About Me

Hi, I’m Ella Naima, a multimedia artist based in New York, pursuing a BFA in Graphic Design at the University of Florida. I work across graphic design, photography, video, sculpture, ceramics, and fashion design, often blending mediums. 

I build my identity as an artist and individual around the idea that we all live on a tiny floating rock in a vast expanse of nothingness, so we should do what makes us happy. That reminder keeps me curious, lowers the pressure to be “perfect,” and pushes me to make my own meaning. Meaning is made, not found. I create mine through art, and I hope my work inspires others to make their own.

Conceptually, my work draws on personal experience and explores sustainability, standards of perfection, and the tension between individuality and conformity. My core skills include editorial design, custom lettering, stop-motion, photo direction and editing, wearable ceramics, and garment construction with upcycling and styling. My ideal future position gives me room to combine all my interests and skills.

I serve as the Editor-in-Chief and Art Director at Rowdy Magazine, leading each issue from concept to press. For a full breakdown of my role, visit the Rowdy page. Outside of Rowdy, I founded Blast, originally a passion project that’s grown into a social media platform and community for creative self-expression (find more on the Blast page).

Outside of my personal and professional work, I love thrifting because it's sustainable and gives me the chance to create a style that truly reflects who I am. I also enjoy learning about earth sciences, including astronomy, oceanography, and geology.