Meet Ariel Walter | Graphic Designer & Illustrator

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

Hi Ariel, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
There are a handful of reasons why I decided to pursue a creative career. I have been a creative person my entire life. Ever since I gained consciousness I loved creating art. My interest started with drawing and music, but eventually grew into visual arts as a whole. Now a days I focus more on digital art and design. Once I became an adult I needed to find a career that could support me financially as well as something that I would enjoy. That’s when I stumbled across graphic design. I was still able to use my creative skills and get paid for it.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a Graphic Designer and Illustrator. I specialize in both, but nowadays people know me more for my illustration than for my graphic design. I think a few things set me apart from others. I am great at working with people and making sure my clients are satisfied at the end of our collaboration. In addition, I have a background in traditional art and I try to incorporate it into my designs whenever I can. It makes my work standout from other designers.
I am most proud of the children’s book I illustrated a few years ago called “Marley and his Hair Go to School.” I am proud of it because this was a long project and I’m proud of myself for sticking to it. I am also proud because I got to illustrate something that was more personal to me. The book was about a little Jamaican boy with locs and how he learns about his culture and grew to love his hair. I am most excited to start taking more client work now that I have graduated college and will have more time to dedicate to working with and finding new clients. I am also excited about pouring more time into marketing myself through social media.
I would say I am where I am today simply due to trial and error. I just put myself out there and started taking clients and that is how I learned how to work with clients. Also I did take some classes on graphic design in college so that helped with learning my design process.
I wouldn’t say it’s been a smooth road, but I also wouldn’t say its been SUPER hard either. I feel like being in school has had its pros and cons when it comes to my career. I’ve learned a lot in school, but I also felt like being in school did hold me back from taking bigger projects. There are only so many hours in a day and I feel like I end up pushing my design stuff to the side to focus on school or to work. I’ve also struggled with depression on and off throughout my life, and that affects my drive to work on passion projects and practice my skills. I often compare myself to others and get discouraged because I don’t feel like I’m where I need to be in my career yet. In order to get around these thoughts I’m trying adopt the mindset that no matter where I am as long as I work towards my goals I get a little closer to them. So even if I’m the bottom, it doesn’t matter because if I choose to do something about it today I’ll be a little further along than if I just sat around and did nothing. I still struggle keeping this mindset some days but when I put it into practice I always feel great about the outcome.
I want the world to know whatever point in your journey you are, keep going. Even if you think your not good enough, the more you practice and work on your skills the better you will be. Even if it’s only by a little bit, all progress is good progress. My story is still just starting and I’m excited to see what the future holds for me and my business.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If I had a friend visiting me in Atlanta I have a number of places I’d take them. I love food so I have a list of great food places around the area. Some places I’d recommend are Flying Biscuit for breakfast or brunch, Slutty Vegan for lunch , and Anh’s Kitchen for dinner. Then for night life I’d recommend Gaja Korean bar and Joystick. I’m not a super big club person so nice chill bars are fun for me. For daytime activities I would recommend taking a walk on The Beltline and looking at the graffiti walls, or an escape room.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There is a handful of people in my life I would like to give a shout out too. First I’d like to thank my family for always supporting me no matter what I pursue. Also for giving me the opportunity and to pursue graphic design. There are also a handful of creators I’d like to give a shoutout too. People such as Sha’an d’Anthes, Jacquelin Deleon, and Happy D. Artist were the creators that inspired me the most to pursue art. Even though I didn’t take the traditional route like they did, they inspired me to start my Journey. And whose to say that I won’t pursue traditional art again in the future.

Website: https://www.arielwalter.com/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/ariel.as.walter?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariel-walter-765790173

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@arielsade40

Image Credits
I certify that I have full rights to this image. It was taken by myself.