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

Sydney, appreciate you joining us today. Can you take us back in time to the first dollar you earned as a creative – how did it happen? What’s the story?

My first dollar made being a creative was designing stickers for the Skate City in Westminster. I knew the manager there and they needed stickers done for an event. I was so excited and so I went right to work. I used the blue and red of the logo to make a cool gradient of “SC” with wheels (since it is a skating rink). I was paid my first $50 and I knew I could really get paid for doing this.

Sydney, 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?

I started in High School taking a graphic design class at 16. I instantly fell in love and decided to pursue it through college. I also draw with graphite which let me to digitally draw so I include illustration in my craft as well. I developed Buddha Belly Designs where I do designing anywhere from brand identities and websites to social media graphics and ads. I have been doing freelance design for 4 years now and I started selling my digital art and natural skincare about a year and a half ago at various pop up events and through my website.
I love helping small businesses start up with their brand by creating logos, websites, and stationary such as business cards. I also have passion for designing for already established companies as well with revamping the look of the brand as well as creating special event logos, ads, flyers, and social media assets when they are looking to grow their marketing and business in general.
Creating in my passion and coming up with a visual solution for businesses and individuals that they are seeking makes me most proud. I strongly believe in my motto of “Design is more than mere aesthetics; it’s a means of communication between your brand and your audience.”

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

In my view, society can do a few things to support artists and creatives. One way is, after experiencing selling my art and skincare in pop up vender events, I realized they are so much fun and there are so many great and different artists out there that are brought together in one space. These events give people a chance to shine and gives the people who attend access to these different creations that they would not otherwise come across. Another way to support the creative ecosystem is if you have people you know who design cards, take photographs, or do any other creative trade, go to them first before looking up a random on the internet. Support from anyone is appreciated.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

I started my design social media account when I was in art class at school. I started using it to post projects from my various art and design classes and once I graduated used it to post about my various professional projects in the industry of art and design. I try to post at least 3 times a week but life just slips away some times. But I like to post my poster designs, illustrations, any pieces or skincare from my vendor inventory, and my freelance works. Some advice would be to use your personal account to advertise any time you post on your business account; great friends and family are great support and help spread the word to their friends and family. It’s all about getting your name out there as much as you can.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.buddhabellydesigns.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buddhabellydesigns/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sydney-burmood/