Today we’d like to introduce you to Sousan Abdul-Razzak.
Hi Sousan, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I have a background in graphic design but I always like to say that I’m sort of a “Jack of all trades, master of none.” During the whirlwind summer of 2020, somewhere in between a failed attempt at gardening and realizing that a Cooking for Dummies book is probably still too advanced for me, I decided to try my hand at watercolor painting. I have photographs from many trips I’ve taken over the past years and decided to use those as an inspiration. I loved what I was creating so much that I decided to open Lilyvine Design. Thanks to that background of graphic design I mentioned, I am able to control all the aspects involved when it comes to creating prints from my watercolors. The “Jack of all trades” bit comes in handy when running a small business on your own. I’m sort of a one-man band when it comes to Lilyvine Design. In addition to being the artist behind Lilyvine Design, I edit the watercolors for print, stock inventory, take product pictures, run the website and social media platforms… and I am the printing, packaging and shipping department! But it’s all worth it to me! It has been so much fun learning all the little details involved in starting and running a small business. I truly love what I’m creating and I couldn’t ask for a more exciting and creative new journey!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Anyone who knows me is aware of my slight perfectionist tendencies. Being a perfectionist comes in handy sometimes, for things like design and appearance of the website or packaging… getting things JUST right when it comes to quality. However, it’s also an enormous burden. I’m definitely one of those people who will show you two pictures of the same thing, but one has a tiny boost in saturation or something, and then I’ll ask you which one looks better. A small change that’s invisible to the average human eye but a major deal to a perfectionist. So that kind of challenge can result in me spending way too much time on one thing while also slowly driving me to insanity. Another challenge for me would probably be self-doubt. I think it’s also a side effect of that perfectionist quality. With so many people diving into their talents and showcasing them, it’s so easy to compare yourself to others. There are some amazingly talented people out there! One thing I’ve learned though, is that there’s an audience for everyone! Never doubt your style because it doesn’t look as good as someone else’s style because there WILL be people who share their appreciation and admiration with you and that goes such a long way!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m someone who draws and paints using watercolor so I guess that would make me a watercolorist! My artwork definitely has an illustrative style to it. I try to create paintings that have a fun and vibrant feel… paintings that keep things light and warm! I’m most proud of the paintings I have done of various city scenes. I started Lilyvine Design with watercolor prints of European cites I had painted. I currently am working on a US cities set and I just love how they are turning out! I would say that something that sets me apart from others is my simplicity. I have always had a great appreciation for simplicity in design. It’s okay to have white space! I think another thing that sets me apart is having a background in graphic design. I think that definitely explains my style but it also allows me to tap into that professional side of being an artist. Because of that graphic design knowledge, I am able to create prints and cards of my artwork while also building a brand. I don’t sell artwork as Sousan, I sell it as Lilyvine Design. I love the retail aspect just as much as the creative aspect. Lilyvine Design revolves around the artwork created by me and together, it develops this unique brand and style, which is also a reflection of my personal painting style.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I’m definitely not a risk-taker. I play things pretty safe with the exception of my ongoing punctuality struggle, which can sometimes make me feel like I’m living on the edge! I think everything involved with starting a business can be considered risk-taking. For me, it isn’t easy to market myself and my business to others. I think that’s a big hurdle for some people because it takes some confidence to believe in your ideas enough to tell others about it. Overall, I think risks have their time and place. If it’s a risk where the result can either be positive or leave things unchanged, then it might be worth considering. However, if it’s a risk that can result in others being hurt, I think it’s better left untaken.
Contact Info:
- Email: lilyvinedesign@gmail.com
- Website: www.lilyvinedesign.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lilyvinedesign
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lilyvinedesign
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/LilyvineDesignShop
