Meet Arali West: Graphic Designer & Content Creator

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

Hi Arali, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Work life balance can be hard for many! Especially when transitioning to work from home during the pandemic. I have a 3 year old daughter and another one on the way so my balance has shifted extremely over the last couple years. I find mental and physical health of my family the most important so I always prioritize that first. I don’t think balance needs to be set in stone, some seasons may change and what I prioritize after family can change (i.e. spending more time in nature, doing some extra exercising etc.). There isn’t a perfect formula for everyone so I think it’s important to identify what brings you peace, how much of a work load you can handle and what causes any stress/anxiety.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My background is in graphic design and photography. I initially wanted to be a writer but towards the end of my schooling I noticed I really gravitated to layout design in magazine rather than the actual articles. I found another way to tell a story — through design. I finished my degree with a communications degree with a concentration in journalism and then I went on to get another degree in graphic design. Having a journalism degree has really paved way in my thinking when I started working in fashion/beauty within the marketing and social media realm. I picked up quickly what makes successful campaigns work. I also did some schooling in photography because I loved it as a hobby which also turned into paying jobs. Having multiple skill sets has gotten me hired (for the good and bad). I’ve worked with many companies–full time and freelance. For those who think it’s a glamorous life, it is definitely not! Haha there is a lot of turn over in the industry and people always wanting your job and most work is done in a highly time-sensitive and stressful manner. Can it be fun? Yes. Are there fun perks? Yes. You have to weigh if it’s worth your time and energy and if you’re at the company you really love and support. Lessons I’ve learned along the way–be true to yourself and your aesthetic. Most likely someone will hire you because of your aesthetic, experience and work ethic. Trust yourself, even when you feel like you have no creative bone in your body. With so many creative and social platforms it’s hard to get lost in other peoples aesthetic. We start to loose our own identity. I know I feel like that some times! Stay away from comparison, it can be a worst enemy.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love spending time in Downtown Los Angeles. There is so much creativity, cool bars and great food. I love the Row where you can walk around and shop small businesses. On Sunday’s they typically have Smorgasburg where you can grab some food and speciality drinks. Due to covid I know some of these events may be postponed for now. I also really love the Line Hotel in Koreatown. I use to live down the street and they have a super cute restaurant that looks like a greenhouse. Super healthy eats if you’re into that. My FAV restaurant is MASA in Echo Park. They have the best pasta and pizza. This isn’t fair because now I’m really hungry… Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my husband who has been on such a wild ride with me over the last couple years.

Website: www.araliwest.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/araliwest

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/araliwest

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=4DoNLZHkQPaG0RDGfn5UHg