Meet Oly.b

We were lucky to catch up with Oly.b recently and have shared our conversation below.

OLY.B, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?

I don’t force myself to work against my will, and I accept that there are moments when I feel completely empty – no ideas, no desire, just stillness. I’ve learned that fighting against these periods only deepens the block. Creativity, to me, is not a linear process, and these moments of emptiness are as much a part of it as the bursts of inspiration.

Instead of resisting, I choose to embrace these phases with acceptance and the understanding that they are part of the journey. It’s like nature: there are seasons of growth and seasons of rest. By allowing myself to fully experience this pause without judgment, I find that creativity always returns- stronger, brighter, and more vibrant than before. These moments of quiet aren’t the end; they’re a necessary part of the cycle that allows my art to evolve and flourish.

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 fine artist based in Los Angeles, and my work focuses on exploring the intricate relationship between time and emotion. One of my most notable collections, Breaking Time, was presented last year and received an incredible response from art lovers and collectors alike. It was an introspective journey that captured fleeting moments, emotional connections, and the essence of impermanence.

Currently, I am thrilled to announce that I am working on my new collection, Breaking Time 2.0. This continuation dives deeper into the theme, pushing boundaries both conceptually and visually. With this series, I aim to capture how our perception of time evolves with personal growth and external influences, merging abstract and figurative elements in a bold, innovative way.

Through my work, I strive to create pieces that resonate deeply with people, evoking their own interpretations and emotional connections. Art, to me, is a shared experience, and I am always excited to hear how my work inspires others.

Stay tuned for updates on the release of Breaking Time 2.0 – it promises to be a journey you won’t want to miss!

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back on my journey, I believe the three most impactful qualities that shaped my path are resilience, curiosity, and self-discipline. These traits not only helped me navigate challenges but also fueled my growth as an artist and entrepreneur:

1.Resilience
Life throws obstacles at everyone, but I’ve learned that it’s not the setbacks that define you – it’s how you rise after them. For me, resilience came from embracing failure as a learning experience and staying committed to my goals, even when the outcome was uncertain.
2.Curiosity
Staying curious has been a driving force in my creative process. It’s what pushes me to explore new techniques, ideas, and perspectives. I would advise anyone starting out to nurture their curiosity – it’s the key to growth and innovation.

3.Self-Discipline
Talent alone isn’t enough; discipline is what transforms dreams into reality. Creating meaningful work and pursuing long-term goals require consistency and the ability to push through even when motivation fades.

For anyone just beginning their journey, I encourage you to cultivate these traits by setting small, actionable goals, seeking inspiration in unexpected places, and remembering that every step forward – even a small one – is progress. Growth is a process, and it’s the commitment to that process that makes all the difference.

Do you think it’s better to go all in on our strengths or to try to be more well-rounded by investing effort on improving areas you aren’t as strong in?

I believe it’s important to focus on your strengths because they are what make you unique and give you a competitive edge. When you lean into what you’re naturally good at, you’re able to create work that feels authentic and powerful.

However, I also think it’s important to improve weaker areas that directly impact your ability to maximize those strengths. For example, as an artist, creativity is my strength, but I had to work on my business skills to turn that creativity into a sustainable career. It’s about finding the right balance – investing most of your energy in what you excel at while fine-tuning the areas that could hold you back.

Moreover, I absolutely love learning and believe it’s important and beneficial for everyone. I’ve made it a habit to listen to audiobooks instead of music while driving. I usually choose non-fiction and educational books on topics I’d like to improve or deepen my knowledge in. This way, I manage to go through 1-2 books a month. It not only broadens my horizons but also inspires both creative and business ideas.