Angelina Sorokin
Graphic Designer / Illustrator / Artist
Sacramento. CA
Q What do you do?
“I am a visual creator who specializes in graphic design, illustration, painting and experimental art projects”
My aim for everything that I make is to be borderline odd but executed in a clean, new and memorable way. Predictable, bland visuals that stay on the surface do not excite me and I love working with clients that feel the same way and are willing to stand out amongst the crowd.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
My dad was an oil painter and helped instill the makers mindset in me so from a young age I’ve been creating or thinking about creating or watching someone else channeling their imagination into something tangible.
For a few years after graduating high school I ran away from my creative callings and even took the steps to becoming an elementary school teacher, gasp! (But for real shout out to all of the hard working teachers.) Then one day I realized that I want to be a Graphic Designer and can really step into what I was born to do. And now I am. I received a Bachelors from Sacramento State University for Graphic Design and since then have focused my life around design and illustration. Even if I am not getting paid to make something, I make out of the need to constantly be experimenting and letting the ideas I have come out not for praise but for self growth.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
Some fellow creatives do not revolve their lives around constant creation whereas I may be slightly addicted to my many forms of making. I carve out time to grow my curiosity and am always gathering and pursuing depth in my work. I am a genuine, honest and sweet human who wants to partner with clients to design and/or illustrate projects that can make the world a more joyful place. I truly care about the people that I create for and will strategize in making something meaningful while helping the client flourish. I am constantly searching for ways to better my process and to fine tune the micro and macro details.
Q What are you working on right now?
At any given time you can find me balancing multiple personal projects alongside client projects.
Currently I am learning how to tuft my own little rug. This analog process is very rewarding as I take little steps in making the piece come alive. I am also figuring out how to make a typeface out of my grandfather's handwriting as a way to honor his passing. Learning how to sew my own clothing is high on my list of projects as well and I am aiming to create a special fabric pattern for my 30th birthday dress.
A recent memorable work has been creating illustrations for Design Week Sacramento since that was definitely a rewarding community project with lots of freedom!
Q What’s your style?
It definitely changes from project to project but most of my work has underlying notes of whimsical meets analog. I tend to gravitate towards vibrant colors, hand-lettering, abstract ideas, organic shapes and bold typography but I am also open to projects opposite of this and any new ideas a client may have. Sometimes I like a more minimal approach, sometimes a controlled maximal one.
Either way, I like to keep things positive.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
Growing my collection of photography, songwriting, ceramics, animation, short film making and just overall strange experimental creation. I give so much time to graphic design and illustration that the others just don’t get to shine as much.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Creative eureka seems to strike me in the evenings so I always end up having to choose between sleeping or creating. It is a very hard sacrifice because I know in the morning it won’t be the same. Also finding freelance clients for large scale work. Also that dogs don’t live forever.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
It would be nice to have a like minded individual around who could gather and reach out to potential clients for me and someone I could share work with and get valuable critiques from. Also please wash my dishes, they are the absolute worst to do.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
I would have told my 16-year-old self that you were created to create and that even though you didn’t go to a fancy art high school you have everything inside of you and that you should start learning the Adobe programs and trying out new forms of creation. I would look me in the eyes and say, “ You are an Artist not because someone else says so or because you make money out of it, but because you know so in your heart of hearts.”
Also don’t take yourself or others so seriously, we are all just trying to figure it out as we go along and that’s okay.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
Talking to more seasoned fellow designers/illustrators that have a similar style to mine and understanding how they got where they are now and what they had to overcome would be worthwhile. I know every creative journey is wildly different but we still tend to want to feel like we aren’t alone. Like our struggle is not just ours. That things worked out for them and will work out for us.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
More illustration projects please. Graphic design projects with clients that are not afraid to try something new. I'd love to partner with more retainer clients :-)
I love books so I am always on the lookout for an opportunity in that sphere. Also opportunities for analog art are always greatly welcomed, let's make something strange and wonderful!
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
I love working with nice people and brands that align with my values. I appreciate clients that already have a vision but hire me because they trust my process and the end result that I can deliver. If I can make a bunch of illustrations that make other people smile I consider that a win. An ideal partnership will consist of trusting each other and allowing for freedom during the creative process.
Q: What is your rate?
I work on a per project basis so there is a range depending on the timeline and depth of the piece. I don't work for cheap and I put a lot of time, love and energy into everything that I create.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Send me an email (smiley faces encouraged) or if you are in the Sacramento/Bay Area we can meet and talk in person over some yummy coffee.
Please include a brief intro, project details, deadlines and your budget.
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Fache Desrochers is and Artist/Maker whose art will move you.
Lily Therens is a fellow designer/illustrator and her work will make you smile.
Andy J. Pizza, the man, the legend. Always pushing my work to the next level!
Heather Dunmoyer, one of my favorite creative human beans.
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Always making something, anything.
This member profile was originally published in May 2019, updated January 2022.