Meet Mentwab Easwaran | Creative Entrepreneur

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

Hi Mentwab, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The affirmation I received serves as a testament to my commitment to unrestrained creativity. I adopt an expansive approach towards innovation, which arguably distinguishes me in my field. My professional interests span a wide range of disciplines that I am passionate about and strive to master. As an entrepreneur in the creative industry, my scope of work extends across digital and traditional fine arts.

I cater to a diverse clientele, providing services that include graphic design, commissioned art pieces, as well as comprehensive design consultation. Irrespective of their specific requirements, my clients consistently receive the finest products of my creative expression. This capacity to constantly deliver high-quality, creative solutions is the driving force behind my professional endeavors and the success of my brand.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As an alumnus of the prestigious Parsons School of Design, where I specialized in Communications Design, I commenced my career in the technology domain. My professional journey has been rich and varied, traversing roles in Graphic Design, Motion Graphic Design, and, for an extended period, User Interface/User Experience Design. My robust portfolio includes designing applications for distinguished government organizations such as the National Institutes of Health and the Treasury Department. As the landscape of technology continually evolves, it invariably transforms the design field, a dynamic that I find profoundly engaging and which has been a significant driver of my career. My creative expertise straddles the spheres of digital art, fine art, and interface design.

Despite the primary digital orientation of my professional life, I have persistently nurtured my passion for traditional painting, an activity I dedicate myself to during my personal time and weekends. This resolve has remained steadfast throughout my career, including the challenging pandemic period when I seized the opportunity to hone my skills through various courses. The dedication during this time paved the way for exciting opportunities, including the establishment of Coobaya and hosting art exhibitions.

A defining moment in my career arrived when Coobaya Arts was distinguished with the 2021 DC Mayor Bowser’s Creative Arts Award in Excellence in Visual Art. This acknowledgment underscores my unfettered creative drive.

One of the primary challenges I face stems from the restrictive classification prevalent in the art world. Rather than being compartmentalized as either an artist or a designer, I see myself thriving in both realms, consistently delivering superior quality work. My identity lies in being a highly creative individual with a passion for art and design in all their varied manifestations. I firmly believe that my refusal to confine my creativity is a distinctive aspect of my persona. As a creative entrepreneur, I am equipped to cater to both the digital and fine arts sectors. My services span a broad spectrum, encompassing graphic design, commissioned art pieces, and comprehensive design consultation, catering to a diverse clientele.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Should my closest friend visit for a weekend, I would meticulously curate an enriching and enjoyable itinerary. This would unquestionably include a visit to one of the Smithsonian museums, particularly the revered African American Museum. DC is teeming with diverse activities, their availability often contingent on the season. Thus, I would carefully select an engaging event like Jazz in the Garden or Art in the Dark, which would cater to our shared interests.

Dinner, in my view, presents an opportunity for an epicurean adventure. Therefore, I would research recently opened restaurants, scrutinizing their menus and ambiance to ensure it provides an exciting culinary experience that we both would appreciate.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
It’s always a challenge for me to enumerate just a few individuals and organizations when there have been numerous contributors to the success of my brand. From the esteemed Mayor of DC, whose recognition has been invaluable, to the numerous Art Centers who have both embraced my work and presented it to the local community. Furthermore, the individuals who purchase, promote, interact with, and provide feedback on my work each hold a crucial role in shaping my current standing.

Concerning literature, one significant book that has greatly influenced me was suggested by one of my respected art mentors, Amir Rahim. The book, “A Happy Pocket Full of Money”, explores the concepts of Infinite Wealth and Abundance in the present moment. The insights gleaned from this text have been instrumental in my personal and professional development.

Website: www.coobaya.com

Instagram: @coobayamugs and @ethiogallery

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mentwab-easwaran-2327938

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoobayaDesign/

Image Credits
Image Credit to @meta_multimedia and Coobaya Design..