We recently connected with Chavon Blount and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Chavon, thanks for joining us today. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?

When coming up with the name of my business, I wanted something that was different and reflected an aspect of my personality. I love to travel, particularly to islands and the Caribbean. I’m the ultimate beach bum! Before I started my business in June 2020, I visited Jamaica right before everything shut down because of COVID. Irie (eye-ree) is a term they use in Jamaica that means “nice, good, or pleasing” and I felt like it was the perfect word to describe my work. I added “by Teré” (my middle name) to distinguish me from any other businesses that may have a similar name.

Chavon, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Chavón and I’m a graphic designer from New Jersey. I specialize in creating logos, designing layouts, and branding. I’ve always possessed an innate ability to create. Drawing, calligraphy, event planning/conception, to name a few. Throughout my career, I would always take on tasks of creating promotional materials for the organization. During May 2020, my brother organized a protest & vigil in response to the murder of George Floyd. I volunteered to create flyers for the event to be shared via social media. Impressed with my work, my brother suggested I pursue graphic design full time.

So I did.

I began taking certifications for Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, and Canva. While there was an extreme learning curve with some of the aspects in Adobe, my confidence was boosted as I learned the technical terms for things that I already knew and implemented. I had (and have) a solid support system around me that pushed me every step of the way. As I grew my confident in my work, I began sharing it on social media and promoting my services. This was an opportune time as a lot of people were starting businesses during this period in the pandemic and so I began my business specializing in logo design.

In regard to a full-time job, I knew it would be impossible to get a role as a graphic designer. I decided to pursue roles in communications as they often time have a design aspect and I have a B.A. in English with a minor in Communications. I got my first big break when I applied for an Assistant Director of Communications job that I figured I wouldn’t get, but YOLO! The director responded expressing that they were looking for someone with more experience, however she visited my website and would like to work with me on an upcoming project.

After an interview, I submitted a proposal and she immediately sent it back instructing me to double my rate. That was the first lesson I had in knowing my worth and not being afraid to ask for more. I went on to design the layout for two publications for the organization, in the process discovering that I really enjoy layout design. I’m definitely proud of this moment because I bet on myself, and while the result wasn’t what I wanted (the Assistant Director role), I received something greater in the form of lessons, confirmation, and sharpening my skills.

Throughout this journey, I’ve developed a style that has been described as “clean”. I love playing with the hierarchy of typography and the framing of objects and photos, drawing attention to key elements. I work with the ideology that “less is more”.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

There’s a quote that I repeat to myself often: “comparison is the thief of joy”. I don’t remember when I first heard it, but I do know that it has kept me grounded and focused throughout this journey. It’s easy to get distracted on what someone else is doing or what you’re not doing. Wondering if you work is good enough because they have a particular deal or client and you don’t. I’m human, so there are times when I can get caught up in comparing myself to others. Doing so takes away from MY accomplishments, my talent, and my creativity. I’ve learned to take a pause and honor myself. Then ask, “Am I inspired by this art or am I focused on the success I think it represents?”. This question helps to put my feelings at that moment in perspective and then I remind myself that MY journey is my own. While it may not look like someone else’s, it doesn’t make it any less amazing.

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

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is seeing my designs come to life. Whether on a billboard, t-shirt, or thank you cards…seeing and being able to touch what started as an idea in my head will never get old.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.iriedesigns5.com/
• Instagram: @irie.designs5
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chavonblount/