Elevate Talks: Sarlis
Sarah Lasater is an independent freelance artist based in Los Ángeles and the creator of her own studio: Salis. She draws and screen prints things, mostly. She’s been making art since she was a kid and over the past years she’s been pursuing art and design as a career.
How would you define your style?
Lighthearted and colorful versions of my everyday.
Can you show us a picture of your workplace?
Yes! Although this was the studio that I just moved out of.
What is it like to work in Washington DC as a freelancer?
Pretty detached, as I worked with people from all over but mostly existed online. It was the first place I lived outside of my hometown, so learning how to live on my own especially as a freelancer was a growing experience. I’m embarking on a cross country move to Los Angeles tomorrow!
How did you decide to become an artist?
I’ve been drawing since elementary school. So, if anything it’s when I decided to draw Sonic the hedgehog all over my school desks. It just kept going from there.
You sell hand printed merch on your online store. How did you come up with this idea? How do you design each line?
I really enjoy the craft of it! I love to spend my days working with my hands, so any excuse to try something new is super fun for me. Plus, I think it makes the designs feel a little more charming since they’re never perfect. The designs pop up at coffee shops for me, when I’m sitting outside in the sun drinking tea. It’s my feel good place. I just hope everyone enjoys the spring designs enough to look forward to the next batch of stuff I come up with!
On a scale from 1 to 10, how important is social media for your work?
10! I think I probably wouldn’t exist without it. Or at least my path would be very different.
If you had to put together your all-time top 3 favorite projects, which would they be?
Hmmm. I loved doing Inktober this past year, because I actually completed it! Screen printing my spring line at home for the first time this year was a blast. Also, learning how to throw pottery.
What is being in Patreon like? Do you find it useful?
I feel really lucky whenever people want to support me on it! It can be helpful for people who care for creators but maybe can’t buy out your store to show love. I think it’s really cool.
Who or what inspires you?
Sooo much. Neighborhood walks, big jackets, movies, tea, rock n roll, people, alleyways, telephone poles.
What has been your biggest challenge?
Deciding to pursue art full time even though I had no idea where I would land.
How do you see yourself in 12 months?
In California soaking up the sun. Working locally and online, collaborating, making cool stuff!
How do you see yourself in 5 years?
Hopefully about the same but better!
Bonus track: Could you recommend any TV series/ comics/ movie/ song/ artist/ etc?
I’m currently listening to Velvet Underground and Pavement kind of a lot, also loving Masaaki Yuasa’s sketchbook.
