My Journey

So you’ve read the short version. Here’s the longer one…

My name is Umm Yunus (pronounced OOHm YOU-nes) I've been a graphic designer since 2009 and a painter since 2013.

My journey in graphic design began when I worked at an office supply and print store called Staples.

I started off as a cashier but then my manager threw me into the print department.

All the employees were terrified of the print department because of all the complex machines. But I thrived there.

The projects I got to create everyday meant I never got bored.

As for painting, I started that in 2013. I had a painting kit that a friend gifted me. I held onto that painting kit for years and never really used it.

But after a rough year in 2012 I figured I would express myself through painting. I opened that painting kit and got to work. My first paintings were awful. But surprisingly that's when I received the most commissions!

For many years I struggled to put myself in a box. I tried to only specialize in one field like photography, painting, or graphic design.

It's hard for me to focus on one subject and medium because I love them all! So I found comfort in this often misquoted quote:

“A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one.” -Robert Greene

I learned to just embrace all my creative interests. That's just who I am.

With that being said, if I had to narrow it down, I would say I especially love drawing letters and ornate floral patterns.

I am especially drawn to arabesque and baroque style and architecture.

*Please note some of the watermarks on my photos may say Sunuy Studio. That was the brand name I used previously before changing to Umm Yunus.