Ani
Harutyunyan

What led you into design?

Design is a very close specialty in my profession. I enjoy my work and it’s also a good opportunity for me to earn money. In my hometown, it is very difficult for an artist to find work with a good salary. But many offices have been opened and I decided to try.

There were many vacancies for web designers but it was not close to me as I’m an artist by my heart and soul. I chose the work of an illustrator. I searched on the Internet what it is, looked through different illustrators’ works and understood that it’s mine. I decided to study the Illustrator program which surprisingly was very easy for me.

Then I worked for one and a half year in my hometown as an illustrator. But the salaries were very low and I decided to move to the capital, to Yerevan. It was the best decision of my life as here I’m improving my skills very fast.

What does a typical day look like?

My day begins hurrying to work. Sometimes I even go to the underground with a cup of coffee in my hand. While working I also draw many sketches. I prefer to paint especially with markers.

After work, I often go for a walk with my boyfriend who works with me. He is an animator. In the evening I also like to walk with my dog. I end up the day doing freelance work.

What’s your setup?

The office where I work is very quiet and comfortable. All are my old acquaintances. I always draw in my sketchbook. Here I develop my skills. And at home, I draw playing with my puppy, make speedpaints and upload them on my Instagram.

Where do you go to get inspired?

I like to look at illustrations on Pinterest, Behance, and Dribbble. Besides those, I always follow what exhibitions there are in museums and what lectures there will be in Armenia. Unfortunately, there are very few. A short time ago I was at Frida Kalo lecture which greatly inspired me.

I often go to Martiros Saryan museum who was a great Armenian artist. If he lived now he would create great illustrations though at his time he painted in tales books using watercolors technique. These paintings are great and every artist should see them. There is an endless source of inspiration.

He also has great works with oil paint where he depicted Armenia’s nature. Last year I went to Moscow to the exhibition of Klimt and Shilley sketches. Unfortunately, there were only a few sketches but they inspired me a lot. I like to follow trends and be in trends.

What product have you recently seen that made you think this is great design?

When I see this illustrator’s works I think they are wonderful. I try to reach his level. I look at them every day. His name is Pascal Campion.

What pieces of work are you most proud of?

This one is my latest work. And every new work makes me more proud. Also these ones:

What design challenges do you face at your company?

Little time is always the biggest challenge for me. When I first started design it was difficult for me to give up traditional painting which I had learnt in all my life especially when no one directs you and you have to do everything alone. It is a big challenge for me. I think many artists cannot overcome it and give up this sphere. But I worked hard on myself and made this sphere mine. I studied for a long time until I created my style.

When I started to work in the office it was very hard to create what the orderer wanted. It is also a challenge to understand what the orderer wants. Of course, it is very difficult for an artist as artists like to create what they want and when they are beginners they cannot do it. Until you find yourself in this sphere, do not your style you will not understand what they want. I wanted to reach that point and I finally achieved it. I enjoy my work and don’t get tired.

What music do you listen to while designing?

Any advice for ambitious designers?

I advise them to draw a lot by hand. Find your weaknesses and work on them. Look at other illustrators’ works and form your own style.

Anything you want to promote or plug?

The link to my Dribbble portfolio - https://dribbble.com/aniani

You can also find my works on Creative Market.