We were lucky to catch up with Graphic Artist recently and have shared our conversation below.

Graphic Artist, 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?

Growing up, I was fortunate to be a part of the internet’s guinea pig generation. With having accessibly to internet, I learned early on how to design just from being able to see various designs and concepts. I also was able to witness facebook change the social landscape forever for the day to day American. Even then, I didn’t underestimate the power of the internet when it came to marketing yourself. I would spend relentless hours locked in my room designing, creating, and on social media.

There may have been tutorials on how to do things back then, but I learned the best through trial and error compared to being lectured. I’m definitely a visual and hands on learner. I like having my own analysis of why something works or doesn’t work versus being told it doesn’t work or shown a way that’s not as easy for me. Photoshop manipulation, and learning composition were the most essential skills I learned because they allowed me to cultivate my skill-set in my artistry. If I would’ve had access to programs like Adobe Creative Cloud, especially back then when I had so many free hours to learn what I didn’t have enough time to learn as an adult, it could’ve really taken me to another level.

The lack of knowledge of knowing my passion was even conceivable as a career, cost me parts of my imagination by the time I was an adult, that can’t be restored. I was probably in my early 20s when I got to explore what a career in graphics and media looks like. I can only imagine how my skill level would have been cultivated by now starting much earlier.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your background and context?

At 15, what started as just designing photo collages for friends for fun turned into a small hustle, when the demand started to grow. As the demand started to grow, I had to advance my skill level as well. Later as time progressed, I was able to offer flyer design services, photography, photo manipulation editing, and composition editing. Now I’m currently offering those services plus motion and animated graphics, logo design, brochure/invitations and banner Design, single/album artwork design, website design, and media kit design. Since then I’ve moved to Atlanta and started my own media company, Underrayted Media. I’ve showcased my work in 4 various art exhibitions around the city and been featured twice in local publications. I’ve designed work for small business owners, celebrities, churches, organizations, foundations, political campaigns, and the everyday person like yourself. My serving demographic is very broad, one of my strengths is being able to connect with people as an individual no matter the background.
My clients come to me because I like to add a personal touch to each project. No project is the same as another. I don’t accept any and every project, especially if I can’t see the vision the client is wanting. I provide consultations to clients to explain the design concept chosen so they understand how it works with their marketing ideas.

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

The most rewarding feeling for me is seeing the work I created in real time. It’s nothing like scrolling down social media seeing a logo or flyer, riding down the highway and seeing a billboard, or looking on Apple music or Spotify and seeing artwork I created. It feels like a way to cement myself into the world, that no matter what, parts of me will be on this earth hopefully years after I’m long gone. That honestly makes my heart melt euphorically I can’t explain, it’s very spiritual for me.

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.

Yes, I think non-creatives can learn and practice being kind. Oftentimes you may witness someone talking down on someone that’s trying their best. Even if someone is horrible at what they do right now, how can they get better, if they don’t at least try? You can only improve, you can’t get worse than where you were before you started. Be mindful of your comments and mindset when you’re witnessing someone trying their best. It takes a lot to be able to express yourself and share your art or passion with the world, the last thing anyone needs is negativity feeding into it. It cost nothing to share some encouraging words to someone you see putting forth the effort.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: http://instagram.com/underrayted

Image Credits
Photography By: Nicholas Fernandez (@nicolasphco)