From starting out with an exhibit with her former tutor Adrian Shaughnessy (no less) to then running her own studio, Sakaria Studio—Minna Sakaria is a real woman of action! We love that Minna likes to keep her brain active by studying new subjects to influence her creativity from a different perspective (most recently contemporary political theory?).
Where did you study and what were some of your first jobs?
I studied Visual Communication BFA at Konstfack in Stockholm. I continued my studies at the Royal College of Art in London where I received an MA in 2015. I got my first commission together with my former colleague Carolina Dahl, to exhibit with our tutor Adrian Shaughnessy at Typojanchi Type Biennale in Seoul.
Give us the elevator pitch on what you do.
I run Sakaria Studio—a multidisciplinary design studio and type foundry devoted to finding new ways to use type and imagery in design. Creative freedom and a critical eye on present visual culture are my leading principles. We work with a client base ranging from independent artists and designers to larger scale cultural institutions in Sweden and abroad.
What does a typical working day include for you right now?
I wake up early and work in my pyjamas from home. I leave for my office when I get my first dip, which usually happens after 1,5 hours. We are five independent designers sharing studio space and practice under the name My Little Jobby. It’s very ideal being able to work in collaborations as well as on your own, and to have people to ask advice when you encounter obstacles. We keep regular office hours which is usually 10am to 6.30pm. In my free time I try to learn things outside my immediate practice by studying new subjects. Last one I did was contemporary political theory which unexpectedly ended up inspiring my work with the visual identity for Konstfack spring exhibition 2017. Meeting people is also important, I do some teaching for that purpose, and DJ-ing is a great hobby that often leads to new relationships and work.
Whats the big goal in the next five years?
To keep an open and crisp mind, sustained by cultural and intellectual experiences. To do more funded research and artistic work. To explore open source culture and contribute to a sustainable future. Exhibit more and take part of seminars & conferences. To see the profession evolve.
"In my free time I try to learn things outside my immediate practice by studying new subjects. Last one I did was contemporary political theory which unexpectedly ended up inspiring my work with the visual identity for Konstfack"
How important is networking to you?
Very important!
Who would be the “dream client” that you would do anything to work for?
Moma PS1, Rihanna and all independent and brave fashion designers, museums, publishers, poets and artists.
Where to find Sakaria Studio online.
Website: sakaria.se
Instagram: @sakariastudio
