We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Najee’ Barnes a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Najee’, thanks for joining us today. Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?

The type of legacy that I want to build is one of vision. I want to be remembered for my vision and ability to execute on it, no matter the circumstances. When it comes to being a father, the vision to lead and teach my children in the right way according to beliefs and practices that I have learned and not so much that of what society expects or holds dear. When it comes to being a businessman, the vision to network and build relationships successfully for longterm opportunities and experiences. When it comes to being a Graphic Designer, the vision that I can take any seed of an idea from any client and nurture it to a full grown tree. “From Concept, to Creation!” That’s my company’s mission, and I stand on the principle.

When I’m gone, people will relish in my ability to manifest and execute. They will remember that I am a man that does what he sets out to do. They will remember that I always kept my word. They will remember that I did what I said I would. They will remember and witness my vision!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Najee’ Barnes. Born in Washington DC, raised in North Carolina since I was 5. Coming from DC, I always had a love for Graffiti. But didn’t see a vast amount in NC compared to DC. Started doodling graffiti as early as kindergarten. By the time I got to fourth grade I was drawing pokemon and digimon characters from trading cards. 5th grade, I elevated to Dragon Ball Z from Toonami on what once was Cartoon Network ( I used to record episodes on VHS so I could rewatch and pause at certain scenes so I could draw the characters) and yahooligans (kids yahoo back in the day. They always had cool DBZ scenes that I would print out and draw. Still have all my pictures to this day!) Picked up my first can at 12 and everything just continued in a very creative path. Started painting shoes and shirts for friends at school, and even made a nice profit out of it. The ability to create anything was always my drive.

I graduated high school and moved to Charlotte to attend The Art Institute of Charlotte. At the time I wanted to design video games, so I chose Graphic Design as my major. Unknowingly, Graphic Design has little to do with game design, but I was already intrigued. From typography to color theory, the principles that make up the industry Graphic Design had caught me. Started freelancing in 2012 and in 2014 I graduated with my Bachelors of Arts in Graphic Design.

Since then, I started a clothing line, turned my freelance business into a fully fuctional LLC, and I currently am also the Lead Graphic Designer and Production Manager at a global sign company called Signarama. The services I offer go from logo design to business card production. From social media flyer design, to 24″ x 18″ Yard Sale Signs. From branding to marketing. Besides designing websites, anything graphic or artistically in need, I have experience with. And honestly the biggest problem that I solve for my clients is going “From Concept, to Creation!” Everybody has a story, idea, interest, that they may not always know how to bring to fruition. This is what I specialize in. My ability to implement vision and expertise for any project is what sets me apart and what my clients would most agree with. I guess you could call me an “Intellectual Curator” because it takes a special type of person to marry two people’s minds in harmony to accomplish a common goal.

I am most proud of my growth in productivity and discipline. The first 10 years of navigating business, I can honestly say I dragged my feet a lot more than I should’ve. Running a business in your 20s isn’t easy to stay focused and execute at a high level without distractions. But everything happened and is happening as it should, and I don’t regret anything because I have the knowledge, experience and drive to fire off for the next 10 years and all the years following!

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

The best source for new clients is word of mouth! Whether traditional or structural. Traditional is finishing a project for someone and they post it and tag me, or the tell all of their clients who did the work for them when they get praises. Examples like that. Structural is using a platform like Thumbtack. Yea everybody is up there looking for professionals, but a lot of clients don’t move forward with anyone without viewing the reviews and work from that person. Doing great business benefits more business in itself. Happy people influence others to be happy also.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect is being apart of successful businesses. It’s riding past a supermarket and seeing the banner you designed and created for them. It’s seeing a food truck become internationally known with the logo and branding that you did for them. It’s seeing random posts with millions of follows and shares of people you don’t know, wearing clothes you designed. Again “From Concept, to Creation!” is the most important thing. To know that something that I mapped out and planned in my head, then took to create in a computer, could end up on the front of a magazine, or in a fashion show, or on the side of a skyscraper. The world is a big place, and to know your footprint is being noticed and recognized in it is a beautiful thing!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.behance.net/nbgraphicdesigner
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nbgd_studios/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nbgraphicdesigner/
• Other: Thumbtack https://www.thumbtack.com/nc/charlotte/logo-design/nbgd-studios-llc/service/442208805278711811