Today we’d like to introduce you to Sylvine Maliko.
Hi Sylvine, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started making Art at a young age, around four. It’s always been a part of me. I’ve learned a lot by myself and never went to art school. At 19, I realized that it was my destiny. I wanted to become a full-time Artist and do it for the rest of my life. Got more serious in 2019-2020 during Covid. I spent hours creating in my room when I was still living with my family in Quebec City. Building my social media and working on the business side of everything.
During this time I went viral for the first time because of my content on Tiktok but it wasn’t enough for me. At some point, you want more. Don’t get me wrong, it was a beautiful thing, knowing that my art touched so many people and I’m still super grateful for it because it got me where I am today. But going viral at this time still wasn’t enough to me because I wasn’t making sales or at least enough sales from all my hard work.
I was discouraged but I kept going… Took a few breaks in the first 7-8 months of 2021 and got a regular job to save some money and move to Montreal Quebec.
I was planning on going to the University of Montreal (to study interior design) but I changed my mind and refocused on Art again. I tried something new that somehow, I knew was maybe going to change my situation. That’s when I started digital art in September 2021 on my phone.
For the next four months I work as hard as I could, made art every day, and worked twice harder on building my social media and of course the marketing side. I told God, this is my last shot. If I don’t make it by the end of this year, I’m going back to school right after…
Boom! December 1st things went crazy for me. Coca Cola contacted me for their campaign (no one knew yet) and three days later, the traffic on my website was unbelievable because of a picture from a client that I posted on Twitter!
That’s when I realized that my dream was actually happening and that I was about to become a full-time artist and really live from my art. All I could think was: Thank you God! This is all you!
It’s 2023 now, I’m still a full-time artist, my art business is doing well, but of course I want more! So I’m still working hard for the goals I have. I see bigger things and so I can’t stop now until I reach them. “Whatever I put my mind to, I can achieve.”
I’m planning on going back to school this year to learn new skills. Not art related but it’s definitely to help me get further with my business.
I’m still writing my story and hopefully, I’ll have a good ending. I believe I will, as long as I keep God on my side.
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?
It was definitely hard! I was lucky to have some supportive members of my family and friends but you know, they want the best for you. Art is not always the most realistic road to “success”, specially in our society. From the time I could feel that people around me was looking at me like I was delusional and should go back to school. I appreciate them for worrying but I’m glad I decided to listen to myself because I had a plan and even though sometimes I had my doubts, I was convinced that as long as I work hard for it, I’ll make it!
It wasn’t a smooth road. You have to prepare your mind for the big decision you want for your life. I got depressed real bad, I wanted to give up multiple times because it wasn’t working at the time and I did questioned everything.
Thankfully I had faith in God and so it kept me going. Yes, I was in a dark place, but I knew somehow I would get out of it. I’m glad I never gave up!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My work is an hommage to my people. Black people. I want to celebrate us, how “dope” and beautiful we are! No matter what medium I use, my inspiration will always be us. I don’t think I specialize in one thing, but I love trying new things. My inspiration stays the same. It’s pretty obvious what I am known for.
I am proud to inspire so many artists out there but also that a lot of people can relate to my art and that it makes them happy. Representation is very important and I feel like we all needed that. I’m proud I was able to do it through my work.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Take risks! It will open so many doors to you. Please do it! Just be careful.
One of the biggest risks I took was give up school at the time to focus on my art. There’s consequences that come with it. I won’t get too deep but it was a huge decision. A lot of things changed because of that and it was hard.
I’m glad I took this risk because it got me where I am today. The thing for me is, if you’re ready to do this, it’s important to have a plan. Be prepared for the consequences and a lot of sacrifices. Even if you only have a few minutes to take your decision, think fast but try to be clever about it. At least as much as you can.
This way of thinking saved me from a lot of trouble.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.smard.art
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/smard.art?igshid=MWI4MTIyMDE=
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/smard_art/status/1605606783778578433?s=46&t=RZ9AqywjsCLnd5jN6Hq-yQ
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.artiiist?_t=8YpkxHJapMr&_r=1
