Meet Pepa Ivanoff

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

Hi Pepa, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
I have always been different, and as I’ve gotten older + wiser I’ve learned to embrace my individuality.

Being unique + authentically yourself are so important, and even more so when you’re a creative.

I believe that your creativity is the truest expression of who you are. And the more you know who you truly are, the more your life and your creativity will flow.

Get clear on what you want from your creative life. Get clear on who you are. And mindfully Curate a Life that reflects this. A Life that is a Work of Art.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My name is Pepa, and I am an Australian Artist, Surfer, and Traveler (26 countries and counting!) based in Central America. I have over 20 years of international experience creating digital and analog art, and have painted 312 murals in 9 countries.

I have chosen a life less ordinary in pursuit of my creative passion. My artwork is both inspired by, and the result of, my nomadic surfer lifestyle. I would like to inspire others to follow their creative passion and curate a life that is a work of art. A life that is inspired, authentic and fulfilling.

I recently released a short documentary about my creative life titled BEING AN ARTIST: PAINTING A WORLD OF POSSIBILITY.
You can watch it on Youtube here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1mxZ2LlAPM

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Authenticity. Be yourself. Be unique. Be creative. There’s only one you, and that’s what makes you + your creativity special. Don’t compare yourself to others. Be inspired by others, but work hard on developing your own personal style + aesthetic and create things in your own way.

Self Awareness. Take responsibility for yourself + your choices + your actions. Go to therapy. Work on yourself + your issues. It will make every other aspect of your life better.

Knowledge: Never stop learning, ever! For personal + professional reasons, keep yourself creatively inspired + inspiring by learning something new every day. Ask questions + be curious. Read, listen to podcasts/audiobooks, have meaningful conversations with peers + mentors, spend time in nature, practice a hobby or sport, or try out a new creative technique. There is an abuandance of resources available to you in so many forms, use them!

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?
365 Tao by Deng Ming Dao. Daily Meditations based on the Tao Te Ching by Lao Tsu

I read a page from this little book every morning as part of my routine. This book has accompanied me on all my travels over the past 10+ years.

As somebody who is not religious but still believes in a spiritual practise, Taoism is a philosophy that most resonates with me. It is a philosophical and spiritual tradition that originated in ancient China. Taoism emphasizes living in harmony with the natural world and cultivating inner balance and peace
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Taoism also emphasizes the importance of simplicity, humility, and detachment from material possessions and expectations. By letting go of attachments and expectations, one can cultivate a sense of inner peace and freedom.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
All photos taken with my iPhone

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