Today we’d like to introduce you to Naomi Tirronen.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Naomi. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
It started with me failing to get into every UC school I applied to. I always thought I just needed good grades to move forward in life, but what I really needed was passion. For as long as I can remember, I was always involved in art and design, but it never occurred to me that I could go to school for it. My failure brought on an early quarter life crisis that forced me to search for an answer. So, I went to community college and after changing my major a hundred times, I finally took a leap of faith in myself. I applied to ArtCenter College of Design and graduated as valedictorian! Since graduating, I’ve been on a new journey of creative self-discovery. I’ve been pursuing a career in digital and brand design, but have maintained my love of print through the creation of Horai Magazine.
Great, 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?
Sometimes, I wish things went more smoothly, but then I think how boring my life would be. My biggest challenge has been balancing the work I love, with the work I need.
When I was working full-time, the work that I needed to grow wasn’t always very exciting. So, I started looking into work that fulfilled me. The problem was finding the time. At the end of the day, I was always tired and found it difficult to start a project from scratch. As a freelancer, the work comes in waves. Managing those waves can be difficult on its own. Trying to add a passion project on top has been quite the juggling act.
For those who are just starting, my advice would be to trust your gut and get uncomfortable. I think our culture doesn’t always celebrate acting on our self-awareness, but I believe it’s one of the more powerful tools we have as human beings. We also tend to stay in our own bubbles – it’s comfortable. But I think the best way to grow is by making yourself uncomfortable. Try things you always secretly wanted to do or things that you always said you’d never do. You just might learn something about yourself.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
So, right now, I’m a freelance digital product designer and art director where I mainly focus on creating digital solutions and brand identities for various clients and/or design agencies. The subject matter is always changing. I’ve done work from digital products for cancer research scientists to art direction for startups to small branding projects for blogs. The variety is one of my favorite parts.
In my spare time, I work on Horai Magazine, which is the project I’m most proud of at the moment. I really got to fail and succeed in my own ways with it. Creating a magazine has helped me on this personal creative journey, as well as connect me with the creative community in LA. I’m so grateful anytime someone wants to be part of it and is willing to go with some of my crazy ideas.
We’re interested to hear your thoughts on female leadership – in particular, what do you feel are the biggest barriers or obstacles?
I think the biggest barrier is the perception that there just aren’t enough women who are qualified to be in leadership positions. Total BS! I always hear, “We haven’t hired a female creative director because there are just fewer women.” There are many resources to find female talent such as Ad Women or Free the Bid. There’s really no excuse.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.horai.co/
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @thisishorai
- Other: http://naomitirronen.com
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