We had the good fortune of connecting with Sydney Park and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sydney, what do you attribute your success to?
I would not claim to have any significant amount of success quite yet – I am still learning and growing a ton! However, any growth and success I have had so far with my art can be attributed to two main efforts: One, hustling on social media (mainly Instagram) – posting more frequently than I normally would, collaborating with and supporting other artists, and strategically using hashtags and other means to get my work in front of new eyes. Two, saying yes! I believe that any opportunity that presents itself is better than none when you’re just starting out (unless, for whatever reason, it feels fundamentally wrong). I have found that taking on opportunities that have pushed me outside of my comfort zone have been extremely rewarding.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I never thought or intended to ever get to a point where I’d be selling my art, not because I didn’t want to per say, but because I honestly didn’t think my work was remarkable enough to be able to do that. It was always just a hobby that I enjoyed! With that said, this journey has been relatively easy for me. I would say the most difficult thing so far has been figuring out how sell my work – what I should sell certain items for versus what it costs to produce them (considering my time + what it costs to make prints and stickers, for example). I am most proud of the fact that I can create art that really resonates with women. Not all, but most of my work is inspired by the female body and Mother Nature – two things that I find to be immensely magical and powerful, yet often don’t receive the treatment and respect they deserve. I have a series of Vagina Goddesses, for instance, that come from a place of self-love and the need to embrace your own mind and body, just as they are – without shame, without comparison, without feeling in any way inferior to another being, regardless of gender. I hope that my work is able to radiate a sense of composed power, love, respect and gratitude in a bright and colorful way. Anytime someone does relate to my art in a way they find meaningful, my heart feels full!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I moved to San Diego just about three years ago, and I still feel like there is some much I haven’t seen yet! However, I definitely have some favorite spots: -Casual brunch: Parkhouse Eatery (mimosa flight is a must!) -Tequila/margaritas and tacos: Cantina Mayahuel -Ramen: Underbelly -Pizza & wine: Buona Forchetta -Sushi: Harney Sushi or Azuki -Swankier/speakeasy-style drinks: Noble Experiment or Polite Provisions -Vegan spots: Plumeria (thai food), Red House Pizza (vegan pizza), Grains (lots of stuff!) -Rooftop hangs + beer: Kairoa -Beach/ocean spots: Sunset Cliffs/No Surf Beach, Windandsea Beach, La Jolla Cove -Entertainment: Comedy Heights (comedy show), Padres game/Petco Park (can’t beat it on a warm summer night), Park & Rec (drinks + live music/dancing), Coin Op (drinks + arcade games)

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My family and partner have, without a doubt, been the most supportive and encouraging people in my life. They have always been there to support and help me in any way they can. Outside of them, I have to give my thanks and gratitude to Raw Artists, who reached out and invited me to participate in an art show in downtown San Diego a little less than a year ago. Participating in that art show was truly what started my art journey, in terms of taking it to a new, more serious level as opposed to just a hobby I did in my free time.

Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SquidInkPark
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/squid.ink.park/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/squid.ink.park/

Image Credits
None – all images are my work!