We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sofia Daskalaki. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sofia below.
Hi Sofia, thanks for joining 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?
Do I like being a creative? Does a sculptor like clay? Absolutely! I couldn’t imagine a life chained to a desk, repeating the same tasks ad infinitum. Fun fact: I studied civil engineering, but trying to squeeze me into that role is like trying to squeeze an elephant into a phone booth – uncomfortable and utterly ridiculous.
Instead, I took a detour down the road less traveled. Art and design have always been my north star, my guiding light, and for the past five years, I’ve been lucky enough to journey in their direction. Regrets? None! My choices are like footprints in the sand behind me – I keep my eyes on the horizon and let my gut do the navigating.
And as for my work, I’m as committed to it as cheese is to pizza – we’re a life-long combo. So, in a nutshell – yes, I’m blissfully happy in the chaotic, colorful carnival that is creativity!
Sofia, 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?
Ha! Talk about a plot twist – motherhood was the unexpected catalyst that sent my life and career hurtling down a new path. It was a rapid decision that was impossible to ignore. My brain was urging me to take time and adapt to my new role as a mom, but my heart was tugging me back to my creative roots. It was a challenging journey, riddled with obstacles, but looking back, it was hands-down the best decision I ever made.
I kicked off with simple sketches, and within a year, I received my first collaboration request. I was in a conundrum then – what on earth was I? An artist? An illustrator? A surface designer? At that point, it didn’t matter. ‘Face it to make it’ was my mantra, and did it work!
Fast forward four years from that first sketch, and I now wear many hats – a surface pattern designer, illustrator, and artist. The essence of my job is to work hand-in-hand with clients, crafting top-notch designs that breathe life into their products. I dabble in product illustration and packaging, and create pattern designs that add flair to home decor, fashion, and gift items.
My niche? Pattern design! I’m a maestro of colors and shapes, conjuring trendy, vibrant patterns that give my clients’ products that extra oomph. I don’t just provide patterns; I offer entire collections, transforming their products into best-sellers. Each design I whip up fills me with a sense of pride – it’s like watching my kids graduate! I’m all about professionalism, and when it comes to timelines, I’m as punctual as a Swiss watch.
At the end of the day, I’m just a happy-go-lucky soul, spreading joy through my designs and keeping my clients grinning from ear to ear!
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
Absolutely! The struggles with work hours, let me tell you, were as real as they come. I was so head over heels in love with my job that I’d lose track of time. It was like being lost in a great book, but instead of pages, I was turning ideas into art.
Two months ago, I had a light bulb moment. I decided to leave the comfort of my beloved home studio and find a new place I could call my work home. It was a tough decision, a bit like choosing a favorite ice cream flavor (I mean, who can pick just one?), but it was necessary to set some boundaries. To put it simply, I was a workaholic in dire need of a work-life balance.
And you know what? It’s hard for others to understand, even for my hubby who’s a workaholic himself. Each morning, as soon as I’d wave goodbye to my son at school, my mind would race to my daily tasks. And at night, instead of dreaming about the latest Netflix binge or a captivating book, I’d be itching to sit at my desk and draw. Not for a client, mind you, just for the sheer joy of it.
Losing balance and control of my life was easier than slipping on a banana peel! It took me a good four years to comprehend the situation. Now that I’ve set specific work hours, it’s like breathing fresh mountain air. I have time to indulge in other fun activities and reintroduce myself to the world beyond design.
And let me tell you, it’s been quite the adventure! The new-found discipline has not only improved my productivity but also my creativity. I’ve discovered that boundaries can actually boost innovation. They’ve given me the space to relax and recharge, which in turn sparks fresh ideas and concepts. Plus, the extra time for my family and hobbies has added a richness to my life that I didn’t even know I was missing.
So, while the journey to work-life balance has been bumpy, it’s a trip I’d highly recommend to any creative lost in the whirlwind of their passion.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
My journey may not be filled with spicy details or outrageous twists, but it’s one I hold dear. Deciding to walk the artistic path, I knew the key was consistency. So, I created my Instagram account, @happyhemera. I was nervous, too apprehensive to reveal my face or share my identity with those who knew me, so I camouflaged behind a nickname. The anxiety of exposing myself and my art was overwhelming. But even amidst the fear, I was consistent. I unveiled my art in all its glory, the good, the bad. Never did I hide my failures, and to my surprise, people appreciated it. Once I shed the cloak of anonymity, my account took off.
My relationship with Instagram is a roller coaster of emotion. It can make you feel minuscule, especially if you post with the sole purpose of gaining followers. But, if you use it to understand your audience, interact, and have a blast, it transforms into an incredible platform.
I’d like to share an experience that has impacted me deeply. There have been instances when artists have direct messaged me, practically pleading to repost their work for visibility. Their messages don’t annoy me, but they make me feel a pang of sadness and a twinge of anger. Visibility has become such a crucial part of our lives.
Yes, we’re all eager for our work to be seen by the masses, but this longing for visibility can often sow seeds of self-doubt and insecurity. A broader audience could mean more clients, but is that truly the end-all-be-all when you’re just starting out? Plus, what if your posts don’t hit the ‘like’ target you set? I’m a firm believer that with patience and practice, your work will earn the recognition it truly deserves.
But let’s talk about the downside of chasing Instagram fame. It’s easy to get caught in the trap of measuring your worth by your follower count or the number of likes on a post. This can lead to unnecessary stress, creative burnout, and even impact your mental health negatively. Not to mention, the algorithm can be unpredictable, and posts you put your heart and soul into might not get the exposure they deserve.
Posting for visibility can often feel like battling a monster – and it’s usually an unfair fight. But instead of getting consumed in the fight for followers and visibility, why not embrace the journey? Showcase your work to the world and listen to what they have to say. Learn from your mistakes and continuously strive to improve. Seek out your unique voice and let your abilities shine through your work. Forge connections with others – it’s a critical element that we often overlook as creatives, yet it’s such a rewarding part of the job. Have fun with your work, experiment, ask questions, learn and grow.
Remember, growth is a long journey and there’s so much to learn from the work of others. Don’t shy away from communicating your feelings and insecurities – you’d be surprised how many people feel the same way. You’re not alone.
Instagram is not about the numbers. If we play it smart, we can refine our skills, steadily grow our businesses, and ultimately create work that we’re proud of. The true worth of our work lies in our abilities and skills, not in the fleeting validation of likes and followers.
Contact Info:
- Website: sofiadaskalaki.com
- Instagram: @happyhemera
Image Credits
Image with the bathing suit: Fashion brand Katrin LeBlond