We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sylvia Friend a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Sylvia, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
I discovered my purpose through a combination of personal fulfillment and a desire to drive change. Creating art and establishing my business, Friend Studio, has been instrumental in giving me a strong sense of purpose. It enables me to express my creativity and fosters valuable partnerships. I’ve come to understand that my purpose is deeply intertwined with my curiosity and the inspiration I draw from new experiences and people. This realization has led me to carve out a career path that aligns with my sense of purpose in this world.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am the Artist and Founder of Friend Studio, a multimedia art house that redefines artistic conventions. My work represents a fusion of modern and contemporary styles with a strong emphasis on collaboration. What truly sets Friend Studio apart is our deep engagement with local partnerships, establishing connections with diverse small businesses worldwide. This intentional approach not only results in captivating paintings and exclusive capsule collections but also nurtures a profound sense of community and collaboration throughout our creative journey.
In my artwork, I highlight the importance of local support, encouraging viewers to contemplate the pivotal role that small businesses play in the cultural and economic vitality of their communities. Through this thoughtful exploration, my body of work becomes a tapestry of introspection and significance, simultaneously celebrating and challenging our perception of the value derived from local backing.
My aspiration is for Friend Studio to emerge as a catalyst for social consciousness within the art world. With an unwavering commitment to promoting community collaboration and advocating for small businesses, I seek to embody the essence of creativity with a purpose, urging spectators to reconsider the profound impact that local support can have in shaping a vibrant and interconnected society.
As for what’s new, I’m excited to share that we have just released our first capsule collection that is now live on friendatstudio.com and have some upcoming events and exclusive product launches in the pipeline. Stay tuned for more details as FS continues to evolve and make a meaningful impact through art and advocacy.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, three qualities that have been profoundly impactful on my journey are curiosity, unwavering dedication and commitment to my craft, and a steadfast belief system.
I emphasize these qualities because I’ve discovered that they serve as guiding principles, particularly when embarking on a non-conventional journey. They provide a solid foundation and mental fortitude to navigate the challenges that inevitably arise.
While it is still early days with Friend Studio, I’ve encountered challenges in the creative process that have tested my dedication and commitment. Inevitably moments of self-doubt and imposter syndrome have occurred. However, my curiosity and belief system in what I am working towards have kept me moving forward.
I genuinely believe that possessing these three attributes can greatly contribute to an individual’s success. While no one can guarantee the outcome of a business or personal goal, we can anticipate tough times. How we choose to confront and overcome these difficulties, and the self-perception we maintain throughout, often determines who perseveres in the competitive landscape.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
I think it’s important to remember that everyone sometimes feels overwhelmed and it’s a normal and natural feeling. In my experience, I have felt overwhelmed taking a more ‘conventional’ approach to work—the standard 9-to-5 job—and similarly I have moments now, after starting my own business, that I still feel very overwhelmed.
It’s less important to focus on the anxiety and more important to focus on what kind of person you’re wanting to become in the long run and accept that feelings of overwhelm are probably here to stay, in some form or another.
Pressure does not have to be a bad thing. Sometimes, it’s like a burst of excitement that pushes us to take risks and grow. For me, it’s all about recognizing that uncomfortable feeling and asking myself, “How can I turn this into something positive?” Shifting my perspective like this tends to lead to more productive outcomes.
Contact Info:
- Website: friendatstudio.com
- Instagram: @friendssstudio
- Other: Tiktok: @ffriendstudio
Image Credits
