Los Angeles-based multidisciplinary artist, D'Ara Nazaryan, shares her journey from illustration and motion-graphics artist to a career in floristry, how her trajectory has influenced her current work and how she stays inspired.
A.L.C.: What’s the most surprising/unique thing you to do to get into a creative mindset?
D'Ara: One of the things I love most about my work is being able to stay in a constant flow state, so to keep that momentum going, I make sure to give myself rest after long periods of work. Some of my best ideas come to me when my mind is clear, so whether it’s going on a hike or taking an unplanned trip, I try to stay recharged and allow inspiration to find me.
A.L.C.: Was there a specific moment that, or person who, inspired you to pursue florals as a medium?
D'Ara: I have spent many years working as an illustrator and motion graphics artist but about two years ago I found myself feeling fragmented. I had reached what I thought was the peak of my career, but despite that achievement, I was feeling deeply unfulfilled. A friend described my turn to floristry as a response to that personal upheaval—a way to reconnect with the earth, rebuild, and see what could be salvaged. Looking back now, I realize that all those years spent building my career weren’t in vain. The love for creativity didn’t fade; it only grew, blossoming into something new and beautiful.
A.L.C.: How does your creative process start?
D'Ara: Years of observing form, composition, and color have quietly influenced the way I approach my work as a florist. Lately, I’ve been especially inspired by creating color stories. One of my favorite things to do is take color combinations I find mesmerizing in interior spaces and translate them into floral arrangements. It feels like a beautiful way to bring together my love for both design and nature.
A.L.C.: What's your go-to uniform when working?
D'Ara: Right now, I’m all about a Dickies "suit." A workwear-style shirt or jacket paired with a matching mini skirt and some derbies has become my go-to look.
A.L.C.: Can you share an experience that challenged you and how you navigated it?
D'Ara: I think making the leap from one career to another that seemed completely unrelated—essentially overnight, with no transition—was one of the boldest moves I’ve ever made. I bet on myself, and it wasn’t easy. Every day, I had to wake up and remind myself to just put one foot in front of the other, even when I had no idea what lay ahead. I knew that constant movement was the only way forward. People often ask how you did something, but the truth is, you did it without knowing how in the first place. You keep treading water, doing your best not to sink, until you stay afloat long enough to teach yourself how to really swim.
A.L.C.: Is there a female creator whose work you admire and why?
D'Ara: Right now, the women in my orbit are my biggest sources of inspiration. I'm continually amazed by their incredible accomplishments across different fields, and their innovative approaches never fail to spark my own creativity. The synergy we have when we collaborate is truly special, as our diverse worlds come together in meaningful ways. Few things bring me as much joy.
I'm also deeply inspired by anyone who’s building their own world and welcoming others to join. Seeing artists challenge the limits of authenticity in their self-expression really resonates with me.
