We recently connected with Dilshika Kulasekara and have shared our conversation below.

Dilshika, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What do you think it takes to be successful?

For me, the key to success is to start before you are ready and to be disciplined.

I have found myself caught in the mental loop of waiting for the perfect moment to start a project, learn a new program, or any task. Perfect moments often never come into existence, and I can’t expect to succeed if I only put in work on the days I feel like it.

It’s hard to stay constantly motivated and that is where discipline comes in for me. I used to be an interior designer specializing in healthcare and commercial spaces. As my career progressed, I found my interest in digital design outweighed interior design.

I took the plunge into a new field I had little experience in. I had to start this transition before I was truly ready, otherwise I would have never made that change in my life. I spent a year scouring job postings and compiling a list of what I needed to learn to even qualify to be hired as a digital designer. I put in the hours and worked hard at making this transition work. It was exhausting and scary, but it was having a disciplined mindset and putting in the effort even on the days I doubted myself that pushed me to where I am.

For folks who may not have read about you before, can you please tell our readers about yourself, how you got into your industry / business / discipline / craft etc, what type of products/services/creative works you provide, what problems you solve for your clients and/or what you think sets you apart from others. What are you most proud of and what are the main things you want potential clients/followers/fans to know about you/your brand/your work/ etc.

I am a digital designer (formerly an interior designer) based in Los Angeles, California.

I have always been a creative at heart, and my love for design started at an early age through drawing and painting. This love grew into an appreciation and interest for architecture and interiors. During my 5 years as an interior designer, I was drawn towards designing interiors for healthcare institutions because they are spaces that take on so many identities and demand versatility. Understanding people and caring about them drove me and gave the designs meaning.

What I came to realize is that art takes on so many forms, as do our interests. I began to take interest in visually communicating stories and messages. In 2021, I decided to transition from working as an interior designer to a career in digital design. I currently work for a digital advertising agency called Incubeta.

I enjoy the versatility of digital design, working with various brands, and that every project requires ingenuity. Whether it is designing social campaigns, displays, videos, or websites, I appreciate the endless possibilities of user interaction and making a big impact on what can be seen as a small canvas.

From creating physical to digital environments, I thrive on the dimensionality of design. There is always a new facet to explore, learn from, and experience.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative?

I love seeing campaigns and projects I have worked on out in the digital jungle. Sometimes, it is easy to constantly be moving on to the next project once it is completed, but when I come across a project being actively viewed and experienced, I feel a sense of pride and accomplishment.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

That I do not have to start off knowing everything. The pursuit of knowledge is a wonderful thing, but I had to learn that it’s okay to be a beginner and the journey that make things worthwhile.

Switching to a new creative career after having been educated and trained in a different creative field can feel like a setback. I had to realize and change my perspective towards this transition. I learned to not view this career change in a negative light, as if everything I went to college and work for was a waste, but as an opportunity to use all these skills I have acquired throughout the years to give me a different outlook on things. I learned to approach this new career with a positive mind set and newfound passion for digital design that I carry into my work every day.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.dilshikak.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dilshika-kulasekara