Today we’d like to introduce you to Ella Arie.
Ella, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
For most artists, the career path starts during childhood; mine was on the walls of our home’s stairwell and my parent’s office using “Paint” at three years old. I’m not self-made, my family’s creativity was a fortune to grow up around. Since a young age, letterforms and colors intrigued me by their working relationship in print packaging often found in my parent’s clothing factory or their yo-yo business, Halley Yo-Yo, which campaigned all over South Florida in 1998-2000. Being present during its concept development and execution, this Halley YoYo’s project sedimented a fearlessness to work hard, resembled in parents. Being raised by two entrepreneurs, instilled industrious proactivity that would later serve my creative endeavors.
Photography has been a forefront discipline since I was nine, shooting film from field trips and city walks, naturally fell in love with photojournalism. I became familiar with editing programs at the age of 12 and decided to pursue a career in arts. Earned a BFA in Graphic Design in 2014 from Miami International University of Art & Design and used my efforts to support non-profit organizations and small businesses as their Art Director to develop design solutions in brand strategy, identity, packaging, signage, social media strategy, and content creation. Since 2017, I’ve developed a ceramic line and expanded my discipline into object design. Striving to learn new things in order to evolve as a multi-disciplinary artist is pleasurable because the innovation is endless.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Without the economic support from my parents, it would’ve been harder. Nonetheless, it has been a tough road in terms of gaining trust from clients and validating my time’s worth and skills acquired over time to execute a vision. Being an avid photographer came into conflict with how I perceived myself as a designer. Whether to “brand” myself as a photographer or graphic designer, because a professor once remarked I was a “Jill of all trades, a master of none”. The struggle to empathize with my curiosity and willingness to believe that I can do both or all three simultaneously. These challenges embolden my character and work ethic.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I’m an Art Director for non-profit organizations and small businesses. Since 2017, I’ve focused on specializing in brand and social media strategy in support of change agents, specific to climate change. I’m known for using my photography and design background to supplement visual design at a lower cost than most creatives with hopes to help those with moderate to lower budgets in need of brand development. Being the Communications Manager for Miami’s Chapter, March for Science was a proud moment to launch design services and be part of a community of scientists and organizers. I envision a future of optimal collaboration and cross-discipline to build community in an equitable manner. As a storyteller, I get excited when there’s an opportunity to photograph and conceptually drive the narrative with typography.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Preparedness and evolving as a multi-disciplinary artist have been fruitful in honing in on opportunities.
Pricing:
- Event Photo: $135/Hr, 3 Hrs + $100/Hr
- Portrait Session: $450 (50 images, 15 post-edited)
- Small Biz Brand Identity: $845
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ellaarie.com
- Instagram: ella_arie
Image Credit:
Model: Viviana “Musiana” Baptista
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