Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ammoni Goudeau. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Ammoni, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

what is like to be able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? Well, as a graphic designer I can tell you for sure its a grind. A modest one for sure.

When I first began, I did what every other entrepreneur did. I worked. Over time I gradually kept taking commissions and weighed my options with employment so when the time was right, I could really focus on what I was and still am passionate about. I went from drawing traditionally, scanning my work on a computer and working a 9-5 to, doing all of the vector work, creating my own digital assets when I need it and staying home all day.
The funny thing is I never really thought about doing this. I didn’t know what I wanted to do, so I’m fortunate I’ve found something that I can really give my all to and have it work so well.

At one point, the only thing I could do was, take commission and lie in bed. We wont get into all of the details, Just know at a time where I felt I was at my lowest, mentally, physically and spiritually I was really sick with a heart condition and the only thing I could do was to work on my craft to stay afloat. Think of it as an anime back story before the glow. Looking back now, I really did that. If I’m ever fortunate enough to tell my story in detail on a huge platform to inspire its going to sound epic.

Some major steps that help me get here was for sure consistency and not taking no for an answer. You have to really make people a believer especially the people you know. it sounds so cliche in 2022 but, it’s the truth. It so easy to have an idea now. entrepreneurship sound so glamorous until you have to sacrifice everything and put in the work. Even when you don’t want to. it’s easy to have people dismiss you. But you have to be obstinate. Keep at it. Then there’s the people who see you as competition or they won’t take you serious, which makes it harder to simply get by because they feel like they can do what you do but, better. Or its like “why support him/her, we can go to someone else or I can do it myself”… Crazy right? Its the “crabs in a bucket” mentality for a lot of people. And that’s fine, I just won’t be a crab, ya know? Some people start a business or side hustle and they don’t make it past a year, let alone 6 months. A lot of people see it as something spontaneous or a quick gig instead of a career, so its not hard to see why they think that way. The main result of having consistency and not taking no as an answer will be, ultimately making people a believer. From strangers to people you know. All it takes is one person and you can really change things for yourself and business. I believe that even now.

milestones? I would say, starting. I would also say, lasting this long. Things won’t always be perfect but, if you’re putting you’re best foot forward and am ready to “roll with the punches” you’ll be okay.

Knowing what I know now, do I think the process would have been sped up? Maybe.
With any business, you HAVE to give time some time. Yup, time some time. Thing don’t always work as you would like but you need to be patient and remain humble. Business should be notated as flower- a seed, a little child… and as the business owner-entrepreneur you’re the Gardner, the parent. You really have to be ready to adjust to any climate or mood because some days if not most won’t be the same. Similar but not the same. if I knew then what I know now, maybe things could have moved in a different pace, I wont deny that. who’s to say that would’ve been good or bad. I don’t dwell on things like that. I take the present for what it is now and just live the moment knowing things will work out. I know this. I just need to keep moving forward.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

My name is Ammoni. My friends call me Amo(Ay-Moe). My business is called 1upAmo and I work as a freelance illustrator/graphic designer.

I’ve always been passionate about art. I don’t really like placing a bubble about what kind of art because its subjective. I understand the details or rather I’m curious enough to want to understand and overstand the details when it comes to art. Be it something corporate with a specific marketed representation or even just something casual that just flows and connects to whomever.

I work to solve one simple task. Help bring your vision to life.
What sets me apart from the rest? Me. I can be a valuable asset. I am. I understand both sides of the spectrum when it pertains to a corporate Identity and branding. The why’s, or how’s and who’s. Sometimes its easy to miss the fact that these companies big and or small are ran by people sometimes one person. Most successful business have a team, specialists who excel in a particular area. I am such a person. I understand about production and application as well as, marketing and advertisement. What if you just want a cool design to get and a tattoo? I can do that.

I’m most proud of being able to be in this position so I emphasis that, working is always a pleasure and it is much more than just a transaction. What I do for you will represent me as well, I’m extremely passionate about what I do. I only want the best. I plan on being here for the long run, so if your looking to create something with an impact, something timeless and legendary, you let me know! I’m always ready. Let’s really connect.

Question not found

I don’t believe this will be difficult to understand but, rather it may need to be brought to light.

Being a creative is such an emotional thing its not even a joke. In the event that our mood is soured or if we become sick… its real. Like mental exhaustion is serious thing. The best of the best can be locked in a groove for maybe weeks to months, but when they hit that “wall” its hard. So just give us some time to recoup and come back 100%.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Seeing the final product by far. Then when the design is being applied or is in production for the world to see? yea, I can live for that. I love to see.

Contact Info:

• Website: 1upamo.com
• Instagram: @1up_Amo
• Facebook: Facebook.com/1upAmo
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ammoni-goudeau-7b0346158/
• Twitter: Twitter.com/1up_amo

Image Credits
Thanks to www.shadednco.com for the photoshoot.