Today we’d like to introduce you to Liz Sanders.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’m an artist, designer and all around creative. I work in a wide variety of mediums: drawing, painting, collage, typography… I could go on. I find myself averse to being defined by anyone medium (read: don’t even try to put me in a box!).
Growing up, I was constantly working on a multitude of art projects. My art practice has always been an act of therapy. It’s a safe space for me to make things, reconnect to my hands and heart and process life, emotions, and the world around me.
Following my passion for creating, I moved to Los Angeles to study at the Roski School of Art and Design at USC. I thrived during my years of study. I developed strong art and design practices. My artwork was highly personal, self-reflective, and viscerally emotive. My design work straddled the world between art and design – handmade, experimental and experiential.
Following college, I began to pursue my career in graphic design. I worked in a few start-up agencies, but I found that there was always something missing. As I adapted to the working world, my art practice fell to the wayside and slowly my design work became uninspiring. Over the last few years, I reconnected with my art practice, which has been transformative for me personally as well as professionally.
Earlier this year, I made the transition to running Liz Sanders Studio full-time where I serve clients in art and design. I’m excited to continue exploring work across both disciplines. My work explores human-centric strategy, emotive connection, and crafted experiences.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The years directly after college as I transitioned into the working world were challenging for me. I graduated with the plan to pursue graphic design despite leaning more toward the artist archetype than the designer. The role of a designer caters to a client’s needs in contrast to an artist who creates from internal motivations. I threw myself into adapting into this new mode of working. The adjustment was difficult and eventually became problematic for my mental health. In the process, I stopped practicing art, lost my creativity and became completely unmotivated. I struggled with anxiety, depression and addiction.
In the last few years, I reclaimed my life and creativity. I’ve come a long way and developed positive coping mechanisms such as self-compassion, mindfulness and growth mindset. Freeing myself from the weight of self-doubt has opened up my creativity. I realize now that part of my decision to pursue design was out of fear. I was afraid that I couldn’t make a living making art. I believed that design was the safe, rational, secure choice. What I didn’t realize was how crucial my art practice is for my mental well-being. Now my studio focuses on a broader range of projects that satisfy my itch for art and design.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
My studio work spans across art and design. You can find me designing, painting, lettering, and drawing all in the span of a week depending on my clients’ needs. Whether I’m commissioned to create a painting, design a wedding invitation, or craft a branded experience, I’m dedicated to creating solutions that enrich and impact the project through intention, research and flawless execution. With my background in art, design and marketing, I offer a unique perspective of visual expression and brand experience. I breathe life into all my projects through human-centric strategy, emotive connection, and crafted experiences.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My friends, family, colleagues, therapists, teachers and community. You all create the safe space I needed to heal, growth, and thrive. Thank you for your support through everything.
Contact Info:
- Address: 510 S Ardmore Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90020 - Website: www.lizsandersstudio.com
- Phone: 4045384401
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizsanders_creates/
Image Credit:
Nenah Bondi
Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
