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

Halston, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s start with what makes profitability in your industry a challenge – what would you say is the biggest challenge?

When it comes to my the graphic design industry, there’s definitely two primary culprits that make profitability a challenge and both of them honestly intertwine.

The first of which is definitely how there is a large sector of people who devalue the design field and misconstrue how valuable our services are. For whatever reason, many don’t associate design / creativity / branding with 4-5 figure price quotes. I could personally go on all day about how many times I’ve been told in the past that the value I place on my work is “ridiculous”. That is why it is important as designers to have confidence in our abilities, identify the ideal client that we are speaking to, and to know the value we provide to our clients. Doing so would ensure that we don’t start devaluing our own work and undercharging for our services because of what someone else (who has no idea of the years of expertise and practice involved in design) told us what is and isn’t a feasible price.

The second challenge to profitability is honestly many graphic designers themselves. I’ll be the first to say that when it comes to professionalism and communication, that is a weak point for MANY designers in the industry. So much so that many potential clients have caught on to it and become hesitant to invest heavily into our services. For all the talent in the world, it means nothing if you are not giving 100% customer service to those that trust you and your vision. Your reputation will make rounds and if you catch yourself in a hole where people expect subpar service out of you, making it tough to ever experience any real growth in your business.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I first became interested in graphic design / branding in high school, via a graphic design elective I took in my Junior year. I was fortunate enough to be able to take that interest to the next level when I got to college, at my alma mater Florida Atlantic University. I was naturally surrounded my non-stop student events and aspiring entrepreneurs, thus my services were always in need and these were my earliest experiences of getting my feet wet in the field finding my style.

Fast forward to now, I am still going strong and have been blessed to make great strides in my work, reputation, and presentation. I now primarily provide services that fall under branding (logo and web design related services) and have mostly phased out doing flyers with the exception of a few special cases. What sets me apart, to keep it short, is that my work makes you stand out. Like most designers, I am dedicated to giving you what you want but I am also dedicated to going above and beyond your expectations. Clients book me because I have a unique style and have a gift for design that cannot be taught.

Now having been in the game for 9 years, I can definitely say I am most proud of the how my mentality has grown and evolved and how it has been reflected in my achievements. In college, I was more than satisfied with the fact that my flyers could always be seen circulating on Instagram by various organizations and peers. Now, my work has been placed across a wide range of mediums that I would have never thought possible in the beginning. This includes magazines, storefronts, features in various interview publications, and a state license plate in Florida which is my most notable work to date.

What this industry has shown to me consistently is that the possibilities have no ceiling, and I hope my journey encourages others to see the same in their own endeavors.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has never truly changed since day 1; doing exceptional work with exceptional customer service. This answer my vary from designer to designer, but it has remained the constant for me. Some may tell you social media, ads, and newsletters; all of which I have made use of in some capacity. However, doing exceptional work, while providing exceptional service with the word of mouth that results from it, is and has always been my biggest source of expanding my clientele and getting my name into rooms I haven’t even entered yet. Potential clients will be more inclined to invest in you when they see and hear about the great things you’ve done for others.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of what I do is that I am comforted by the fact that my life has never been lived out in vain. To provide great service to clients, see their success stories, and see them leave legacies in their own right adds to my legacy itself. I am the sum of all those who saw me fit to bring their vision to life and for that i’m grateful. My work will be here long after I am gone, and that’s all any creative could really ask for.

Contact Info:

• Website: halstonshannon.com
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/halstonshannon
• Facebook: http://facebook.com/halstonshannonvisualart
• Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/halstonshannon/
• Twitter: http://twitter.com/halstonshannon_
• Other: Pre-Order your copy of my newest book, “Cool, Calm, & Creative” at https://hshannonbooks.com

Image Credits
Personal Photo by @allsnap.media