Today we’d like to introduce you to Elyn Kazarian
Hi Elyn, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to be an artist. It was the one thing that was always clear to me, no matter how much life changed around me. Whether it was painting, drawing, or just creating something with my hands, I knew art would always be at the center of my world. That passion took me to ArtCenter College of Design, where I majored in Illustration/Fine Art Painting. At the time, I was fully convinced I’d become a painter, but life had other plans. During an internship at a gallery, I realized the traditional fine art world wasn’t for me. I craved something that felt more alive, collaborative, and—frankly—a little louder. That’s when it hit me: I was obsessed with album covers. Growing up, I’d spend hours poring over liner notes, trying to figure out who made the artwork that made me feel just as much as the music did. The problem? I had no idea how to break into that world or even who was responsible for it. No one in my family worked in entertainment, and I didn’t know anyone else who did.
So, I taught myself everything I could think of. With no formal graphic design training, I threw myself into learning—long days watching tutorials, re-creating album artwork for practice, and saying “yes” to any design opportunity that came my way. My first job out of school was at a local music venue. It was one of those “wear all the hats” jobs—designing posters, running social media, helping set up the stage. It was chaotic, but it was exactly what I needed to get my footing.
From there, I joined a music management company as a hybrid graphic designer and creative director. That role was a total crash course in working with artists and brands—it taught me how to navigate creative projects while balancing the unique needs of musicians. After a year and a half working there, I was laid off and ultimately decided to become self employed. I freelanced as a creative director and designer for five years, wearing all the hats: pitching ideas, directing photo shoots, designing campaigns, and everything in between.
When COVID hit, like so many others, I had to sit with not much work coming in. In 2022, I joined RCA Records as their Director of Artist Creative and Content Development, where I worked for a year. It was one of the best full-time jobs I’ve had, as I helped a variety of artists craft their visual identities and bring their stories to life in bold, exciting ways.
Looking back, my journey has been anything but linear, but that’s what I love most about it. It started with a love for art, evolved into a fascination with storytelling, and grew into a career where I get to do exactly that. Whether it’s painting, design, or creative direction, everything I’ve done has been about helping artists and brands find their voice and share it with the world.
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?
Not at all—it’s been anything but a smooth road. My journey has been filled with twists, turns, and some pretty steep uphill climbs. On the professional side, I’ve had to learn so much on my own, especially since I’ve never had a mentor. There were moments where I felt completely out of my depth, unsure of whether I was even moving in the right direction. But those struggles taught me resilience and how to figure things out as I went along.
On a personal level, the road’s been even more challenging. I’ve had to navigate some difficult personal experiences and trauma while also balancing the demands of building a career. At one point, I became a caretaker for my mom, which was incredibly rewarding but also overwhelming at times. Managing that responsibility alongside the ups and downs of my career forced me to grow in ways I hadn’t expected—it taught me patience and the importance of showing up even when it’s hard.
There were times when I questioned everything: Am I doing the right thing? Can I really keep going? But through all the struggles, I’ve always found comfort and strength in my work. Art and creativity have been my anchors, a way to process everything I’ve been through while still moving forward. It’s not always easy, but those experiences have shaped who I am today, both as a creative and as a person.
All of it has made me tougher, more adaptable, and more grateful for the wins, no matter how big or small.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Over the past 11 years, I’ve built a career as a creative director and designer, working across the music, entertainment, and brand spaces. My work spans everything from developing album campaigns and designing visual identities to directing photoshoots, music video shoots, and creating brand strategies. I’m passionate about crafting compelling visuals and experiences that resonate, whether it’s an album cover that tells a story, a merchandise collection that fans want, or a brand identity that feels fresh and authentic.
One of the things I’m most proud of is how collaborative and human my process is. I firmly believe that great work comes from great relationships. I approach every project with empathy and an open mind, which helps me build trust with the people I work with—whether they’re artists, managers, or brands. I’ve been told that my ability to make people feel at ease is one of my strengths. When people feel comfortable and supported, the work naturally flows more smoothly, and the final product reflects that harmony.
What sets me apart is that I don’t just focus on the visuals; I’m always thinking about the big picture—how the creative connects to the story, the audience, and the emotion we want to evoke. I think like a producer as much as a creative, which helps me stay adaptable and keep the moving pieces of a project aligned.
Ultimately, my goal is to bring visions to life in a way that feels intentional, thoughtful, and uniquely tailored to whoever I’m working with. Whether it’s helping an artist craft their visual language or developing a brand’s identity from scratch, I’m most fulfilled when I can take someone’s ideas and transform them into something meaningful that makes a lasting impression.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Well, most people who know me or my work probably see me as someone who’s deeply immersed in the creative world, but what they might not know is that I didn’t grow up with a blueprint for this career. I’m a child of immigrants, and nothing about my path was handed to me—I had to figure it all out on my own. That experience shaped me in ways I’m endlessly proud of, but it’s also something I don’t often share outright.
Another fun surprise? While I spend a lot of time crafting visuals and creative strategies, I’m a total music and film nerd at heart. I’ll deep-dive into the history of an artist, album or film for hours just because I’m curious. I’ll watch interviews with directors, actors and musicians. That passion for music and film is what led me to this career in the first place, and it’s still the thing that inspires me the most.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://elynkazarian.com/
- Instagram: @elynkazarian
Image Credits
Sony Music Entertainment, RAC, TRAKGIRL
