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

Alright, Sylvia thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

The journey to embracing art as a full-time adventure was a slow-burn. I initially set the stage for this artistic endeavor — Friend Studio — while I was still in college. After graduation, I continued painting sort of infrequently but was working a lot in the corporate position I had at the time.

It really wasn’t until January of 2023 that I decided to make the jump from full time employee to full time artist. I bid adieu to the comfort zone and flew to Europe to pursue my dream as a painter.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Absolutely, let me give you the full scoop behind Friend Studio. I’m the artistic visionary and the Founder of Friend Studio, currently operating from the island of Malta. My journey is all about weaving art and fashion into a blend that celebrates local communities while championing small businesses.

My creative journey has taken me on a global tour, collaborating with artisans in far-flung corners of the world – from Los Angeles to Ghana, Malta, Italy, Finland and Sweden.

What sets Friend Studio apart from the rest is our commitment to portraying the heartbeat of the communities we engage with. It’s all about capturing the seemingly ordinary aspects of people’s lives that often go unnoticed. We’re on a mission to spotlight those everyday heroes, places, and things that are essential to the people within these communities but might easily escape the casual observer’s eye.

After these large-scale paintings come to life, I design and craft exclusive capsule collections of locally made garments based on the paintings and all in collaboration with the local artisans within these unique locations.

What I hope people take away from the work I am trying to do with Friend Studio, is that this isn’t just about artistic expression; it’s about nurturing the very heart of local communities. Our collaboration with these small businesses serves as a testament to the essential connection between art, culture, and economy. The symbiotic relationship we’ve cultivated helps sustain and invigorate these pockets of the world, ensuring that their traditions and crafts continue to thrive. It’s a testament to the fact that art isn’t just a pretty picture on a canvas; it’s a lifeline to the people and places that make each community extraordinary.

So, in a nutshell, I want followers and fans to know that Friend Studio is more than just an art and fashion atelier. It’s a vibrant celebration of cultures, a guardian of local traditions, and a heartfelt salute to the hidden gems that truly make each community shine.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most gratifying part of being an artist is the profound sense of self-expression and the necessary component of embracing the unknown. In this creative realm, every risk taken, no matter how audacious, carries the potential for extraordinary reward. What’s even more remarkable is that the essence of this journey, the willingness to leap headfirst into the unknown, is the most fulfilling part of it all.

This passion is something I cherish deeply, and I’ve been fortunate enough to transform it into a full-time pursuit. Not everyone gets the chance to feel love for their work, but I’ve been able to experience it through this Friend Studio.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I’ve had to work on unlearning a lot; the desire for people’s validation and opinions, the notion that it is OK to tread the unconventional path, the importance of artistic mission, and understanding that imposter syndrome is something that happens to most not few.

The backstory here is that I felt uncomfortable taking the path less traveled and learning that it is OK to pave your own way, means unlearning things that may not come up had I pursued something that met societal norms and expectations.

I will say though, it hasn’t just been about what I’ve needed to unlearn; it’s about what I’ve acquired in its place. I think I’ve reached new heights of resilience, dedication, and confidence as a result of my creative decision.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://friendatstudio.com
• Instagram: @friendssstudio @sylviafriend
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sylvia-friend-b378a0141/
• TikTok: @ffriendstudio