We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Suki Su. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Suki below.

Alright, Suki thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. One of our favorite things to brainstorm about with friends who’ve built something entrepreneurial is what they would do differently if they were to start over today. Surely, there are things you’ve learned that would allow you to do it over faster, more efficiently. We’d love to hear how you would go about setting things up if you were starting over today, knowing everything that you already know.

If I were to start over a brand today, here are the key things I would do differently:

1. Hire Professionals First: I would prioritize bringing in experts early in the process and listen to their advice. Their experience can provide invaluable insights, helping to avoid common pitfalls and making more informed decisions from the start.

2. Thoroughly Check Contracts with Factories: Before committing, I would ensure a thorough review of contracts with factories. This includes understanding the manufacturing process, ensuring the quality standards, and being clear on the price range. Doing more research in this area can help in negotiating better deals and avoiding unexpected costs.

3. Conduct In-Depth Research: I would focus more on in-depth research about every aspect of the process, from sourcing materials to final production. This research helps in making informed decisions and setting realistic expectations, ultimately leading to a smoother and more efficient workflow.

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?

I’m Suki Violet Su, a Creative Director and Visual Artist based in both New York and Shanghai. My journey into the creative industry began with my upbringing in Shenzhen, China’s largest immigrant city, I studied in Winchester, UK, Beijing, China, and New York, NY for visual art during 2013-2019. This unique environment, combined with extensive travel experiences between East and West, has profoundly influenced my work, allowing me to explore themes of human belonging, cultural commonalities, and the nuanced tension between Eastern and Western visual narratives.

I specialize in branding, CGI content, and VFX advertising direction. My design studio offers a range of creative services, from branding and CGI content to intricate visual storytelling. Additionally, I founded a brand called Absurd Silver, which focuses on jewelry that seamlessly blends digital beauty with reality, offering unique pieces that challenge traditional perceptions of adornment.

What sets my work apart is my commitment to balancing the burgeoning world of new media and the metaverse with traditional cultural graphics. I delve deeply into themes like the resonance of human souls, universal regulations, gender definitions, and various cultural sentiments. My work often incorporates elements from both Eastern and Western cultures, religious beliefs, and emphasizes female power. I utilize a variety of mediums, including 3D digital art, graphic design, photography, and conceptual films.

I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with over 20 top brands and musicians, such as Harvard FAS CAMLab, MTV, Coach, MAC, Cash App, 88rising, Doja Cat, and Willow Smith. My projects have reached over 15 million views on social media, and I’ve had the honor of speaking at esteemed institutions like NYU Tisch School of the Arts and Southampton University.

One of the aspects I’m most proud of is the ability to connect with audiences on a deeper level through my art. I aim to create work that not only captivates visually but also provokes thought and evokes emotion. For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want them to know that my work is a continuous exploration of the intersection between the digital and physical worlds, always striving to tell stories that resonate universally while celebrating the uniqueness of different cultures.

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me, my work and my brand. I hope to continue pushing boundaries and creating meaningful art that inspires and connects people across the globe.

We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.

I met my first co-founder during our time at the same university; she was a year ahead and we were very close, often collaborating on projects, she’s becoming my producer. However, as we started dealing with real clients, we hadn’t clearly defined our business arrangement, and things got complicated when money was involved. Eventually, I introduced her to a photographer client who wanted to transfer to 3d, a designer, and three of them decided to start a new studio without letting me know.

Ironically I met my current co-founder while I was so sad about losing 3 close friends and moving on from that situation. An old Chinese is saying “塞翁失马，焉知非福” -“A blessing in disguise.” It means that what seems like a misfortune at first may turn out to be a good thing later on, and this experience taught me valuable lessons about trust and business partnerships.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Building my audience on social media has been a journey rooted in having a good concept and maintaining consistency. My project, SKINSEQ (Skin Sequences), is inspired by Eastern Philosophy and has been a cornerstone of my online presence. Over the past three years, SKINSEQ has been showcased in major cities like NYC, Shanghai, Paris, and Seoul. This exposure has been instrumental in growing my audience.

For those just starting to build their social media presence, I would advise focusing on a strong and unique concept that resonates with your target audience. Consistency is key—regularly share your work, thoughts, and process to keep your audience engaged. Additionally, actively seek out opportunities to showcase your work, whether through competitions, exhibitions, or open calls. These platforms can provide valuable exposure and help you connect with a broader audience. Remember, building a presence takes time, so stay persistent and true to your vision. I’m also still working on it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sukiviolet.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suki_violet/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suki-violet-su-263119163/
• Twitter: https://x.com/SukiVIoletSu