We had the good fortune of connecting with Ava Lauryn and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Ava, do you disagree with some advice that is more or less universally accepted?
“Good things come to those who wait” is a piece of advice I disagree with. Even though patience is valuable, this saying is misleading if someone takes it as waiting alone is enough. Good things come to people who take risks and work towards their goals.
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.
I’m an illustrator and fine artist so my work is a mix of digital art, traditional art, and comic illustrations. What sets my art apart is my experience with these different forms of art and it helps me have fun with different styles and techniques. I take inspiration from what’s happening around me and one of my favorite things to do is to use my boyfriend’s photography as a reference for my art. He’s very talented in capturing movement in frozen moments and it inspires me and adds a layer of depth to my art.
One of the things I’m most proud of is my ability to tell stories through art, whether it’s in one piece or a sequence of comic panels. Each project is something new and I’m always excited for where my creativity will take me.
I’ve experienced some challenges like finding my voice or navigating the business side of art but I’ve learned the importance of patience and having a support system. My mom has been a big part of this by helping me stay organized and focused, and her support has been so very helpful. Each challenge has made me a stronger artist and has made me more passionate.
What I want the world to know about my brand and story is that my art is a reflection of my life and journey. It’s about growth, resilience, and my joy of creation. I hope that my art resonates with other people, artist and non artist, and inspires them in their own artistic journeys.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting LA, I’d have to take them to all my favorite places. We’d start with a meal at Dan Sang Sa, my favorite Korean BBQ restaurant that screams LA with graffiti on the walls and a cozy atmosphere. For dessert I’d take them to Motto Tea Cafe in Pasadena for their delicious Japanese fluffy pancakes and their Mango in Kyoto drink, which is a combination of mango, matcha, and milk. I would also take them to Universal Studios for the Studio Tour because you get to see behind the scenes of classic movies and it’s a great “Hollywood” experience if you’re visiting or you want to feel like a tourist. For a dinner we’d definitely stop by Lido’s Pizza. It’s a great spot for a casual meal with delicious hawaiian pizza, which I know has mixed takes but I love. After dinner we could even take a train to Santa Barbara, the ride itself is a highlight and you can take great pictures when you get there. Each of these places has a special spot in my heart, and sharing them with my best friend would make a very memorable experience.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to the people who have been my sources of love, inspiration, and support. I want to thank my Mom and Dad for always believing in what I can accomplish and teaching me values that guide me everyday. To my brother, Ash Lee, whose resilience and joy inspires me more than words can say. And to my boyfriend, Will, who is my best friend and support beam in every step of my journey. Thank you for all of your love and encouragement.
Website: https://avalauryn.com
Instagram: ava_lauyrn_