Zippy
Burman

Founder & Creative Consultant at Studio Tempura

Los Angeles, CA

www.studiotempura.co
instagram @zipporah_tempura
instagram @studio_tempura

WHAT DO YOU DO?

“I’m a visual connoisseur and I specialize in creating print and digital work that elevates you and your brand.”

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

I guess you could say my path was pretty straight-forward: I’m an LA-native but decided to go to school in every major design city far away from home. I have a BFA in Communication Design from Parsons School of Design in New York City as well as an MA in Graphic Design Communication from University of Arts: Chelsea in London. I’ve always loved beauty, fashion, and tech culture, all of which have directed the trajectory of my career, starting at Lucky Magazine in 2013 and continuing on with Violet Grey, The Los Angeles Times, Winc Wines, Smashbox Cosmetics, and Rachel Zoe Media Group. It wasn’t until March 2018 that I decided to branch out on my own and launch Studio Tempura.

How do you stand out in your field?

For me collaboration and communication is king! I love working with other creatives and hearing about their experiences. I’m a firm believer in being open and transparent not only with my clients but also with other creatives. It’s a practice that benefits everyone!

WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?

Tons of stuff!

I’m working on collateral and printed materials for a restaurant in Northern California, and I’m always working on a branding deck for a new client (think of me as your branding girlfriend!).

I also love working on a ton of personal projects. I just finished a personal style guide, and I’m working on creating some Studio Tempura merch and products. Long term, I have been working on developing an app and understanding how to create a candle/perfume. I love to challenge myself and am always trying to expand my horizons.

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

I would say my aesthetic is clean and crisp but also punchy and playful. It’s a nice mix of refinement and high-energy. I think my style guide and my project Scented Recall are perfect examples of this balance.

WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?

I would love to do more fine art in my free time; I have so many paints and art supplies lying around my studio that rarely get used! I would also love to focus on creating clothing. I’m so picky about how clothes fit and what I buy, and am usually disappointed in what is available because I have a distinct vision of what I’m looking for in my head. Always looking for collaborators!

WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?

Since starting my own studio, I’ve noticed that I have a tendency to get super wrapped up in my work, whether it’s work I’m doing for clients or personal projects I am concocting during quiet times. There comes a point in every project when you just have to step away and let the work stand for itself. It’s definitely a learning process in trusting my gut. The more work I put out there, the more I can watch the outcomes and learn from how the projects are received.

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

I feel like this is going to sound horribly narcissistic, but probably growing my instagram accounts (any social media wizards out there?!) That or selling my old clothes on poshmark!

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

I would probably tell my early-20’s self to stop freaking out so much. Life and work is not about the small stuff (think big picture, girl!). Taking a deep breath can really do wonders!

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

I’m always looking to learn more about the technical side of the web and apps. Specifically how code translates into the vision in my head.

WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?

I am always up for taking on big projects, and find it rewarding working with brands to build from the ground up. I also love helping people/companies/brands grow and expand into new areas. This includes product launches, rebrands and consulting on refining the brand vision for social media and other marketing tools.

DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.

TRUST IS THE BEST THING A CLIENT CAN GIVE A DESIGNER. My favorite projects are hands down always with clients who trust my vision and communicate with me. In the end everyone stays calm, cool, and collected and gets results above and beyond what they expected!

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

Pricing depends on how detailed the project is, I mainly look at scope and size to see what the rate will be. I can tell you that decks range from $2,500 to about $5,000. I work on big and small projects and am definitely open to hearing a budget and seeing if it’s feasible.

HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?

Best ways to reach me are email or instagram: @studio_tempura

I speak in emojis and gifs (aka the way to my heart) so please send me your faves! In general, I prefer to hear about the scope of what you are looking to have done and if you have a budget. I also love seeing inspiration you already have—because let’s be real you’ve definitely already done a Pinterest deep dive. This way we can start off on the same page and go from there!

HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?

You can always find me out exploring!

Zippy Burman

🏆 Squarespace Online Course Graduate 🏆- ilovecreatives Approved!