Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Koczan.
Hi Sara, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I spent the first 16 years of my life in Hungary, where art was just a hobby for me. Once my family and I moved to the United States, I began to think of art as something I would like to have as my career in the future.
After finishing high school, I started to transition art from a hobby to a business, focusing more on social media and building an online store. Conventions also became an interest of mine, so in 2019 my best friend and I tabled at our very first artist alley. Since then, I have been growing my following online and had been frequently tabling at various events such as Milk Mart, Megacon, Holiday Matsuri, etc.
While growing my business, I’m also in the process of getting my BFA degree in Studio Art at the University of Central Florida. After finishing my degree, I will begin my freelance career as a children’s book illustrator while also continuing my small business.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
For me, turning my hobby into a business has come with many challenges.
As someone who does their art business on the side and not full-time, time management has been an issue from the very beginning. Especially when it comes to building my brand online through multiple platforms. In general, social media is very demanding when it comes to art making. Artists have this pressure on them to post regularly to keep engagement and business afloat, which can lead to burnout or losing interest in making new work.
Even though these are problems I face, my audience’s excitement and continuous support of my work have helped my consistency and pushed me to keep creating what I love.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m an illustrator, specializing in whimsical illustrations and surface design. I’m known for taking inspiration from my childhood folktales and the natural world around me, through the use of both traditional and digital media.
One thing I’m most proud of is that I use my illustrations to encourage the observer to let themselves be lost in the whimsical worlds I create. I think something that sets me apart from others is that I believe that any form of media serves a big purpose in our education, growth, and finding our identity. I create illustrated stories that children and adults can learn from to help navigate the world around them.
What were you like growing up?
I have always been a curious child, like many others I loved reading and getting lost in the many worlds presented in books.
My favorite stories included Anne of Green Gables, The Secret of Moonacre, and Moomins which can also explain my great interest in the outdoors and magical worlds. Many of my childhood interests still remain in my work today, I love to reminisce in nostalgia and take that as inspiration to make new work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sarakoczan.myportfolio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lanylevendula/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeQ1zAf7E5yQg42TH6ujLnw
