We had the good fortune of connecting with Angelina Sorokin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Angelina, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
Depending on how you look at it, I am from many places. My parents immigrated from Russia in the early 90’s and I am a first generation American who grew up in Nebraska. At 13 I transplanted to California and feel like I became myself in Sacramento, Ca. My dad is an artist in every sense of the word. He was a bold, bright, funny, man who saw the opportunity for creativity and wonder in rare places and a lot of him rubbed off on my outlook on the world and the ways in which I see the ordinary as extraordinary. My dad was an oil painter and my sister and I would tag along to the monthly open gallery evenings. I feel like during those moments of seeing everyone else’s studios/work I knew that a lifetime of creativity lay ahead of me. My mom is a very spiritual person and she has definitely impacted my search for meaning and depth on my personal and creative levels. I see the world as a beautiful place not because there isn’t darkness but because there is light and I feel like my upbringing helped me with this viewpoint.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Here is my big creative secret: I have been training my thoughts to see potential for creativity in everything. And I mean everything. Because of this my mind picks up personal creative projects everywhere, I can’t even keep up. Having this mindset means that I’m never sitting around waiting for inspiration. I go about my daily rituals and practices and out of the blue opportunities always find me. I’m very happy to share my secret though if it can bring someone else closer to their creative self.

The hope for my analog and digital art is that it is whimsical but also has a level of depth. There is so much noise in the world and if I am adding to it I want it to be coming from a place of wonder and necessity. I am excited to keep growing in this and finding new ways to fine tune my creations.

Being a freelance graphic designer has not been an easy path for me, I am still learning and growing but I can say that I trying my best and am proud of the client and personal work that I share with the world. As a graphic designer and illustrator I feel the gravity of my visual choices and take responsibility for my creations because ultimately they are linked to the many that have come before and paved a way for me to be who I am today.

What I want those who are impacted by my art to see is that our creativity is a powerful tool to stir up joy and that people should be more open to play within their creative discipline. If it’s not bringing you closer to yourselves then what’s the point? I am very curious to try as many different analog art forms out as I can in my lifetime and every time that I learn something new I see that my creativity stretches and is made better.

Something that I’ve learned is that every project always works out and that there really is no need to stress. There is a natural course in projects and if you put in the work, the end result will be powerful for you (the maker), the client and the audience. So at times when I have a lot on my plate I remind myself of this principle and trust the process.

It’s been a joy to create and share in my 20’s and I’ve stepped into my 30’s this year with bright eyes for what’s to come!!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m living in the capital of California…Sacramento! A sweet gem of a place that I am proud to call home. My itinerary would include a wide array of activities.

One evening would include a visit to the giant Stardust Vintage Emporium and then the drive in theaters (usually double feature) in the evening. These are located near about 15 Korean restaurants and on my favorites is YD Tofu house.

A lovely morning would include a visit to Faria for baked goodies (Located in Oak Park which also has some cute local shops) and then Scorpio Coffee, then we would take everything on a picnic to the American River (lots of access points throughout the city) for some nature. If it’s summer we could even take a dip. One of my favorite spots is in William B. Pond park, a secluded area with big red slab rocks and wild blackberries in the summer.

The Saturday morning farmers market downtown is lovely and then perhaps an afternoon outing to Tower Cafe (the tuna sandwich is yummy) and then a showing at the iconic Tower Theater. Let’s say the visit falls on the monthly Sac Antique Faire as well (7 am-3pmish.)

The Crocker Art Museum, Downtown Mural Tour and Old Sacramento would be another good pairing, they are near each other!

Food Spots: Pushkins, Canon (Has Michelin Stars), Tank House BBQ, Maydoon, Bacon & Butter, Ramen House Ryujin, Kru, Kin Thai Street Eatery, World Famous Hotboys, Pizzasaurus Rex, Ro Sham Beaux and Franquette 🙂

Coffee: Scropio, Temple, Milka, Mill, Pachamama, Cora and Mast

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My parents & sister Maggie who ALWAYS support me and believe in my creative journey. Also all of my creative friends in the Sacramento community who lift each other up and applaud each others success’s!

Website: https://angelinasorokin.design/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visualconversations/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelina-sorokin-b61057155/

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