Andre Sarkissian

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WHAT DO YOU DO?

“A hands-on Art Director and Creator that brings creative concepts to life from start to finish.”


WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?

It all started as a youngster with paint pumping in my veins and a creative madness (the good kind) in my soul. I always wanted to be an artist and surround myself with amazing things I can create…

Later, I became an amateur photographer taking out-of-the-box concept pictures with friends and models; styling, editing, retouching, directing and the occasional makeup artistry to build mock-campaigns. It was then I realized that I wanted to apply my hands-on concept building and organic skill set to a higher level and enrolled in what I like to call the “Barbie College”, FIDM in L.A. for a Graphic Design program. Although I was a student that did great in class, I didn’t have an easy college experience because I kept breaking all the rules and questioning design fundamentals; refusing to keep myself in a box. Which in return helped me in starting my career path.

After opening the gilded doors of the world ahead of me, I landed careers in fashion and footwear; trailblazing companies to their highest potential with my vision to support their mission in all themes Art Direction, Graphics, Branding, Fashion Design and overall raw artistry.

I then launched my own unapologetic t-shirt and couture line that was featured in Vogue Italia and other magazines I looked up to. After a solid few years being in business, I decided to close shop and apply my entrepreneurial knowledge and creative arsenal to co-create with company’s that needed my help and magic! Often being a gate keeper, mentor and an asset in every place I landed, I found my voice. Throughout the years I have had the opportunity to work in many different industries including cosmetics and the mindfulness space to develop e-commerce sites, apps, and in-store experiences.

I am still writing my becoming and excited for my next chapter; I hope it’s with whoever is reading this.

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HOW DO YOU STAND OUT IN YOUR FIELD?

I am like the Willy Wonka of my field because I unwrap delicious concepts and never limit myself to one flavor of design. I am very focused on the goals and integrity of a company and want to make sure I am never putting myself in a mainstream box. Authenticity is key in my approach; it unlocks longevity.

WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?

Currently I am working on a few projects, but on the search for a solid company to call home.

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WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?

Edgy/Fresh/Versatile/Relatable/Limitless/Conscious


My website www.andresarkissian.com is a great place to see my versatility in the projects I have accomplished.


WE ALL HAVE MULTIPLE SKILLS OR WORK IN VARIOUS INDUSTRIES, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD FOCUS ON MORE?

I would say the mindfulness industry. On a personal level, I find great joy injecting creativity to build within that platform to support individuals get to a higher awareness for their becoming in this world.


WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?

I moved back to LA recently after working with a brand for some time in NYC. Thus, I am trying to soil my feet in a great company for full-time hire while simultaneously taking on freelance clients till then. The challenge has been finding like-minded recruiters that can connect me to my next career goals.


IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?

I would have them help me create content for my personal social media. I feel often times I am so focused on creating content for others that I forget I too have my own personal brand to showcase.

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LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?

I would go back to grade school and tell the younger me to enter more art contests. Because I was afraid/shy to put myself or my work out there for criticism.


IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?

I would say more insight on video/cinema production.


WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?

A full time hire in an industry that wants to become a lifestyle brand.



DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.

The ideal client is someone who has a positive outlook with big goals on their agenda and isn’t afraid to actualize them.


WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE? 

Every project and client have different needs, so I would say your best bet for an accurate answer is to email me directly at sarkissian.andre@yahoo.com and discuss your creative needs.


WHO IS A CREATIVE THAT HAS HELPED YOU ELEVATE YOUR WORK?

My grandmother's were the most inspirational creatives I knew growing up. They were both patten makers, seamstress' and fashion designers with their own individual flare. They always taught me to keep learning and practice my craft. Often times I would gain more insight on my capabilities sewing a button on a suit jacket then college books.


HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?

Say Hello and tell me your favorite thing about yourself when emailing me at sarkissian.andre@yahoo.com


HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?

Keep calm, but don't stop creating.

This member profile was originally published in August 2019.

Los AngelesGuest UserArt / Creative Director