Daily Inspiration: Meet Sarah Zoraya

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Zoraya.

Hi Sarah, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’m an artist, designer, and a dj. You may not know my name, but you’ve probably seen or interacted with my work. I’m mostly known for my graphic design and art direction. I do work for global bands (primarily in music and fashion), small businesses, friends and sometimes for myself.

I’ve spent the last 10 years or so living in Echo Park where I have a boutique design studio, RM8. I’m currently working with a few creative agencies on large-scale projects and I also do a monthly dance music showcase on LA’s Dublab Radio called Love. Sound. Acid.

I grew up in suburban Detroit. My grandmother was a painter and a sculptor and my mother a talented textile artist and creative in her own right. Detroit has always been a very design-centric city—the automobile arguably the most significant object ever designed—and I was exposed to the arts early on by my family. I also developed a love for Detroit’s other big exports, house/techno, and with that came a taste for a darker, more dystopian aesthetic and an interest in the relationship between music and design. I studied graphic design and earned a BFA from California College of Arts and Crafts in San Francisco in 2005. I got my first break as a graphic designer shortly thereafter, working at a boutique agency in SF (Vehicle) and have been in the industry ever since. I started as a graphic designer, worked up to an art director and eventually became a creative director here in LA before deciding to go out on my own.

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?
Smooth? Definitely not. I’ve been laid off (fired?) twice. But in the words of my current favorite rapper BIA. “Take me back to when I lost my job, I told ’em, “F$ck you”.

In all seriousness though, the creative industry is not easy and being an artist or a designer comes with years of self-doubt. It’s extremely competitive and cutthroat. It can be hard, especially when you’re first starting out. You have to have a thick skin, you have to really want it, and you have to learn when to keep your mouth shut.

I think developing my own personal body of work, and my music practice has been important in having an outlet that is just mine so that when I’m working for others it’s about ‘US’. Most—if not all—design projects involve collaboration. Now, I find joy in the collaboration. When you work with other people and together, you create something better than what you would have done on your own. Those are really the best moments!

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I work within the music and fashion industry. I’ve designed a handful of records and I recently collaborated with my friend Aura T09 on the Red Hot Chili Peppers album art. I’ve also designed logos for a few of your favorite afterhours, as well as countless flyers. I have a ton of experience on set. I’ve directed global beauty and fashion campaigns.

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up I was interested in art. I don’t think there was ever a question of what I do with my life, in the sense I was sort of groomed for this early on. I’ve always had a rebellious streak and need for adventure.

Contact Info:

• Website: sarahzoraya.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarah_zoraya/
• Other: https://www.dublab.com/shows/love-sound-acid

Image Credits
image 02 – Todd Parker image 08 – Joy Wong