Lina Tuv is one of those people who is passionate about her work, and is proud to say that she found her ‘true calling’. Lina, a graphic designer and the founder of Talina Design, says that passion and the drive to succeed comes from within, and that money should never be the reason to pursue your dreams.
“I love what I do because I enjoy it and find meaning in it,” says Lina.
The artist always had a creative bone growing up and graduated with a BFA in graphic design and history of art from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. When she first established Talina Design, Lina worked part-time at a design firm and part-time at home while she built her portfolio and clientele. After about two years, she decided to go into business on her own.
Although Lina always had the motivation to follow her dreams, it’s not always as easy for other women to find the courage to pursue what they really want to do in life. If you’re looking for a little extra guidance this New Year to start off fresh and cook up new ideas to stay motivated, check out the book Motivated by Passion, Held Back by Fear by Tchicaya Ellis Robertson, Ph.D. and Sheila Taylor-Downer, certified life coach. The book is targeted specially for women who are looking for extra inspiration for living their lives with passion. Get motivated, learn the 10 key principles of passion and realize how you can find and commit to living your passion, as well as sharing your passion with others. The book also dives into the fear that holds women back. In a study done by Sheila and Tchicaya, they reveal that 48 percent of the women cited money as being the number one reason for not pursuing their dreams.
“Turning a passion into a career doesn’t have to be difficult,” says Sheila. “You don’t have to be an expert in the area, but it is essential to obtain some experience in order to increase your chances of success. Once you find you are getting the exposure, opportunities will present themselves and soon you are creating a career out of your passion.”
Sheila recommends taking steps such as volunteering with an organization which you are interested in or going back to school to gain additional knowledge and experience. Tchicaya recommends boasting your passion with project which may lead to getting paid. She suggests trying different outlets such as launching a web site, writing articles to be seen as an expert, starting a blog and creating a video. “The true compensation is the satisfaction you derive from having the opportunity to do what makes you happy,” comments Tchicaya. “We know that the money will soon follow.”
If sitting behind a desk all day doesn’t seem like the ideal job for you, then fire yourself, adds Sheila. “Come from behind that desk and pursue your passion. Find something inside that makes life worth living, even if you have to start small.”
This is exactly what Lina did before she started to work independently full-time. She attended networking events and did a lot of pro bono work. As she pursues her dreams, the designer keeps her inspiration and creative fuel running by working with clients that are mission-driven and are associated in education, the arts, the community, etc. She stays in touch with other creative people and works in unique environments such as coffee shops.
“Foremost, I am an artist, then a businesswoman,” says Lina.
