We were lucky to catch up with Charles Crawford II recently and have shared our conversation below.
Charles , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s jump right into how you came up with the idea?
The surface-level aspects and skills of designing logos, identifying the best print methods & mediums, or taking photos & videos came early, mainly through trial and error, YouTube, and natural absorption. The gift of taking those talents and channeling them to help guide people into new creative spaces when it comes to their business and personal brands, I learned in part from my collegiate education and others in learning and relearning myself. The road to RFC Creations as it stands today has been a long journey of finding identity. Growing up, my family was very tied into the church and working through ministry. My father was the head of the media ministry for years and as a way to keep me out of trouble, I was deemed one of its main members. This introduced me to the world of multi-media production, by having me work the cameras, and creating graphics that would be displayed during the service. I transferred these skills as I got older and into high school as I started creating graphics for people running for homecoming court, posts for their Facebook pages, and for a group of friends as we began to host events around the city. Learning more about how to work the programs became a passion that I did in my free time more so than anything else.
When it came to college and what I would study I took the “safe route”. Although I only spent one semester in the engineering department, before switching to graphic design & graphic communications management, that year and a half of college rejections and then settling on a major that would “make more money” vs something I truly enjoyed, put me in a state of flux within myself. I had an idea of what I wanted to do, and it wasn’t what many people around me felt was the best thing for me to do, so much of my time was spent doing it out of spite and to prove a point. This hindered me from really understanding the true potential and scale of my dream.
Throughout my college years, I did learn and heightened the best skill and lessons I could have ever received. Design is not limited to just creating websites, or apparel, it is a way of life and when seen as such as a designer you realize that you truly are a creator. Not in the sense that many people see it today with content and social media, but in the sense of true power. By designing a logo for a client we are on creating a new way of life for them, embarking on a journey that when done right can have an impact on countless people around them. Helping bring to life dreams is what I had to remember I wanted to do. When I made the decision to add photography and videography services to the business I knew that I was starting to move in stride with my true purpose. Supplying others, with the knowledge and skill that I have and enjoy, so that they can leverage it to build their own dreams into reality was something I was doing as a kid for free! So I knew I could succeed when I gave my inner child a place to shine again and operate with pure passion and not profit.
Since moving to Dallas in 2021, I have added consulting to my service packages. I found that my experiences and expertise over the years have allowed me to learn so much more than just design, print, and visuals. Working with various clients has given me insight into business operations, and out-of-the-box marketing tactics as well as a new mindset surrounding the ideas of how life and business can co-exist. I now try to spend just as much time pouring into my clients directly as I do their businesses.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
As a creative conglomerate with almost a decade of experience, RFC Creations provides comprehensive design, print, photography, videography, and consulting services to enhance our clients’ brands. With everything done in-house, we maintain complete control over quality and consistency in brand strategy and execution. Our focus is on continuously pushing ourselves and our clients to innovate and achieve brand dominance. We aim to be a trusted creative partner, leveraging our extensive knowledge and experience in design, printing, and photo/video to bring any concept to life. Whether it’s in-house execution or expert consultation, we’re always here to support our clients and help them excel.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
The main goal that I have always had since high school is to create jobs and opportunities for people (especially in my hometown of Macon, Ga). This mission grew into me wanting to establish a full scale publication house to provide a space for African American knowledge and stories to be produced. Overall, my true mission is to use my knowledge and expertise to provide opportunities for people who don’t see many options to create a better life for themselves. Whether that be giving new creators opportunities and showing them the way to build a business & work within the industry, or simply providing income for a household in need.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect is being able to breathe life into what was just thought to be hopes and dreams. This aspect of creating is something I learned after taking a ceramics course, and I realized that regardless of how the finished piece looks, this was something that I made into a physical form to be experienced from my mind.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rfccreations.com
- Instagram: @rfc_creations
- Facebook: RFC Creations (https://www.facebook.com/rfccr8tions)
- Youtube: RFC Creations (@rfccreations)
- Other: [email protected]
Image Credits
Charles Craword, II RFC Creations