We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kenneth Reed a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Kenneth thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.

I can honestly thank my parents for allowing me to be myself growing up. We know a lot of parents already have plans for their kids before they can walk or they try to make them do what they want them to do. My parents told me that whatever I chose to do with myself was fine with them as long as I stayed out of trouble. Going to college was my own choice and so was my career path. I’ve gotten nothing but support from them the entire journey thus far! This has helped me stay authentic in my career and bring a little bit of myself in it as well. It helps my creativity shine with no barriers.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I grew up in the small town of Eudora, Arkansas before moving to Little Rock, Arkansas for college at UALR. The way I entered the industry was by a realization. After becoming a marketing major at school, I looked up minors to pair with it and I found out about graphic design. I didn’t know how important art was at a business standpoint, because I thought it was always about illustration and paintings. I could always draw as a kid too, so I added graphic design to my curriculum as well, and started taking my drawing skills serious.

After that, I was always on YouTube looking at Adobe Tutorials, how to be a freelancer, and other skills needed to be successful. I started out designing album covers for artists and it branched off to logos, branding, etc. I’m to the point now where I’m trusted and highly recommended by clients.

Photography came into play after seeing it can go hand-in-hand with graphic design. That was also my first dream as a child since I was a huge Spider-Man fan. Peter Parker was a photographer for the Daily Bugle, and I was always fascinated with that. I’ve also begun to see the beauty of how one photo can tell so many stories. I’ve added photography to my creative repertoire along with videography which I’ve recently picked up.

As stated, the services I provide are Graphic Design, Photography, and Videography for businesses, creatives, and lifestyle. It’s really wherever I’m needed. I’ll say the main problem that I solve isn’t a “problem” per se. It’s more of a need. I help my clients tell their stories visually whether it’s a logo, photoshoot, album cover, video, etc. The main goal of my career is to help everyone I work with bring their ideas to life.

I think what sets me apart from others is that I’ve mixed myself into my work. I see this career as fun more than I see it as work. I love to be happy 90% of the time and serious the other 10%. I also try to connect with my clients and get their input in whatever the project is. That way there’s as much of them in it as possible.

I’m most proud of how I do all of it with no team. It’s just me. I appreciate everyone who’s lent a hand to me, recommended me to someone, or has given me advice, but currently it’s just me. There’s beauty in that because it helps me learn how to make do with what I have and how to be appreciative of my own abilities. I’m also proud of how far I’ve come. I started out as a 19 year old kid with just a laptop hoping to get clients, but now I’m a 23 year old man with clients hoping to work with me.

I just want everyone to know that if we’re working together, we’re gonna make something special! I’m ready to work whenever they are.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

I’d say the best way is to give each project your all! I say that because if you go above and beyond for clients, they’ll do the same for you. Word of mouth is the most effective form of marketing to me. People are always looking for services, so if you give your clients great service, they’ll recommend you immediately.

I also say that it’s great to network and build relationships. You don’t have to have a business relationship with everyone. You have to be genuine as well! Whoever the person in your network knows, you technically know them too. Just be authentic, give more than you receive, and your clientele will build quicker than you’d imagine.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My honest goal is to just make a living off of being a creative and doing what I love. I don’t have to be a complete entrepreneur. I can be work somewhere full-time as a creative along with freelance or I can be 100% freelance. Either is fine with me. Additionally, I want to be a creative one-stop shop for clients. I have the ability to provide everything they need visually. I just need the assignment and I’m good for it! Till I reach that goal, I’m just going to enjoy the journey.      

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kennythegreatt.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/kennythegreatt?igshid=MjEwN2IyYWYwYw==
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenneth-v-reed