Today we’d like to introduce you to Hrachouhi Zakaryan.
Hi Hrachouhi, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I have always been drawing since I was very little. I would design clothes and draw fairies all the time. In high school, I was persuaded by an art teacher to study fine arts instead of fashion design and I followed his advice. I studied at Art Center, Pasadena City College and graduated with a BFA in Illustration from Long Beach State University. The first years following my graduation were bumpy career-wise since my husband and I were trying to make ends meet, but gradually I learned more and more along the way. I opened my Etsy shop in 2011 and have been working as an illustrator ever since.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I definitely had very little idea on how to make a living as an artist when I graduated from art school. I knew what I liked and that was about it. I started doing just that, making art about the things I enjoyed and slowly ideas came and plans began to unfold. I had to learn about packing/shipping art, quoting my work, making sure clients were fully satisfied and so much more. Eventually, I found myself in a position where I was being reached out to by others for advice. This past year has definitely been my most successful yet making me all the more inspired and excited for the future.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
The main inspiration for my work has been my cultural heritage. My BFA graduation exhibition was a collection of pieces inspired by Armenian traditions, art and history. Since then, I’ve been inspired over and over again to create work that has Armenian roots. I have also since incorporated my love of the Divine and nature into most of the work I create. I have authored and illustrated 3 Armenian children’s books since the birth of my first daughter Arevik and plan on making more as I find this to be my most satisfying way of making art. Children’s books played such a big role in my life growing up and gave me so much pleasure that creating them is the most natural form of expression for me. I love knowing that they can be a part of other kid’s lives around the globe. I want them to be inspired by my books to spread light and beauty more than anything else.
How do you think about happiness?
Children always make me happy. Their innocence and purity make me want to be a better person. I want to be a great example for them to be the kindest, most joyful and loving souls as they grow up. We need to be more like children and do everything to nurture them indefinitely. They deserve more than distracted, self-consumed adults.
Pricing:
- 24.99 “Arpi” book
- 12.99 “Lavash” book
- 12.99 “Karmir” book
- 3.00 sticker sheet
- 12.00 and up for prints
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: etsy.com/shop/hrachouhi
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hrachouhi/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hrachouhi/
