Meet Zaine Vaun | Graphic Designer & Illustrator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Zaine Vaun and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Zaine, what are you inspired by?
I feel like inspiration can come from anywhere at any time, and that’s why it’s so important to engage with the world and stay open to new experiences. I am deeply inspired by the natural world and often think that nothing a human can make or do will ever come close to the magnificence of what earth has already done. Like, I can find a rock and be super jazzed for days. I often stop in the middle of a project to step outside, listen to the birds in my neighborhood, or watch the clouds go by and just try and reset. But that’s just part of it. I am also incredibly inspired by other people’s art, historical and contemporary. I’m really into signage and commercial art (duh, I am a designer, after all), and I have a ton of photos from places I’ve traveled, old warn-down lettering, and weird roadside attractions, that kind of thing. I think the importance is not where you find inspiration, but how. How you can absorb something and learn to internalize what you like about that thing and make it your own.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m a freelance graphic designer and illustrator from Austin, Texas. My work is bold, colorful, and often has a retro vibe. I like to make things that feel like they have lived a little, with some imperfections that give them character and authenticity. I do branding, packaging, merch design, and other fun projects that maybe don’t fit in a box. I am fueled by nature, and that is reflected in my work–often focusing on plants and animals as my subject matter. I feel so lucky and love that my clients come to me because they are attracted to my work. It’s great to work in a way that feels true to myself and still serves a purpose by fitting the needs of my clients. I’ve worn many hats as a creative, from ceramics to natural dyeing. For me, it’s easy to find the through line in everything I do. I think it’s as much about finding ways to be useful as it is about being creative. I am excited to continue growing in my craft and career, keep pushing boundaries, meet new folks and take on new challenges!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There have been so many people in my life that have been there to guide me, encourage me, and teach me in my life. It’s hard to choose one because they have all played different roles at different times. Ultimately though, my mother and my sister are the two that have been there consistently rooting for me through it all.

My mother, also an artist, has always made me feel like anything is possible with enough elbow grease. She has been there with me to make every hair-brain idea I come up with coming to life. She is a strong-willed, free-spirited individual who has instilled in me the importance of a work ethic balanced with enjoying life.

And my older sister is the yin to my yang. She has taught me so much about the world and given me many skills to elevate myself. Often a voice of reason and always encouraging. My number one fan and the person I look up to the most, she pushes me to be the best version of myself and to share that with the world.

Website: zainevaun.com

Instagram: @zaine.vaun

Twitter: @zaine_vaun

Image Credits
Ian Blue