Meet Meital Shushan | Illustrator and Graphic designer

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

Hi Meital, what principle do you value most?

As an illustrator, designer, artist, and entrepreneur, I operate from a deeply ingrained place of curiosity and passion, guided by the profound Jewish principle of tikkun olam, which means “repairing the world. For the past five years, I have owned ‘SoBetty,’ an illustration and graphic design studio that has established its niche in collaborating with socially conscious organizations, including nonprofits, environmental initiatives, and businesses rooted in awareness. My specialty isn’t merely a business decision; it’s a calling that originates from my early upbringing.

My journey is ongoing, fueled by the pursuit of harmonizing art with action and beauty with meaning. I hope that through my work, I can continue to contribute to the broader tapestry of tikkun olam, mending our world one design at a time.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

Raised in Be’er Sheva, nestled amidst the expansive Israeli desert, in a vibrant neighborhood filled with both new and old immigrants, I was immersed in a melting pot of cultures. My heritage has left an indelible mark on my work, instilling in me a deep sense of social justice and a celebration of diversity, themes that I continue to infuse into my creations.

In my art, I embark on a journey into the rich narratives of Middle Eastern and North African culture, exploring the intricate interplay of femininity and the transformative power of healing. My work is a tribute to women in their most authentic form, engaged in the ebb and flow of life. Whether capturing moments of hardship or joy, my aspiration is to create a world where women are celebrated for their true selves.

My creative path has led me through diverse avenues. I’ve donned the roles of a fashion designer, makeup artist, and photographer, with each role offering a fresh canvas for me to express my love for color, form, and aesthetics.
Navigating this journey as an artist-entrepreneur has been both challenging and enlightening. While my heart finds fulfillment in the act of creation, the entrepreneur in me needed nurturing. This involved delving into the intricacies of finance, nurturing client relationships, mastering contracts, and tending to all the finer details essential for running a successful business.

In sum, my art is a reflection of my rich cultural heritage, and my journey has been a fusion of creativity and entrepreneurship. I’m proud of the path I’ve carved, the challenges I’ve overcome, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. My hope is to continue to share my unique perspective with the world through my art and brand, celebrating the strength and beauty of women and the power of diversity.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting the area for a week, I would make sure they had an unforgettable time experiencing the best of Tel Aviv. Here’s a suggested itinerary:

Day 1: Beach Bliss
● Geula Beach: Start the day with a visit to Geula Beach, where you can feel the warm sand between your toes,
breathe in the salty sea air, and take a refreshing swim to kick off your adventure.

Day 2: Carmel Market and Culinary Delights
● Carmel Market: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Carmel Market, a bustling marketplace offering everything from clothing and souvenirs to fresh fruit and spices. It’s also a hub for bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and chef-owned food stalls. Don’t miss trying local delicacies at places like Boorika and Panda Pita.

Day 3: Neve Tzedek’s Artistic Charm
● Neve Tzedek: Wander through charming narrow streets and admire the beautifully restored buildings. Shabazi Street, the central artery, is lined with boutiques offering high-end jewelry, unique art, and elegant home goods. Visit the Suzanne Dallal Center for dance and enjoy a meal at the popular café Suzanna.
Day 4: Art and Culture

● Tel Aviv Museum of Art: Dive into the rich cultural scene of Tel Aviv by visiting the Tel Aviv Museum of Art. Explore its vibrant mix of permanent collections and temporary exhibitions spanning various fields, including painting, sculpture, photography, and design.
Day 5: Nighttime Adventure

● Lewinsky Market: Experience the unique atmosphere of Lewinsky Market, a place where tradition meets hipster charm. Stroll along Lewinsky Street, now a pedestrian-only zone, and indulge in tasty treats from the various shops. Top dining spots include Dalila and Ouzeria.

● TEDER Bar: For a lively night out, head to TEDER, a bar located in the famous Beit Romano. During the day, it’s a merchant passage, but at night, it transforms into a vibrant party spot with live music and DJ performances.

This itinerary captures the essence of Tel Aviv, offering a mix of beach relaxation, cultural exploration, and culinary delights.

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?
Absolutely, I’d love to give a shoutout to several sources of inspiration and support that have played a significant role in my journey:
Morning Meditations at the Beach: These serene moments have been instrumental in helping me connect with my inner self and discover my creative voice. The tranquility of the beach setting has truly been a source of inspiration.

Gaga Dance: This unique form of dance has been a transformative experience for me. It’s where I can let go, tune into my body, and connect with my soul on a profound level. It’s been a remarkable outlet for self-expression.

Creative Women who Paved the Way: I draw inspiration from trailblazing women like Maya Angelou, Josephine Baker, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Their incredible achievements and unwavering dedication have been a guiding light for me, reminding me of the impact one can make through creativity, courage, and resilience.

My Heritage: I owe a great deal to my heritage, which continually provides me with boundless inspiration. My Moroccan and Iraqi roots have shaped my perspective and infused my work with a rich cultural tapestry.
These sources of influence have been instrumental in shaping my journey and have been essential in helping me reach where I am today.

Website: https://sobetty.co.il/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meital-shushan-01627829/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meital.shushan/

Image Credits
profile photo: Shimon Bokshtein