Today we’d like to introduce you to Ariana Wilder.
Hi Ariana, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I moved from Savannah to Atlanta six years ago after graduating from Savannah College of Art and Design with my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design. From there I started out as a Production Artist and progressed to being a Graphic Designer at an advertising company in Kennesaw. Unfortunately, after a year and difference of value as a creative I was fired from my job and went on to work as a contract graphic designer designing from small agencies to big companies such as Home Depot. In between those roles I have worked hospitality opportunities to have steady income while looking for work. During that time I wanted to become more intentional about my online presence and what actually makes me happy. Fashion. Fashion has always been my outlet whether it is expressing myself based on how I might feel that day or how brands and influencers incorporate fashion in the ways I didn’t think possible. I spend majority of my free ghost shopping to see what might be in trend during the season or looking for inspiration on what I can do differently in my own wardrobe based on my favorite fashion influencers/creators. My goal is to be invited to Paris Fashion Week or be involved with a campaign that speaks to who I am as a creative, which is bold, colorful, expressive, and fun all wrapped up into one. That’s how I would describe my style and who I am as an individual. I am still in pursuit of my further my skills as a graphic designer by learning more about user experience design, but ultimately I have always wanted to combine my love fashion and eye for graphic design into one.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No it has not been smooth… at all. When I was first fired, I got into a serve depression state, one I didn’t think I was going to find myself out of. I’ve lost a few friends over the years and work has not been the most steady especially for a creative in the graphic design industry. There were even times that I should give up on being a graphic designer or chasing after my dream of being a content creator/influencer in fashion as well as anime. Even now, I have doubts because of the current political climate and it seems something is going wrong everyday, but like Tony Stark, sometimes our best work comes from our darkest and lowest moments.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Work wise I am a graphic and ux (user experience) designer, I specialize in brand management, brand identity, illustrations, apps and websites, and social media. Outside of that I am a content creator with a specific focus in fashion, anime, and lifestyle. I am most proud of a graphic/ux designer if the work I did during the Harris Walz campaign. Even thought I have never worked in such a fast pace environment before, I was so proud and happy of everything that I produced coming out of the office. To see my designs, in person or on social media just reminded myself every step of the way that I am amazing at what I do and that I should never doubt myself for I am a damn good designer. I feel the same about content creation, when I upload a video and receive several comments of feedback it truly warms my heart as well makes me feel connected to others through my social platforms.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I believe as far as content creation goes it will just keep growing. More companies and campaign will lean into these individuals because each and everyday more people are looking for authenticity if everything they consume. So I believe the influencer marketing agency will just continue to grow and encourage others to make their stamp on the internet as well. Graphic design wise though, I think eventually we will completely be rid of print and just technology will be our way of communication. As we see now, most of our information comes from either our phones or the websites we browse, so I believe print altogether will become extinct.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://awildercreative.myportfolio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awilderstylee/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariana-wilder/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@awilderstyle
Image Credits
Yayri Hazell
Maddie Cravey
