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

Cyd, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

My journey as an artist hasn’t been a straight shoot into success. I started out pursuing my degree in graphic design right out of high school. After my first quarter in college, making the dean’s list and getting a feel for the college experience, I decided to drop out of school. During that time period, I didn’t feel that school was the right place for me especially not attending a school in my hometown. I spent a year working retail and trying to figure out what I wanted to do and how I wanted to get there. After not creating for about a year, I found myself yearning to get back to it. By fate, I connected with some amazing artists who encouraged me to relocate and get back in school.

All it took was me relocating and I instantly found my passion and drive again. I was much happier working and learning as a creative in my field. Designing and learning new crafts in an educational setting AND a real life setting fueled my fire even more. There wasn’t a moment during this time where I thought about obtaining a regular job. I was completely in my element. I could create freely, get paid for it and expand my knowledge of my craft.

Unfortunately, following graduation, I had to move back home due to unforeseen circumstances and financial struggles. I went back to working in retail and food service. This time, I never stopped working on my craft. I used my circumstances to feed my desire to be a creative. I made sure to affirm that working a regular job was a temporary solution and one rung in the ladder to my success.

I’ve since established my own design business and I have been working as a freelance designer for several years. Sometimes I do want to return to a “regular” job for the financial security, but I often remember my journey to get here. I focus my energy on building the dream and securing the bag through my art. I’m never opposed to taking on the jobs that will support me financially, but I’m always reminded that a job is temporary, art is forever.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My artistic journey began the very moment I was able to pick up any kind of material to interpret my thoughts. In high school, I was introduced to the world of graphic design and went on to get a degree in graphic design with a minor in photography from one of the most prestigious art institutions in the country.

While in college, I became very familiar with designing and photographing in the music industry. From stage to behind the scenes, I had the opportunity to learn and grow while working as an intern for a local band. I’ve since used all of my knowledge I gained to build my brand and start my own freelance company, Cydvolution Art.

Through Cydvolution Art, I am able to connect and build with other creatives and organizations who need a little help bringing their visions to life and communicating with their target audience. I special in branding, marketing content, publications and logo design.

What sets me apart if my ability to provide creative design solutions that effectively communicate in a raw, but polished way. Every project is a collaborative effort. I love leaving a piece of me within each project.

I want my potential clients to know that they will be heard and their ideas will be honored to the best of my ability. I don’t really like to say I work for people, but I work alongside or with people. It’s all about collaboration and getting the message across.

The Cydvolution brand prides itself on revolutionary solutions, amplifying voice and building community connections.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Art is my ministry. With my creative gifts, my goal is to help others articulate and execute their ideas. The mission to amplify the voices of other creatives, collaborate in the varying creative fields and leave no project unfulfilled. For me it’s all about using all the gifts and talents until it’s time for you to leave this earth.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding part of being an artist is helping other bring their visions to life and executing my own visions in a way that others can understand or discuss them. It’s an honor when I work with clients and I go above and beyond their expectations. It’s also an honor when I go above and beyond my own expectations and create or design complete projects that reflect who I am or what I’m trying to accomplish. It’s a blessing to create just as the Creator has created me. Lastly, being recognized for my style and subject matter is always a nice little reward. When it’s all said and done I’ll leave works behind that say I was here.

Contact Info:

• Website: cydvolutionart.com
• Instagram: cydvolution
• Facebook: facebook.com/CydvolutionArt
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/cydvolution

Image Credits
Gallery Photo by Ashton Harris