Artist in conversation: Diana Arus
“ I find profound inspiration in moments that might otherwise go unnoticed ”
Diana Arus is a talented Digital Illustrator, Animator, and Graphic Designer with a passion for bringing ideas to life through her creative talents. An esteemed graduate of the Faculty of Fine Arts in Damascus, Diana's pursuit of her dreams led her to Moscow, Russia, where she kick-started her career in design and animation.
In 2021, Diana made the bold move to Los Angeles, USA, where her skills and expertise were quickly recognized. She has since worked on several remarkable projects with esteemed clients such as Netflix, Prime, and Disney. Alongside these ventures, Diana also holds a role as a Digital Designer for a high-profile fashion company.
With a unique blend of creativity and technical prowess, Diana continues to create compelling digital art and animations that captivate audiences and elevate the brands she collaborates with. Her journey is a testament to the power of chasing one's dreams and the magic that happens when art and technology intersect.
What initially inspired you to become an artist, and how did you develop your unique style?
When I was 16 I saw The Little Mermaid, and I had no conceptualizing of how this is done, until the day I logged into the internet (back when it used to make that noise—haha) and I stumbled upon Glen Keane’s rough animations of Ariel, I thought it was some black magic! Discovering that numerous drawings are meticulously crafted to compose just one fleeting second of film was utterly fascinating to me. That was the a significant moment when I realized my aspiration: to get into animation and become a part of that ‘magical’ process.
However, my artistic journey began at the age of 9, a time when my parents, especially my dad, played an important role in nurturing my passion. At 13, my father guided me to participate in an exhibition alongside esteemed artists from our city as an ‘Aspiring junior artist.’ That experience remains a cherished memory, a significant milestone that continues to resonate within me.
My style comes from everyday life, drawing inspiration from the seemingly mundane moments we experience regularly. Infused with a touch of surrealism and an essence of excitement. While I strive to avoid confining myself to a single style, my distinctive signature lies in loops, and who doesn’t like a satisfying loop.
In terms of subject matter, what themes or motifs do you frequently explore in your work, and what draws you to these topics?
Details. I am consistently drawn to themes that encapsulate the details of everyday life. I find profound inspiration in moments that might otherwise go unnoticed—the passage of time throughout a day, the interaction of hands meeting, or the anticipation felt while awaiting a train's arrival at its destined stop. These seemingly mundane yet deeply human experiences form the the core of my art.
How has your style evolved over time as a digital illustrator, and what influences have shaped your artistic identity?
My artistic journey has been quite transformative. I went from miscellaneous illustrations and icons, to the environments I make today. It started with a significant insecurity about my abilities to create backgrounds. I recognized that understanding backgrounds and compositions was critical to realize the art I envisioned. Because of that, I honed my skills, gradually transitioning into creating the detailed environments that define my work today. It was through consistent practice and learning that I attained a level of proficiency enabling me to bring my creative ideas to life.
Regarding influences, while my story may not be groundbreaking, it's profoundly true—I draw immense inspiration from my peers. Witnessing the dedication and hard work exhibited by fellow artists within the community has been invaluable to my growth.
I've been fortunate to have access to talented individuals whose work serves as a constant source of inspiration. Their artistry has not only helped me find my creative path but has also continually motivated me to push the boundaries of my own artistic expression.
Could you share some of the challenges you've faced in your digital illustration work and how you overcame them?
We are fortunate to live in a time where digital art is recognized as a legitimate form of art, as it rightfully deserves. The shift in perception towards digital art as a legitimate and respected form of artistic expression has been the most significant aspect of its growth. As an artist who grew up in the 1990s and early 2000s, navigating the landscape where digital art wasn't fully embraced as a valid medium did present its challenges. During that time, there was a lot of skepticism surrounding the credibility and recognition of digital art within the artistic community. Many doubted whether a career in digital art was a viable option.
However, with the evolution of technology, the growing position of animation, and the increasing significance of graphic design in various industries, the perception of digital art began to shift. The internet played a pivotal role by providing a platform for artists to showcase their work globally, breaking down barriers and reaching a broader audience. This shift has allowed aspiring artists like us to forge careers, sustain ourselves, and support our families through this medium.
How do you incorporate feedback from critics and audiences into your artistic practice, and how do you balance this feedback with your own artistic intuition?
Even with feedback, as much as you would trust the person giving it, what makes you an artist is to act up on your own intuition, to use the supply you have mentally of art and judge yourself if that was a good advice. Not acting on the advice or criticism doesn’t mean you’re rejecting it, but rather considering it and deciding eventually what you believe works best for your art.
I believe that you need several eyes for your art to improve. I seek feedback from respected artists I admire, as well as individuals from diverse backgrounds. Their varied viewpoints often shed light on aspects I might overlook.
However, while I value and trust the feedback received, being an artist means utilizing one's artistic intuition. It involves tapping into my mental supply of artistic knowledge and assessing whether the advice aligns with my artistic vision. Choosing not to immediately act on feedback isn't a dismissal; rather, it's considering it and then determining what resonates best for my art.
How do you stay motivated and inspired despite any setbacks or creative blocks you may encounter?
Overcoming creative blocks has been one of the most challenging aspects of my work. Sometimes, it can take months to break free from this creative impasse. Often, without a looming deadline, motivation to overcome these blocks may be hard to find.
What I've discovered is that setting deadlines for specific projects, regardless of their scale, can be a powerful way to spur myself into action and pull myself out of this creative slumber. Having these self-imposed deadlines acts as a commitment to show up for myself and my work, pushing me to deal with the block and work my way out of it.
Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals and aspirations as an artist, and how do you plan to achieve them?
Ah, there are numerous goals I aim to achieve, but mainly among them is cultivating my own brand and crafting a distinctive style that stands out uniquely, making my work instantly recognizable in any setting. My direction in this pursuit is aimed at contributing meaningfully to the art community. I aspire to make an impact that transcends my creations and becomes a subject of study, setting an example for aspiring artists.
Admittedly, it might seem a somewhat ambitious or self-centered goal, but it's deeply rooted in a promise I made to the little girl within me—to always strive for my best. Equally, it's a testament to my gratitude towards the art community who taught me so much, both creatively and personally.
What role does emotion play in your creative process, and and how do you aim to evoke specific feelings or reactions from those who view your drawings?
Emotion plays a huge role in my creative process. acting as a primary motivator that inspires me to pick up my pen and begin drawing. It might sound like a cliché to suggest that artists are heavily influenced by feelings and emotions, but it is, in fact, undeniably true. I believe that if an artist excels in their craft, their audience can grasp the emotions they've aimed to convey in their artwork.
I approach my art with a conscious effort not to impose my vision onto my audience. While drawing a character in a sad, rainy setting may show sadness and loneliness, the emotions I personally feel aren't always so transparent or straightforward. Instead, I try to illustrate what I’m feeling in the way I am feeling it . By illustrating my emotions as I experience them, I hope my work conveys these feelings in a way that allows my audience to interpret and connect with them on their own emotional scale.
