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

Hi Sylvine, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Taking Risks got me where I am today! It’s never easy but it can open the right door for your life/career.

It’s a must! Taking risks will teach a lot, and you can never loose by doing so.
I was supposed to go to university for a bac in interior design but instead I chose to focus on my art career and risk it all.
Art is not something people take seriously career wise, so it was a hard choice to just focus on that. I worked hard to be were I am today and I only had that so that was my motivation.
It turned out pretty well and hopefully it will keep being that way!

Take risks! It can be life changing for you!

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.
My art is a representation of my people for my people, how beautiful Black people are. I am proud to be able to create art that people can relate to. Specially when A lot of us didn’t grow up with representation. It’s an honor for me to be part of the creatives that can make it possible!

I got here today by hard work, prayers, determination, consistency and real support! Stay focus on your goals and you’ll see that anything is possible!
Nothing is easy, and sometimes you’re going to think about giving up! But remember how bad you want it, keep telling yourself that even though you can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel, that light is still there waiting for you! Just keep moving!

The lessons I’ve learned are to: yes, take advices from people but only listen to myself! Deep down you always know what’s good for you! Stay humble no matter what cause if you don’t, life will humble you. Don’t trust anyone! Be careful who you tell the good things that’s happening to you, cause not everyone is happy for you! Take any opportunities that you can get!
Learn how to take breaks, we are human, not robots. Your body needs to rest.

I want the world to know that this world don’t move without Black people and out creativity, dopeness, intelligence, love and beauty!
We literally are the blueprint! And we should be proud to be who we are!

Black is beautiful!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Montreal is pretty big and there’s a lot of places that I’m still discovering since I’ve only been there for a year. But my fav spot so far would be either the Vieux port or Place des Art. Lot of restaurants in both areas and you can have a lot of fun around!

Honestly the whole city is a vibe! You can’t be disappointed!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give credit to all my people! Black people and specially Black women, for inspiring me every day!

You are the reason why I do what I do.

Also Thank you to all my supporters, family and real friends cause I wouldn’t be there if it wasn’t for all your support!

S/o to my big sister Jo-Kirby Aka my Manager!

Website: www.smard.art

Instagram: Smard.art

Twitter: Smard_art

Facebook: Smard art

Youtube: The.artiiist

Other: Pinterest : smard.art Tiktok : smard.art

Image Credits
Credits to : all my clients

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