Stavrina Devetzoglou-Toliou: How to go from being an electrical engineer to a surface pattern designer
Delve into the transformative journey of Stavrina, an electrical engineer turned surface pattern designer. Uncovering her artistic side, Stavrina rekindled her passion recently demonstrating not only technical proficiency but also the courage to break free from generational fears. Despite maintaining a day job, she fearlessly navigates towards making her art a primary source of livelihood.
This is Stavrina’s story in her words.
I've always been a dedicated student, passionate about science, yet there was a creative side of me that sought expression through drawing, crafts, and jewelry-making. Despite this, the prevailing notion that pursuing an art career wouldn't be financially stable or considered a "real job" led me to overlook this part of myself. Consequently, I pursued a career in electrical engineering, earning two MScs over nearly a decade of study. While I found fulfilment in using technology to assist individuals with spinal cord injuries and neurodegenerative diseases, something felt amiss. As I contemplated embarking on a Ph.D. with Northwestern University, I began exploring my true identity and whether this path aligned with my authentic self. After extensive personality tests and guidance from a career counselor, it became evident that I had neglected my artistic side. The realization dawned on me that those close to me had always seen this potential in me for a career in design—a fact I had overlooked.
I decided to return home to Greece and reconnect with my genuine self. Exploring various aspects of design, I stumbled upon surface pattern design, and everything clicked. Learning about it ignited a fire within me, keeping me awake at night with excitement. That's when I discovered Bonnie's Immersion course on surface pattern design. Despite the cost being more of an investment, especially considering Greek salaries, I knew I had to take the plunge. The experience was transformative, shifting my mindset from fear to abundance. Already proficient in technology and computers, the most valuable takeaway was breaking free from the fear-based model that had persisted through generations in my family. I successfully convinced my parents that pursuing an art career is indeed a legitimate job. I am immensely proud of their support as I ventured into this new direction.
It's been almost a year since I shifted my focus to surface pattern design, and while I currently maintain a day job for financial stability as a clinical research associate, I am confident that it won't be long before I can make it my primary source of livelihood.
Stavrina has various hobbies too including surfing and skateboarding
I draw much of my inspiration from the enchanting depths of the sea, although that's not the only source of my creative spark! The underwater world, with all its magic, has captivated me, and I'm eager to bring its allure to the surface through pattern design (pun intended!). Imagining my patterns adorning wetsuits and surfboards fills me with joy, but I'm open to limitless possibilities for their use. Beyond the sea, I find inspiration in various places, even creating patterns based on a story I've conjured while gazing at my photos. Anything can be a wellspring of creativity! The wonderful aspect of expressing oneself through patterns is that it transforms the way you perceive the world around you, making each view a unique and inspiring experience.
As far as my creative process is concerned, I enjoy the tactile experience of drawing on paper, yet my true passion lies in bringing my creations to life on the computer through the magic of Illustrator and Photoshop! The synergy of hands-on paper and the boundless possibilities of technology forms the core of my creative process. It all begins with envisioning the pattern I want to create, drawing inspiration from my photos and cherished childhood books. I then translate these ideas onto paper by sketching the key elements of the pattern. The final touch happens on my computer, where I infuse the design with textures and colors. The moment I feel a rush of excitement upon completion, I know I'm on the right creative path. Admittedly, part of the process involves tackling projects that may not initially thrill me, but embracing these challenges is an integral part of the creative journey—let’s embrace it!
Stavrina presenting her beautiful pattern print on sneakers
Concerning my creative community, my creative buddies are mostly hanging out online, but I absolutely love the buzz of face-to-face chats! Recently, I got to soak up all the good vibes at a creative conference in the US – there's just something about being in a room bursting with creativity that beats any social media page. Now, I'm super excited about creating a cozy, face-to-face creative hub right here in Greece!
I'm also just dipping my toes into the world of marketing my creations, and guess what? I've recently crafted two notebooks featuring my patterns, and the response has been fantastic! Taking the advice of my pals, who were curious to see my patterns in action, turned out to be a brilliant move. Witnessing this project come to life has been absolutely rewarding! Oh, and there's more – I've set up shop on Spoonflower! Now, you can snag fabric adorned with my patterns or even grab some ready-made home goodies. Sure, shipping to Greece might be a tad steep, but I'm on the lookout for options closer to home in Europe. Stay tuned for updates!
5 Tips to Getting started in a creative life
Find Your Passion: You are unique and so is your approach to creation! Start by exploring various creative outlets to find what truly excites and motivates you. It could be drawing, writing, photography, or any other form of expression. Once you identify your passion dive into it and learn as much as you can!
Consistency is your friend: Consistency in creating art helps you find your personal creative voice! Everyone has their own!
Supportive Community: Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who share your passion. Engage in online forums, local meet-ups, or creative workshops to connect with others who can provide support, encouragement, and constructive feedback.
Inspiration is Everywhere: Let the spark of inspiration surprise you from the most unexpected spots! Keep your eyes and mind wide open to the amazing wonders all around you!
The most important -> Don't Fear Failure: Hey, everyone messes up sometimes—it's just part of the whole creative gig! Mistakes? Totally cool. They're like secret ingredients for awesome insights and improvements. Embrace those bumps in the road as chances to learn and grow, and keep in mind, every creative adventure comes with its share of highs and lows!
You can see more of Stavrina’s journey at the following links: