We recently connected with Majesty Qiydaar and have shared our conversation below.
Majesty, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
For the most part, I learned most of what I know through college and graduate school. Ironically, I was introduced to graphic design during my undergraduate years at the University of Baltimore, where I am a double alum. (B.S. ’15, M.A. ’22.)
What I could’ve done to speed up my learning process is to avoid procrastination and laziness, and ask others who shared the same interests and/or desired career field for guidance. I was, and still am, a procrastinator, which hindered and delayed my success throughout my college and post-graduate years.
Being open-minded and knowing when to improve and accept constructive criticism when showing my work to others in the field is essential, as it allows me to grow from the mistakes made and avoid repeating the same errors.
Procrastination and resistance were my biggest drawbacks to growing and learning more. As of right now, I do understand how frustrating it can be when it comes to either completing a big project for a client or a team, or just adding work to your portfolio and updating it. My advice would be to push through and ask others for guidance and pointers. The longer you procrastinate on something, the less likely it’ll get done.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Majesty Qiydaar, and I am a gamer and content creator who loves pop culture! I am also a double alum of the University of Baltimore, (B.S. ’15, M.A. ’22.)
Initially, I received my Bachelors degree in Simulation and Game Design, and after some time, I went back and earned my Masters degree in Integrated Design.
I decided to become a graphic designer after experimenting with my spin on parody logos, and later became invested and interested in designing logos, graphics, digital flyers, and the like for many of my past clients.
As the CEO of Styled By Maj Designs, I am a freelance graphic designer who has worked with clients within the DMV. As a freelance graphic designer, I create logos, graphics, digital flyers, digital posters, and everything else in-between for everyone. On the side, I sell custom graphic tees with my original art and I enjoy doing that for people.
Some problems that I solve for my clients are pretty simple, such as a logotype, simple graphics, digital business card designs, and other assets, as well.
Contrary to some other graphic design businesses, I pride myself on making appropriate art and designs so as to not leave a bad impression. I do not feature anything that’s vulgar, classless, or profane to offend anyone, nor do I create anything of the sort.
One of my greatest achievements is that I earned a Davey Award in 2022 for my designs and logos. I am very proud of that achievement and will cherish that moment for the rest of my life!
In the work I produce for everyone to have, such as clothing, stickers, and digital products, I try to integrate pop culture and gaming into my designs and connect with my audience. It’s easy, and more practical, I should say, to set a niche and define your audience in order to become successful. Some of my work that I produce may consist of gaming and/or pop culture references, whereas others are emulating concepts unrelated to my default niches. Also, I take great pride in my work and provide the utmost customer service to all who work with me.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is getting positive reactions to my work and art. It makes me very delighted to see and hear that there are people who do love my work and work ethic and would recommend me to others or represent my freelance graphic design business. The key is to never give up on yourself and always be open to constructive criticism.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
Actually, yes. I think that it takes a person, whether as a creative or non-creative, to realize and understand how much untapped potential they have when it comes to accomplishing goals and having a clear intention of what they want in life. A lot of success comes from knowing what talents and expertise you possess firsthand, and then establishing what field you want to grow in. Practice and theory go hand in hand, and before making sense of what you want to do in life, it’s best to have a plan to become successful. No matter what goals the person has in mind, there is no limit to what they can do and how far they can go in the line of work or entrepreneurship.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/StyledByMaj
- Instagram: @just_majesty & @styledbymajdesigns
- Twitter: @HisMajesty_FGC
- Youtube: @HisMajestyFGC
- Other: https://linktr.ee/HisMajestyFGC