We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ari Puguh. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ari below.
Ari, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?
Choosing the path to be an artist is definitely not the smoothest decision to make, especially when you are the first one in the family that decided to be working full-time in the creative industry. When I applied to the Art Institute, there are many oppositions towards my decision, even until I graduated that skepticism within my family was still there.
After I graduated from college and had to convince them that I can actually make a decent living with your art, until this day. I don’t regret the decision I made. I believe as an artist and creative individual, there are broad ways and things that you can do for your career, honestly, the possibility is endless (if you wanna think about it)
Of course, there is a long journey to make, but I just enjoy the ride and get along with it.
Ari, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I am an artist, illustrator & children’s book author that is based in the United States & the United Arab Emirates. I am originally from Indonesia and moved to the US during my career.
My works are mostly focusing on the value of oneness, connection & hope. The intention of my art is simply to uplift and bring a little smile to the person who sees it. My interest in bringing positive messages using the language that I know the most, illustrations & visual art. The need of giving back to something that I was missing in my childhood back in Indonesia shaped my style and work, and for now, I would like to continue dedicating my work to the children & the child at heart.
Most often I use togetherness, collaboration, tolerance & bringing the inclusive group to my works. I believe everyone is connected from one to another, crossing each other’s path unintentionally, interconnected. I am hoping that my work would bring people together, in a positive way.
So far, my works have been published by Adobe, UNICEF, UNDP, and Manarat Al Saadiyat Abu Dhabi and Sharjah Children’s Biennale.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
I feel most rewarded when people could feel something positive about my work, something that can bring joy to their day, and moreover when they share it with their loved ones.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
Being an artist, people had many perceptions and stereotypes about you, even before you explain your practice and what kind of art you are doing. My favorite thing to do in that case is, to break the stereotypes.
For instance, I believe being disciplined is also playing a big part in my creative career, without having the discipline myself, I don’t think I would go this far.
I love to read many self-help books, growing up, I realized there are many things & topics that I had never been taught. Like for instance, I had to learn about money management from a book. I had several books that brought a life-changing to my life, those are 4 of Agreements, the Power of Now, Rich Dad-Poor Dad, the Alchemy, and many more.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.behance.net/aripuguh
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/arylosophy
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arylosophy/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/arylosophy
Image Credits
Portrait: Manarat Al Saadiyat