Today we’d like to introduce you to Ali Barkouras.
Ali, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
Lyke Minded is my first initial effort in putting myself out there. I’ve gotta be honest. I’m super excited, and a little nervous. I have always been one of those people who was an overachiever with presentations, mood boards, and color-coordinated binders (thank God for dividers, glue sticks, and Michaels). Little did I know, this was the start of a genuine passion and calling for a unique perspective.
I’ve received a lot of enthusiasm from friends, both old and new, who have encouraged me to embrace this special talent and help others create their personal aesthetic. I am constantly approached with questions of how to source, create, and execute a project. Lyke Minded is that outlet: it is a place that ought to feel like home, a place you can take your shoes off (something all my friends know I do way too often) and feel free to be yourself, to express that unique something that is not commonly found.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I create everything and anything, that’s what’s so great about Lyke Minded. It’s versatile. In regards to my career, I mainly focus on graphic & interior design but have recently been executing an abundance of charcuterie boards. Food really inspires people (especially cheese), and that’s what I intend to do, inspire. I think the overall messaging from my work is to be yourself, to embrace your personality and be unique in everything you do. We all have a place in this world. Lyke Minded is mine.
Artists face many challenges, but what do you feel is the most pressing among them?
There is this constant line that gets blurred between inspiration and copying. I find inspiration in the environment, hole in the wall restaurants, travel, well-done interiors, magazines, but especially social media channels and handles. To me, a “copy cat” shouldn’t really exist anymore. I am constantly hearing of other designers complaining of people copying “their work.” I simply ask, “how did they find it? How did YOU come up with it?” and typically their responses are the same, “social media.” We now have access to an entire digital universe at our fingertips. If we don’t use it as an idea network, then we are missing the big picture. If someone wants to re-create one of my platters or logos, let them. Let them be creative in their realm, but my main goal is to inspire them to make it their own. If I am getting people on their feet and pushing them to put themselves out there and be creative, then Lyke Minded is my biggest success story yet.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
social media @lyke_minded & website www.Lykemindedlyfestyle.com. Inquire with lykemindedlyfestyle@gmail.com
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lykemindedlyfestyle.com
- Phone: 949.333.9150
- Email: lykemindedlyfestyle@gmail.com
- Instagram: Lyke_minded
Image Credit:
Valerie Vogt
Riley Starr
Ashley Wilhardt
Ali Barkouras
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition, please let us know here.
