I love being a surface design teacher and one of the things that makes it so wonderful is being able to meet really special people from around the world and have them as students. One of those ladies is Sara Trovati and I’m proud to celebrate her as this month’s spotlight designer.
Please Introduce Yourself
I was born and raised in Italy (where I currently live with my husband and two daughters) but I always felt the world was my home, ready to move anywhere near or far. . .just say the word. I have been living and breathing art since I can remember and to this day one of the best Christmas presents I ever got is an easel, brushes, and oil colors when I was a little girl.
Tell us a little bit about your design journey.
Growing up I went to art school and decided graphic design was my path. Right out of college I started working as a graphic designer but when I became a mom my family became my priority and gave my whole to my daughters. But kids grow up and even though I’m still a mom and love my daughters to the moon and back, I felt a piece of me was missing and it was my art.
So I got myself a brand new computer and started designing wedding invitations, kids parties coordinates, and all those pretty things and suddenly it hit me:
What were all those pretty repeats I was buying off websites? Can’t I make them myself?
So I improvised, I took tons of online classes until I felt that it was what I wanted to do with my art…I wanted to become a surface pattern designer!
What advice about the surface design industry has been most helpful to you in your career so far?
It’s not advice, but taking your Pitch Your Portfolio course has, with no doubt, helped me the most. It gave me the confidence and the tools to put myself out there and start reaching out to companies and have the right mindset to get down to business.
What has been your favorite client collaboration to date and how did you find them?
The one client I have at the moment, since I’m still brand new and in the process of reaching out to companies, actually I didn’t find but they found me. They saw me on Instagram and reached out and what a boost of enthusiasm it has been! Even the biggest surface designer out there had that first client, right?! I am currently working on other collaborations but not quite there yet, and keep reaching out to companies keeping my fingers crossed.
When you look back at your design journey so far, what are you most proud of?
My journey is still at the beginning but looking back so far I am proud I have been able to put an end to what I was doing to learn something new. Starting from zero can be scary at times but I did it. I am proud I had the courage to start over in something I had no idea was a thing and a career until I stumbled upon it.
What advice would you give to surface designers who are struggling?
Struggling is a common ground, who doesn’t struggle at times?! But if you take baby steps, even the hardest path can look brighter and a little smoother.
Be a sponge and absorb everything you can learn from more experienced artists and use it to your advantage.
Where can we find you?
Website: www.mamilladesign.com
Instagram: @mamilladesign
P.S. If you’d like to be featured on the SDR blog, you can always submit your story right here!
