Ornella X. Akrivopoulou, artist, illustrator, and creativity mentor behind Creatively Ornella, based in Thessaloniki, Greece shares her story with us! Known for her raw, textured work and expressive visual storytelling, Ornella shares what it means to create from a place of authenticity. From working across cultures to teaching art around the world, she opens up about the joy of making a mess, the deep influence of hands-on materials, and why play is vital at every stage of the creative journey. This one is packed with soul.
Can you tell us a little about your first few steps in your career. Was there a moment or experience when you realised this was what you'd do as a career?
I have always been someone who stores and remembers information in pictures. As I was labelled the art kid at school, I believed I was always destined to have a career in the arts. I have run away from it many times, but as I have always felt strongly that I have a story to tell, I cannot go in any other direction but the one of creative expression.
What lessons from your career have most shaped your style and approach?
I have a fascination the texture and materials. The process of making and the silent conversation I get to have with my mediums has always been at the centre of my work. When I am able to be completely free and let my process lead me on a journey, I feel I create my most authentic and honest work.
Tell us about the core values or philosophies that guide your creative practice.
I don’t enjoy doing things well, I like my work to surprise me. To exist in a form that can be manipulated, cut up and collaged into multiple versions of its original state. My creative mantra has always been to stay true to the practise of mistakes, not everyone will get my work or speak the language of my images, but it is important to me to never let the latest trends or fashions sway my internal message and mark making universe.
What needs to change, so emerging and under-represented creative professionals have more opportunity, are seen and heard?
We must support and celebrate each other, share techniques and ideas. We are a community that is responsible for how this part of history will be recorded, it is vital to our existence to water each others creativity. I try my best to collaborate with creative professionals in all areas, musicians, writers, educators even those in the business world. We must inject the word Creativity into everything we do, and through our work help professionals in all areas find a way to access and define their own creative practise.
How important is it that creative professionals find their unique voice?
I truly believe that if you make from a place of authenticity your voice will always be unique. There will always be an overlap with other work that has been made or will be made, but as long as we continue to play and experiment from that authentic place, the unique voice will forever be present.
Looking ahead, what do you think are the key factors that will influence change for creative professionals?
I can’t speak for other creatives, but having taught art in different countries and for all ages I feel that it is vital that we don’t loose contact with our most powerful tool, our hands. We must make a mess, play with clay, throw ink and paint on a paper. Yes, technological tools are vital, I could not be a freelance creative that collaborates with people all over the world without them. But we must not forget to access our instincts of exploration and practice making a mess.
How much does your city influence your work?
I have lived in Thessaloniki as an adult for just 5 years now and am only scratching the surface of what this city’s deep history has to offer. The city sits between sea and mountains, something that has always made me feel safe and at home. As I explore the city I am deeply enjoying following the nostalgia and childhood memories to rediscover the city I grew up in.
How much does your culture influence your work?
It is at the centre of all that I do. Raised by a British mother, Greek father but receiving my education from an American school and university has given me access to multiple perspectives. It is not always easy ( I am bilingual but speak English in both a British and an American accent depending on who I am speaking to), but I enjoy the option to choose and blend my cultural lenses in my creative expression.
Tell us some of your favourite, creative professionals and inspiring places in your city!
Hehe Messy Play (messy,sensory & clay play) has supported me and opened my eyes to what creativity is and how to access it at all stages of life. And the most important creative professionals are my students, they make fearlessly, inspire me and encourage me to be my best creative self. They show up always bursting with ideas, willingness to make mistakes and give the most honest feedback! They are what fuels me with hope for the future of creative work.
Thessaloniki is bursting with inspiring historical corners, but nothing beats people watching on the waterfront, it’s where locals, tourists and the sounds of the city all blend into one magical cloud of Thessaloniki life.
What should emerging creative professionals keep in mind as they begin their design career?
Keep on making work that excites you, make a mess and always make room for play. Your story and voice is needed!
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
It is not easy being a creative, we pour our hearts into our work and then hope that someone might glance at it for more than a moment and in that moment truly see you. You may never know the impact your creative work has on someone, but I can’t imagine existing without not sharing, supporting and shouting from the rooftops how integral creativity is to our being. It’s in all of us after all.