Today we’d like to introduce you to Carina Yepremian.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Sure, but buckle up—it’s a wild ride! I started as the kid who would rather draw on the back of math tests than solve the equations (my teachers weren’t amused, but my doodles were chef’s kiss). Fast forward, I found myself in advertising agencies, where I learned how to design under pressure—and by “pressure,” I mean 3 AM deadlines fueled by caffeine and sheer panic.
Eventually, I realized I didn’t just want to design ads; I wanted to design worlds. That’s when I shifted into branding and graphic design full-time, creating identities for everything from youth soccer leagues to craft beer brands. Somewhere along the way, I became a creative multitasker—graphic designer, illustrator, storyteller, calligrapher—you name it.
Now I’m here, running my own creative endeavors, with an Etsy shop, a growing portfolio, and a dream to design big brands. It’s been a journey of trial, error, and lots of “aha” moments (plus a few “oh no” ones). But hey, what’s a good story without some plot twists?
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Oh, smooth road? Not even close—it’s been more of a bumpy rollercoaster with a few unexpected detours! Leaving my hometown to chase a better future was like diving headfirst into the unknown. I traded the comfort of familiarity for the chaos of starting over, and let me tell you, the adjustment was no picnic.
There were moments when I felt like I was standing at the bottom of a mountain with nothing but a pencil in my hand and a “good luck” pat on the back. Between cultural shifts, financial hurdles, and figuring out how to market my creative skills in a new place, it was a challenge to say the least.
But the struggles also taught me resilience. They pushed me to dig deep, reinvent myself, and keep going even when it felt like the odds were stacked against me. And hey, now I have some great stories—and possibly a few gray hairs—to show for it!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I like to think of myself as a creative Swiss Army knife—graphic designer at heart but also an illustrator, storyteller, calligrapher, animator, and merch designer. My work spans everything from branding youth soccer leagues and creating superhero-themed event identities to crafting art pieces for my Etsy shop. (Yes, I’m that person who will design a logo one day and hand-paint an Armenian bird alphabet the next!)
I specialize in branding—taking a spark of an idea and turning it into a fully realized identity. I’m probably best known for my work in sports branding, where I’ve developed the look and feel of entire leagues and events. What I’m most proud of? Definitely creating designs that stick—whether it’s a kid proudly wearing a jersey I helped design or someone sipping craft beer from a bottle I branded.
What sets me apart? I’d say it’s my knack for storytelling. I don’t just design logos or graphics; I create narratives that resonate. Plus, I’ve got this uncanny ability to work well under pressure—a skill honed from years of late-night deadlines. Combine that with a passion for meaningful details and a sprinkle of humor, and you’ve got me.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Inspiration is everywhere—sometimes it’s a well-designed book cover, other times it’s the patterns on my morning coffee mug. Having a multicultural background and fluently speaking four languages also keeps my creative juices flowing—I can draw from different cultures, ideas, and traditions like a well-stocked creative pantry.
When it comes to design wisdom, Alan Fletcher’s The Art of Looking Sideways is my go-to bible. It’s like having a conversation with a genius who also happens to be incredibly fun. As for apps, I’m a sucker for Procreate and Adobe tools—they’re my digital playgrounds. And honestly, Pinterest is underrated; it’s like falling into a rabbit hole of inspiration every time.
Outside of design, podcasts like Creative Pep Talk and 99% Invisible keep me motivated, while multilingual movies and books help me switch gears when I need fresh perspectives. At the end of the day, the best resources are often the simplest ones: staying curious, keeping my eyes open, and letting life itself be the teacher.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://garinga.net
- Instagram: @garinga
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carina-yepremian-98b0111ba
- Other: https://garingaworld.etsy.com
