We recently connected with Saphera Peters and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Saphera, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
Ever since I can remember, my creativity has been a driving force in my life. Whether it was poetry, story writing, or music, I always had an outlet for my artistic expression. At the age of 12, I set my sights on becoming a photographer, and that dream carried me through my university years. However, I soon realized that to truly excel in the photography world, I needed to be able to convey my ideas through drawing as well. That realization led me to invest in an iPad, and for an entire year, I dedicated myself to digital illustration. It didn’t matter if I had only 20 minutes or two hours to spare each day; I made sure to consistently practice and improve my drawing skills. Since then, I’ve fallen in love with art and the medium has become a huge part of who I am. When you dedicate yourself to learning a skill, there is no way you can fail!
Saphera, 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?
Meet Saphera Peters, an illustrator hailing from Brampton, Ontario, Canada, who’s all about bringing joy to others through her vibrant colours, dynamic compositions, and captivating imagery. Growing up, she couldn’t help but notice the lack of representation of minority women in creative fields. And when they were portrayed, it often carried negative connotations. This realization fueled Saphera’s determination to become that representation, breaking barriers and proving that women of colour can thrive in the arts too!
With each creation, Saphera’s mission is simple: to spread joy and positivity, becoming the beacon of light people need in their lives. From adorning public spaces with her art to crafting uplifting greeting cards, she constantly strives to bring a smile to someone’s face.
Saphera’s expertise lies in various areas, including portrait illustrations, hand lettering, pattern design, public art, and painting on clothing items like designer bags, sneakers, and denim. Additionally, she offers her artwork in the form of prints, stickers, tote bags, and greeting cards. Notable clients such as the City of Brampton, CBC, and the University of Waterloo have recognized her talent and collaborated with her.
Through her creativity and determination, Saphera is breaking boundaries, spreading joy, and leaving her mark in the world of art. She’s a shining example of how art can be a powerful force for representation and positivity.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
Growing up, my hardworking immigrant parents always stressed the importance of hard work and pushed me towards traditional careers like being a doctor, teacher, lawyer, or engineer. They believed that success could only be found in these paths. Art and creativity were considered distractions, with no place in a fulfilling career. However, as I discovered my passion for art, I had to break free from these ingrained beliefs. It was a process of unlearning and accepting myself for who I truly was. I had to remind myself that pursuing my artistic aspirations didn’t make me a failure; instead, it required courage to go against the norms I was taught. To find inspiration and motivation, I immersed myself in books, sought guidance from teachers, listened to podcasts, and followed YouTubers who showed me that turning art into a career was indeed possible.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
As a creative, I live my dreams on my own terms. No boss, no rigid schedules—I have the freedom to work according to my own preferences and set my own hours. This level of autonomy allows me to embrace my passions fully and align my work with my personal values. Additionally, with the power of social media, I can share my work and inspire others to pursue their own creative paths. It’s a rewarding feeling to know that my art has the potential to ignite a spark in someone else and motivate them to chase their dreams fearlessly. In this way, being a creative is not just a career choice but a lifestyle that empowers me to live a fulfilling and authentic life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sapherapeters.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sapherapeters
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saphera-peters/
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/sapherapeters
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sapherapeters
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@sapherapeters
Image Credits
Mithea Murugesu