We are so proud of our Make Art That Sells Alumni, that we are pleased to continue a series of spotlight interviews showcasing their successes and artwork. We also ask them to share how the MATS courses have helped them learn and grow. You can see more Alumni Success stories here
Today, we have an interview with Dariana Moreira of Dari Design Studio. Dariana has taken the MATS Creating Collections for Home Decor.
Tell us a little about how you got started in art and design
I have no doubt that my start in art and design was strongly influenced by my mom and dad, both architects, and my older sister, Dariela. My mom, in particular, believed that art, design and aesthetics can be used to create a different reality. For as long as I can remember, I have always been attracted to and interested in arts and crafts and making things by hand. My mom nurtured those interests by taking us to museums at least twice a month and enrolled us in art classes of all kinds at a young age. After trying knitting, embroidery, sewing, guitar lessons, piano lessons and many more I was hooked on ballet and ended up graduating as a classical ballerina after 10 years of study. I graduated college with a BA in Advertising and Marketing in Venezuela and later worked as a marketing and graphic designer for several companies in Venezuela, Mexico City and Los Angeles. In 2006, I co-founded Folklore Eye, a paper arts company with Dariela which is now rebranded as Dari Design Studio and provides more ample commercial arts services.
Lilla always says “People buy your joy.” What brings you joy?’
Oh where to start? I’m very passionate about colors, nature, distinctive textures, sharing ideas, connecting with new friends, reading blogs and inspiring books, learning new things, quiet time and entrepreneurial endeavors, and those are the things that keep me feeling joyful about life and work! I also love diving into creative cultural travels in search of inspiration and new forms of art.
Which is your favorite market(s) to design for and why?
I enjoy designing for several markets. Home decor is definitely at the top of my list because it’s very versatile and because there is space to work with endless possibilities and substrates. I love home decor also because I personally get inspired and lifted by the ambience a room has. Gift and stationery is also one of my favorites, mainly because I am such an admirer and consumer of the industry myself. And lastly editorial, I haven’t really done anything much in this market yet but I know it calls me and when the time is right I will give it my all. I love communicating a deep idea with my paintings, I also find it challenging so I like that.
What are you working on currently?
I am working on several projects. We continue to create various collections based on what we learned in the Home Decor Mats class. Right after the MATS class, I worked on a personal project called #SoulfulHandwork. It’s about painting a series of different hands and converting them into mobiles. Each one represents a reminder of a quality in life that can help us be more beneficial on this planet. The paintings also carry a lot of symbols as reminders of what to do in certain times of despair. I am now commissioning those paintings through Minted for individuals to purchase.
This year we are offering a new hands-on coaching program called Shine for first time SURTEX exhibitors. My sister and I learned so much from exhibiting and we understand how overwhelming and exciting the whole process can be. Our program covers 5 aspects including Branding, Marketing, Booth Design, Show Prep, and Show Day and features several webinars with guest experts. In addition, we’ll coach exhibitors all the way to SURTEX and even help with setup and break-down. If an exhibitor just needs help with one or two areas, they can purchase individual modules or bundles here. We’re so excited to be offering this service, it’s one-of-a-kind!
What are some of the key things you have learnt from the MATS experience?
One thing that stuck with me was the general structure of bringing a collection to life. I have created a mini accountability group where we use that structure to assure we are creating art regularly. Another key element was to really push myself to adventure into the unknown and unique. To go there where my work might look weird or not sellable just for the sake of finding pieces that reflect more of my own voice.
How have the classes helped your artwork evolve /grow?
The Home Decor class helped me bring structure and clarity into my work systems. That in turn brought a space for less resistance, and that in turn opened up a new well of creativity to bring into my art.
The industry insights that are shared in that class also made me add new elements to my work and re-arrange my art differently. I think our presentation is much better now.
Any aha moments during MATS you would like to share?
I had an aha moment when one day I found myself looking at 3D home decor pieces differently and also the other way around when I started looking at my art in 3D.
What are your key successes since taking a MATS class?
My key success has been to make my art into a 3D piece and pitch it. I used to create mock ups before but this is certainly different. Also, another key success is that I have gained an even stronger certainty of the markets I want to work with.
How would you describe taking a MATS class to a fellow artist looking to develop their art
It’s a hands on class. Make sure you allow space on your schedule so that you can absorb the class fully and have time to give it your all. Stay connected with the community as much as you can. I felt that the class exceeded my expectations.
What is your dream gig for your artwork?
A home decor or stationery collection featured at Target, or any other store I love!
See more work here: Website | Facebook | Instagram
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Graduates of our courses have gone on to win work from clients such as Hallmark, Robert Kaufman Fabrics, Oopsy Daisy, Uppercase Magazine, West Elm, Midwest CBK, and more. It is industry learning that works in the real world. Find out more HERE and start today!
