Today we’d like to introduce you to Ariel Walter.
Hi Ariel, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I honestly can’t remember where my story starts. Ever since I gained consciousness, I liked to draw. I remember getting so excited in elementary school when we had free time in class because I could pull out my notebook and draw. I used to especially love drawing comics in elementary school. I carried this interest in drawing all the way up to now as a 22-year-old college student. Over the years this creativity bled into other areas of my life. I played the piano for a year right before I entered middle school, then I stopped that and played violin from age 11 all the way up until I was 18.
Drawing also evolved from just pencil and paper to other mediums such as colored pencil, watercolor, gouche, and now digital art. I was also interested in animation at one point and would still love to pursue it.
Once I got into Georgia State, I entered as a studio art major, but I knew I didn’t just want to be a traditional artist. I really wanted to try digital art and see how I liked it. It started off as me getting a first-generation iPad Pro and tinkering around in procreate. The first drawings were bad but I still kept trying. It was difficult to get used to drawing on a screen as opposed to drawing on paper.
While I was figuring that out, I was also trying to figure out what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. I did a bunch of research on creative careers and stumbled upon Graphic Design. It was a good mix between something creative and something that would make me money. From that moment on I looked to see if Georgia State offered a Graphic Design program, and they did. I started enrolling in the Graphic Design prerequisites for the program and put my all into these classes. My graphic design classes were my top priority. Also, these classes were the first time I actually struggled in a creative class. I remember staying up until the sun came up some nights tweaking my designs for my Intro to Graphic Design class because my professor told me that there was something wrong with my design but she couldn’t vocalize what exactly the issue was. So I just redid all of it.
After that first class, I realized that I really loved graphic design and I wanted to take it further. When you stay up all night doing something and it doesn’t make you mad that really shows that you like it.
I got through the three intro classes and I was ready to apply to the program. Then COVID hit. We went into lockdown a month before it was time for me to submit my portfolio. It almost felt like a blessing because I was forced to stay home and work on my portfolio. I remember staying up all night the night before it was due and being so relieved when I turned it in. I was really happy with the work that I had done and I felt confident in the body of work I had produced in those two years.
But unfortunately, I didn’t get in. It sucked, and I was upset about it but I knew that just because I didn’t get into the program didn’t mean I would never be a graphic designer. I spent the next few years finding new projects to pour my time into. I started freelancing, I made the graphics for a podcast I started with one of my friends. I started making Youtube videos and learned video editing through that. I started working with small businesses and created logos and flyers for them.
Currently, I’ve been pouring a lot of my energy into learning UX and UI Design, but I’m still open to accepting graphic design projects as well.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I wouldn’t say it’s been a smooth road, but I also wouldn’t say its been SUPER hard either. I feel like being in school has both helped and hurt my journey. I’ve learned a lot in school, but I also feel like being in school is holding me back from doing bigger projects. There are only so many hours in a day and I feel like I end up pushing my design stuff to the side to focus on school or to work. I’ve also struggled with depression on and off throughout my life, and that affects my drive to work on passion projects and practice my skills. I often compare myself to others and get discouraged because I don’t feel like I’m where I need to be in my career yet.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a Graphic Designer and Illustrator. I specialize in both, but I feel like nowadays people know me more for my illustration than for my graphic design. I am most proud of the children’s book I illustrated a few years ago called “Marley and his Hair Go to School.” I am proud of it because this was a long project and I’m proud of myself for sticking to it. I am also proud because I got to illustrate something that was more personal to me. The book was about a little Jamaican boy with locs and how he learns about his culture and grew to love his hair. I think a few things set me apart from others. I am very good at working with people and making sure they are satisfied at the end of our collaboration. Also, I have a background in traditional art and try to incorporate it into my designs whenever I can, and I like to take on projects in which I can use my illustration skills.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I am always open to learning something new. I feel like every new project I get challenges me a little bit more than the last. As a creative, I believe you need to be open to learning. It will not only benefit you but also the clients you take on in the future. I also admire people who can take criticism from anyone. Whether it be from a peer or someone who knows nothing about art and design, as long as it’s constructive I think criticism is good.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.arielwalter.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/ariel.as.walter?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@arielsade40
Image Credits
Richard Charles aka RCRealness
