What do you do?
Product design
Where can we find your work?
At my website, http://www.itsarakoncepts.com
as well as other sites such as http://www.tweli.com
and http://www.thegrommet.com/citizens-gallery.
What inspires you to create and how do you keep motivated when things get tough?
I find inspiration from everyday objects that I see in the home, outside, or when I browse through nice product and graphic websites. To stay motivated, I read a famous quote each day and remember my goals and the vision that I am trying to achieve.
What do you think is more important content/finished product or technique/process?
I believe content and the finished product are more important. The design process is the foundation for every project I start, but the beauty of it is even though the process is the same, the final results are different every time.
Who are some people who influence and/or inspire you?
I get inspired by all entrepreneurs. To be able to commit to something new, go through unknown challenges, learn a wealth of knowledge and experience, and take a chance, all because they believe in an idea, and themselves.
If you could be any fictional character who would you be?
Yoda
When do you get your best ideas?
Great ideas can come to me at any moment. They usually occur because I see or hear something, which stimulates my mind in a new way. And without trying too hard, I think of something within a few minutes.
What materials/tools do you use most to create your work?
I sketch ideas out on paper initially, then create them digitally with 2D design software and sometimes in 3D with modeling software.
Are you self taught or formally educated? How do you think that has influenced or affected your work?
I have a Bachelor of Architecture, and through design school I have created a great design foundation and work ethic. This enables me to be self taught and continue to be in almost everything. Being trained has affected my work in great ways, as it brought me a level of professionalism and expertise for my career.
What would your creative work taste like?
My work would taste like a dessert: all individual ingredients come together as necessary components to create something delicate. Desserts don't have to come from an executive chef, but still has to be executed well. Before it tastes good, it has to look good too!
When you are not creating what do you like to do?
I like to find balance through outdoor activities and sports such as hiking, and tennis. My favorite activity is snowboarding because I find serenity from gliding on snow through tree-lined trails.
How did you learn to access your creative talents and gain the confidence to put it out there for everyone to experience?
My creativity did not show itself until I decided to start my own business endeavors. Through new projects and clients, I have exposed myself to all design industries. Once I began expressing my own designs for others, my skills improved, and I sought out design more often. Once more and more people saw my work, I continued receiving positive feedback.
What advice would you give others just beginning their creative adventures?
Creativity is subjective. There is always a person or a place that will find your work as beautiful as you do. Find passion in your work and keep doing it. Show as many people as you can and don't give up. You never know what can happen.
