natalia, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
I believe my resilience comes from my experiences in track and field during high school. Despite facing frequent injuries, I never allowed setbacks to deter my determination to improve. My ultimate goal was to compete at the collegiate level, but the journey was filled with challenges due to my injuries. However, the unwavering support and belief from my parents instilled in me the confidence to persevere, no matter the circumstances.
This resilience carried over into my venture into graphic design. Starting with minimal knowledge and creating work that I initially found lacking, I remained committed to improvement through continuous practice. I humbly reached out to potential clients, leveraging my network and learning the importance of connections in the industry.
Maintaining a positive mindset amidst challenges became second nature to me. While the immediate gains may have been modest, I always viewed each opportunity as a chance to enhance my skills and build my portfolio. This mindset not only propelled my growth as a designer but also laid the foundation for future career opportunities.
Through this resilience, I’ve had the honor of meeting remarkable individuals such as Olympians and influential figures like Bob Beamon, John Carlos, and Ryan Crouser. Additionally, I’ve been privileged to create graphics for World Champion Josh Kerr. These encounters have further fueled my passion for design and inspired me to continue pushing the boundaries of my creativity.
In essence, my resilience stems from a blend of athletic perseverance, unwavering support from loved ones, and a mindset focused on continuous learning and growth.
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?
Currently, I’m part of a dynamic team launching a business called Ultimate Prospect, alongside my partners Chris Ortiz, Joshua Ricks, and Daniel Rengifo. Ultimate Prospect offers comprehensive packages tailored to athletes aspiring to play sports at the collegiate level. We provide a range of services including photography, videography, and graphics, all aimed at enhancing their recruitment prospects. What excites me most about this venture is the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of young athletes, helping them realize their dreams of playing sports in college. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of their journey and to play a role in their success.
In addition to my involvement with Ultimate Prospect, I’m also actively engaged in graphic design work for TrackStar, Texas Track & Field Coaches Association, and through my personal business, NS Designs. These roles allow me to leverage my creative skills to support various sports organizations and athletes, crafting visually compelling content that captures the essence of their brand and message.
Looking towards the future, my ultimate aspiration is to become a graphic designer for a major sports team. I envision myself contributing to the visual identity and storytelling efforts of a renowned sports organization, leveraging my passion for design and my deep-rooted connection to the world of athletics.
In terms of upcoming developments, we’re constantly exploring ways to expand and enhance the services offered by Ultimate Prospect. We’re committed to staying at the forefront of the industry and providing our clients with innovative solutions to meet their recruitment needs.
Overall, I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve had thus far in my career and excited about the journey ahead. Whether it’s through entrepreneurship, graphic design, or my involvement in sports, I’m fully dedicated to making a positive impact and pursuing my passion for creativity and innovation.
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?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities that have been profoundly impactful are dedication, perseverance, and patience. These qualities have been my guiding lights through the highs and lows of my career, and I believe they are essential for anyone embarking on their own journey.
My advice for those just starting out is to understand that success is not instantaneous; it’s a gradual process that requires dedication and hard work. Be prepared to face obstacles and setbacks along the way, but never lose sight of your goals. Perseverance is key; keep pushing forward, even when the going gets tough.
Additionally, patience is crucial. Great achievements take time to unfold, and rushing the process may lead to burnout or disappointment. Stay committed to your path, trust in the process, and have faith that your efforts will bear fruit in due time.
Furthermore, confidence in oneself is paramount. Believe in your abilities and talents, even when others may doubt you. Confidence breeds success, and when you exude belief in yourself, others will take notice and support your endeavors.
Finally, don’t be afraid to take that first step. Starting something new can be intimidating, but remember that every journey begins with a single step. Once you take that initial leap, you’ll find that momentum builds, and people are often more willing to support you than you may think.
In summary, remember that success is a journey of dedication, perseverance, and patience. Stay focused, believe in yourself, and take that first step towards your dreams.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
The book that has had a profound impact on my development is “The Third Door” by Alex Banayan. This book changed my life and opened my eyes to the power of connections and perseverance.
One of the most valuable lessons I learned from “The Third Door” is the concept of there always being a third door. Banayan’s journey to interview successful people taught me that when faced with obstacles, there is always an alternative route to success. This mindset has been instrumental in my own journey, particularly when my initial attempts at graphic design weren’t meeting my expectations. Instead of giving up, I turned to social media, specifically Twitter, and offered to create free logos for practice and to build my portfolio. While many declined, one association, the TTFCA, said yes. This opportunity not only helped me refine my skills but also led to connections with world champions and Olympians.
Another valuable insight from the book is the importance of never giving up and leveraging the power of networking. Banayan’s experiences reinforced the idea that people are connected, and each connection has the potential to open doors to new opportunities. This lesson proved invaluable during my college track recruitment process and continues to guide my approach to securing graphic design jobs.
In summary, “The Third Door” taught me the importance of perseverance, the value of connections, and the existence of alternative paths to success. It’s a book that continues to inspire me to push boundaries, embrace challenges, and never underestimate the power of a single opportunity or connection.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.behance.net/nataliasalivia1
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nataliasalivia/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalia-salivia-80a740222/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/NataliaSalivia
