We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Phivi Spyridonos a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Phivi , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

I am originally from Cyprus, a Greek island in the Mediterranean Sea. In my homeland, the typical path for students diverges from the realm of Arts and Design, it is all about science, math, finance and law. The arts are often undervalued, with limited job prospects. However, despite societal norms, pursuing a career in the arts was always my passion.

Fortunately, my family stood by me, offering unwavering support and encouragement to take the leap. Now, fourteen years down this path, I can confidently say it was the best decision I ever made. The experiences, studies, and people I’ve encountered along this journey have shaped me into the artist I am today. Few people can say that they love what they do and I am one of them.

Phivi , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Phivi Spyridonos, and I’m a freelance illustrator and a full-time professor at Savannah College of Art and Design. Since I can remember, I’ve been drawn to the art of storytelling and design. Pursuing a degree in Illustration felt like the most natural path for me. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with esteemed clients such as the New York Times, CBS News, and Reddit, among others. However, teaching has always been a calling I envisioned for myself.

My journey into teaching began at a private boarding school in the UK. After experiencing the gratification of guiding young minds, I resolved to transition to teaching at a university level. Just as understanding clients’ needs is crucial in my freelance work, tailoring teaching methods to suit individual students is equally essential. Versatility is key in both realms.

What sets me apart is my unwavering commitment to giving my all in everything I do professionally. I take immense pride in witnessing the growth of my students, from their first quarter to graduation. It’s a privilege to be a part of their journey.

On a personal level, I’m particularly proud of the recent strides I’ve made in developing my focus on scientific illustration focusing on Jurassic, Mesozoic and Late Devonian extinct creatures , I challenged myself to use a mixed media approach to illustrating with graphite pencil, coffee washes, ballpoint pen and gouache. It’s an exciting aspect of my career that continues to inspire and challenge me.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

The saying “hard yields results” holds truth to a certain extent. However, I believe that being in the right place at the right time, can often wield more power than relentless work alone. Success is never guaranteed, but you need to know that you always did the best you could in the time that you had.

A few years ago, while employed at a private boarding school in a lovely town in Dorset UK, I stumbled upon such a stroke of luck. A professor associated with TEDx was seeking an illustrator to create the visual promotional material for an upcoming event. Despite the tight timeframe, I seized the chance and designed visuals, this unexpected opportunity not only amplified visibility for my art but also underscored the significance of remaining vigilant, diligent, and receptive to moments in the pursuit of success in this industry.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Two books significantly altered my perspective on navigating and honing my path as a freelance artist. Lisa Congdon’s, “Find Your Artistic Voice” and “Art Inc.” proved invaluable in my journey and made me understand things about my work that I never thought about. Many aspiring artists are having a hard time with identifying patterns within their work to establish their unique style. “Find Your Artistic Voice” serves as an excellent guide in this regard. On the other hand, “Art Inc.” offers insights into the business facets of illustration, providing a comprehensive understanding of the industry.

Moreover, for newcomers in the field, the Graphic Artists Guild Pricing and Ethical Guidelines is a great resource. It equips individuals with essential knowledge and standards for navigating the industry with integrity and professionalism.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.phivs.com/
• Instagram: phivi.s
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phivi-spyridonos-03007962/

Image Credits
My portrait photo is by photographer Jessica Imhoff.