This is a weekly series where we feature our incredibly talented Adolescent members and their work! Sign up here to join the Adolescent Membership and be part of the @ family!

This week’s Adolescent Member Crush is Sara Sharif, a 19-year-old based in Mumbai, India. To say the least, Sara stays busy—she’s a student, graphic designer, poet, model, and photographer. Read below to learn more about her zine, why she loves writing in her journal, and what she adores most about being an Adolescent Member.

Adolescent Content: Tell us a little bit about yourself! Where are you from? How old are you? How are you spending your time these days?

Sara Sharif: I’m 19, from Mumbai, India, and I'm the tall, lanky, curly-haired creative at Adolescent! I'm currently doing my bachelor's degree in arts [and working on] my online zine, Pastel Serenity. The idea for Pastel Serenity came to me during lockdown, when I felt like being productive and giving other creatives a platform was needed now more than ever. I also dabble a bit in graphic design, writing, modeling, and self-portraits.

Adolescent: How has 2020 changed your work and style?

Sara: 2020 has been an extremely sucky year for the world and I can go on about everything wrong, but I'm also so grateful for everything I’ve had throughout these trying times and the amount I've grown on a personal level this year. It’s been fun collaborating with photographers for video call shoots and I would probably never [have tried] out self-portraits or graphics if it wasn't for all the extra time and my need to be doing something constantly. This year has given birth to a lot of special projects of mine and it’s also when I became a member at Adolescent! 

Adolescent: Can you tell me about your creative process?

Sara: Writing down my goals in my journal (not my phone or computer) is so important. It constantly keeps me in a clear headspace of what I need to do next. It doesn't have to be a list. It can be words at random spots on the page along with some scribbles and I'll still feel organized. I don't really slack off since I take deadlines really seriously, so I fortunately don't have an issue with procrastination. Writing also helps with manifestation for me. I probably manifested this feature right here! ;)

Adolescent: How does being in India affect your work?

Sara: A lot of opportunities or products...usually happen to be restricted to a country that's not India. That said, learning about cultures and sharing my own with people from all over the world has been such a privilege and an incredible experience through Pastel Serenity and Adolescent.

Adolescent: What’s it been like being an Adolescent Member?

Sara: Adolescent has been very open to creatives from all over the world and definitely given me way more opportunities to grow. Saying I'm grateful for Adolescent is an understatement! I’ve gotten a chance to connect with fellow creatives, work with them, and submit for projects that are completely out of my comfort zone—all in just a few months. I've learned a lot about the technical aspects and pitching as well, along with simply having fun with your art.