Those of you who have been reading this blog since the beginning (almost a year ago!) have probably noticed the big face lift that the blog underwent a couple of months ago. I’ve gotten so many great compliments about the new look and I wanted to take the time to introduce the person responsible for the lovely upgrade. Readers, meet Tara Sroka, the amazingly talented graphic designer who revamped my site and the next member of my Rock Star Squad.
Tell us a little bit about yourself
I am a freelance graphic designer and scrapbook artist helping people celebrate their lives with high quality custom made scrapbooks. Design to me is more than making type look pretty or using the color swatch palette. Design is a real passion for creating something great and the flexibility to roll up your sleeves in a moment’s notice to help out and get the job done right. It also allows me the creative freedom to play, explore and have fun. Whether you need an invitation, web site, baby announcement or scrapbook I’m the designer for you. I live in NYC with my husband, John, who is also my web design business partner! He does the back end nitty gritty work and I make it all look pretty.
Did you go through a quarter life crisis? How was your transition into the “real world?”
I don’t think I had a normal quarter life crisis. Mine was more of a mini crisis during my early thirties. After I graduated college I started working in advertising four weeks later. I decided in high school I wanted to work in advertising and set out to do that. After a few years of working crazy hours in various agencies is when I first had my mini quarter life crisis. I was going out most weekends with friends and partying trying to forget my crazy life. Around the same time as this crisis I had a bad breakup, so it was a bad time in my life. I eventually found a better job and met my husband making my life better and helping me put my crisis behind me. Although in the past 2-3 years I believe to be going through a real full quarter crisis a bit late since I’m in my 30s now.
How did you overcome your 20-something crisis?
As I just mentioned I think I am going through it now. Recently I started really reflecting on my life and what I want. I went through a really bad corporate America experience and it left me questioning everything. I am trying to figure out what I want to do in life and who I want to be. I try to live just one day at a time. I need to remember not to rush life and try not to sweat the small things, which is easier said then done. I was seriously sick last year so I feel like it gave me a better perspective. I feel more positive this year, although it took awhile to get here. There are no clear answers to get through your crisis but acceptance is the most important step.
You’re such a talented graphic designer. How did you get into your current line of work? Where do you get your creative inspiration?
I’ve always been a creative person. I loved art classes and in high school I fell in love with advertising design. This was before computer graphic design and we did everything by hand. Years later I ended up in the advertising business but working as a Project Manager. I taught myself all the art programs, created stuff for friends on the side and took Continuing Education classes for design. Eventually I started doing more design work at a company I was at and over time became a full time designer. Since leaving my corporate job this year I decided to start freelancing full time for myself. Working for myself doing design has been a great and rewarding experience. Beside graphic design I create scrapbooks for people. I find inspiration everywhere – card stores, paper stores, Target, magazines, clothing and various online sites. It’s amazing how many things can inspire me on a daily basis! Creativity is something I can’t turn off – I’m always seeing something in a different way. I can’t ever seem to read a menu without noticing the type choice, the spacing issues or other design ascetics.
How are you now living life on your own terms?
I’m still figuring this one out. For the past few years I’ve been used to living on other people’s terms and not really thinking of myself. Although last year I finally had the courage to stand up for myself and fight back. I was seriously sick and battling a rough medical condition when I realized I needed to take the time to get better. This was a huge step for me to start following life on my own terms. I realized we only get 1 chance at life and I needed to start making it count. Since then I have gotten healthy and have decided to follow my heart and try not to compromise myself. I know more now of where I don’t want to be and what I don’t want to do. I think it took me getting sick to realize there is more to life then working all the time and sacrificing my health for it.
What’s the hardest part about following your dream? What was the easiest?
The hardest part of following your dream is paying for you dream. Let’s be honest money might not make things better all the time but it sure does make things easier. The creative field is full of intense competition and there is always someone else who is better then you. As an artist self-doubt is always an issue and it’s easy to compare yourself with others. In this downturn economy it’s challenging to pay the bills and make sure you are getting what you are worth at the same time.
The easiest part of following your dreams is satisfaction. When a client is truly happy with the design or end product that I’ve designed then I am very satisfied. I am passionate about creating beautiful work for the client and for myself. I take an abundance amount of pride in my work and had an enduring work ethic that never quits when put to the test. Following my passion and heart when it comes to design is the easiest part. Making people see that and the value in it is one of the hardest parts.
Do you have any advice for anyone trying to conquer a quarter life crisis?
Have patience! Also stepping away and giving yourself time to reflect on things is important. It’s hard to but sometimes taking a break from whatever is bothering you will give you some perspective. When we are so emerged in what we are dealing with it’s hard to have an objective view and we tend to act on pure emotions. For example, I seem to always look at where I am in my life and feel unsuccessful. When I really step back and examine everything I realize that although I may not be EXACTLY where I want to be, I’m on my way. I am grateful for my health, which was an issue not too long ago. I am grateful for not being at a company that compromised who I was or what I was becoming. I am grateful that I have this time to figure out what I want to do with my life. I am making my own rules, establishing my own business and finding out who I am. I am learning how to be true to myself and to not compromise my values. Reflection and having a wider perspective are keys to realizing all this. I know it’s easier said then done, trust me – but it does help you to see things a little differently!
Anything else?
I don’t have any real answers, but I do know that YOU are the key to your own happiness. It’s easy to blame other people or outside influences for our troubles and predicaments in life but we have the power to change. I’m trying to change and live a better life. With that being said I design from the heart and try to give back to my clients pieces they will love whether it’s a scrapbook or a logo design.
As I mentioned I find that reflection is an important part to who I am. Over the last year I’ve started to slowly document what makes me ME in scrapbook layouts. It’s very cathartic to explore you own self as a subject matter. If you too would like help scrapbooking yourself – where you came from, what you have done, where you are now and where you want to be – please let me know.
If you are interested in my design work for any brand identity projects please contact me at: tara@tarasroka.com, or visit my web site at: www.tarasroka.com or follow me on twitter at: twitter.com/tarasroka
If you are interested in my scrapbook work please contact me at: tara@tarasrokadesigns.com or visit my web site at: www.tarasrokadesigns.com
Thanks so much, Tara! I completely agree that the key to our own happiness is totally within us. It’s so important to look within for the answers. If you are looking for graphic design work or amazing scrapbook work contact Tara IMMEDIATELY! She’s crazy creative, super professional and an absolute doll to work with.
Are you taking your life by the reins and living on your own terms? Then I want to feature YOU! Email me – nblades[at]gmail[dot]com – if you’d like to be the next Rock Star in our Squad.
