Meet Ellada Davtyan of Ellada Designs in Hollywood

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ellada Davtyan.

Ellada, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Picture it: Hollywood 2006, it’s 5am and twelve-year-old Ellada is rushing out of bed to be the first user on her household’s fancy-schmancy-virus-flooded Dell computer. My family dismissed me, assuming I was playing computer games all day when actually, I was teaching myself how to create graphics and websites from scratch.

Fast forward to nineteen-year-old Ellada. I was still very much in love with everything artistic, and the time had come for me to choose a major at Cal State Northridge. People constantly urged me not to major in graphic design, “It’s such a competitive field.” But, I did it anyway and graduated with honors. After graduation, I had to work very very hard (and did my fair share of grunt work) but this eventually paid off and I landed the great job I have now where I’m very happy.

Today, I consider myself a multi-disciplinary designer since I dabble in graphic design, visual design, and UI design for websites. I currently work full-time as a graphic designer for a branding and packaging design agency. For me, there is nearly nothing more fulfilling than working with inspiring individuals that love what they do and can laugh at my silly jokes.

Everyday I remind myself how far I’ve come, to remain grateful, and strive to constantly grow. I am always interested in connecting with other creatives! Feel free to reach out if you want to collaborate, get feedback, ask questions, or simply want to share stories.

Has it been a smooth road?
During interviews, companies told me that they didn’t want to hire someone straight out of college, that I needed more experience. So I went out and got it. I had multiple freelance jobs and internships, but it wasn’t enough financially (or creatively fulfilling, which makes a huge difference). Eventually, I landed a full-time job which was great! But then I learned other hard lessons about office culture and finding “the right fit.”

In the beginning, I struggled a lot with confidence and unequal treatment. Finally, enough was enough, and I began appreciating my worth as a designer. I started looking for another job where I could feel this everyday – where I could create exciting designs and learn from other talented designers. I had to go through the struggles to land the awesome job I have today, with people that not only value their employees but inspire me.

I have learned not to compare myself to other people and in time everything works out. There are still days when it’s hard and when I’m my own worst enemy, but I just remind myself that it will pass if I stay grateful, curious, and continue to strive for my best. Working with good people, with the right fit, also means that I always have a bunch of creatives around me for support, I don’t have to do it alone.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Ellada Designs – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I currently work full-time as a graphic designer at an agency that I love (though I sneak in freelance projects that really excite me). I specialize in packaging design, branding, and web design.

As an artist, I create passion projects during my free time that I post on Instagram (@elladadesigns) and on Dribbble (dribbble.com/elladadesigns). I call them “vector art” rather than illustrations. I am fortunate to have a lot of opportunities to bring my personal style into the designs I create for my professional work. Words cannot express how happy I feel when a client had a bunch of amazing designs to choose from and they chose my work, with my specific style! Not only are they choosing my art piece, but I feel amazing knowing it’s my work that will help them stand out from their competition.

In my work, I purposefully use bold colors in unexpected combinations, creating a palette that often contradicts the message behind the piece in an impactful way. Oftentimes it’s just a fun accident that creates something amazing that I didn’t expect, and a piece that I love. I’m heavily influenced by photography from unsplash.com and am inspired by illustrators like Malika Favre, Petra Eriksson, Francisco Reyes Jr., and Olimpia Zagnoli.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I feel very fortunate to have grown up in Los Angeles because it’s totally flooded with vibrant culture. I can’t get enough of the food, weather, architecture, neighborhoods, everything! I love that there is always something to do, whether you’re alone or have people to enjoy the city with.

Art is really appreciated in Los Angeles, and as a creative, feeling inspired is a daily requirement for me. It’s simply comforting to be surrounded by a city of dreamers who feel the same way.

The downsides (which I think everyone in LA can agree on) are the horrible traffic and the cost-of-living. Public transportation is not the best, but I’d rather take the Red Line to downtown LA than drive.

For me, the downsides are small compared to everything I get to experience living here. I feel very lucky to be an LA native and I love that no matter how long I live here there will always be something new to discover.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://elladadavtyan.com/
• Email: davtyanellada@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/elladadesigns
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/elladadesigns
• Other: https://www.behance.net/elladadesigns

Image Credit:
Photo of me taken by Marcio Freitas, http://www.marcio9k.com/; Some of my inspiration for vector art, Unsplash.com

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