Today we’d like to introduce you to Cyd Ahlberg.
Hi Cyd, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Art and design are pretty much a part of my DNA. I come from a highly creative family and ever since I was a child they’ve fostered my creative abilities.
From drawing to writing to designing picture books, I’ve always had the drive to create. It wasn’t until high school that I was introduced to the world of Graphic Design. I originally wanted to be a cinematographer or fashion designer. Once I started learning to design it was only up from there.
Design became my full-time passion and I graduated from college with a BFA in Graphic Design in 2018. Since then I’ve started my own business dedicated to amplifying the voices of other creatives through collaboration and design. It is such an amazing feeling to be able to use all of my creative abilities to help bring my visions and the visions of others to life.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey has not been smooth at all. From feeling inadequate to unexpected challenges when working with others, it has been such a learning experience. There have been moments where I’ve wanted to completely walk away from being an artist to do something more “practical”.
There have been days when I just couldn’t mentally tap into my creativity and it made me second guess if this was really what I’m supposed to be doing. Through those obstacles I’ve learned to be kinder to myself, avoid comparison, focus on my goals and take much-needed breaks.
Art is my ministry. With every type of ministry, you go through a process of discovery, and with that comes mental and physical challenges. Some challenges you may face multiple times until you learn the lesson and others push you forward in the mightiest way.
As long as you’re tuned in to your purpose and you’re understanding what God has called you to do then you will continue to grow through the struggles and keep moving forward. The goal is always to keep growing and moving forward no matter how difficult things may get.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
While I carry a whole arsenal of creative talents, I specialize in graphic design with a focus on branding and promotions. I work with a wide variety of brands and businesses to amplify their voices through revolutionary design. I’m known for my unique style of design that incorporates the polished with the imperfect.
I love to use my artistic liberties to break some of the rules of design and disrupt those pristine spaces. Everything I design is catered specifically to the brand I’m working with while still inserting a little piece of me to be remembered.
One thing I’m most proud of is how recognizable my work has become. When people started recognizing my work at first it caught me off guard, but now I get so excited because it means I’m doing exactly what I set out to do without even trying too hard to do it. Alongside my style, my process sets me apart from others. I don’t look at my “clients” as “clients”; I look at them as collaborators.
Every time I’m working with someone to bring their vision to life, I like to include them in the entire process to help them feel seen and heard. That kind of thing leaves a lasting impact on others and helps make the design that much more special.
Risk-taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I would say that I am a risk-taker. One would think the risks I take are done on impulse, but they’re absolutely calculated. Some of my best work has been born from risk.
Sometimes I’ll design something just because and tag the person who inspired the design or the concept and more often times than not, those risks have gained attention and placed me in positions where I’ve gained some amazing connections, learned a valuable lesson, or gained an incredible opportunity.
I believe the successful risk-takers in life don’t hold back. They go into it straightforward and go after what they want. A successful risk taker never loses. Those “L’s” are just as valuable as the “W’s” because they become lessons and fuel for future risks. When you’re creative you’re constantly taking risks by exposing your talents, your inner thoughts, your vision, and offering your services.
Not everyone will understand you or your dream, or even like you, but that’s ok because at the end of the day you’ll find those who appreciate, love, and celebrate you both as an artist and a person.
So I say, never hold back on your dream. If it requires risk, pray on it and go for it. If God gives you the dream, He’ll give you the plan and tools to execute it even if it does require taking a risk.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: cydvolutionart.com
- Instagram: @cydvolution
Image Credits
Cydvolution
