We were lucky to catch up with Sheroma Hodge recently and have shared our conversation below.
Sheroma, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
Once upon a time, in a world before the dawn of ubiquitous internet and technology at our fingertips, I discovered my love for creativity and design. It was like stumbling upon a hidden treasure; a spark ignited within me and I knew that I had found my calling.
I began my journey as a self-taught enthusiast, spending countless hours immersed in books, magazines, and whatever resources I could find. I remember the thrill of exploring the vast landscapes of design, like a curious explorer traversing a new world. There was no YouTube or online tutorials to guide me then, just an insatiable thirst for knowledge and an unwavering determination to master my craft.
The subsequent years saw me joining the ranks of various companies, working with clients, and navigating the exciting, yet challenging, terrain of the design industry. Each project was a stepping stone, each collaboration a learning opportunity, and each challenge a chance to grow. Through it all, I honed my skills, developed my unique voice, and deepened my understanding of the transformative power of design.
My journey of lifelong learning took me to the hallowed halls of academia, where I pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree in Media and Communication, and later, a Master’s degree in Media Design. These experiences broadened my horizons, introducing me to the theoretical foundations of my craft and providing me with a platform to explore, experiment, and evolve.
Looking back now, with the wisdom of 20 years behind me, I realize that I could have accelerated my learning process by seeking mentorship and fostering relationships with more experienced designers. Having someone to guide you, challenge you, and provide constructive feedback is invaluable. I could also have embraced the power of networking sooner, recognizing that the design industry, like many others, thrives on connections and collaborations.
The skills that proved most essential on this journey were resilience, adaptability, and a growth mindset. The landscape of design is ever-evolving, and the ability to keep pace with changing trends, tools, and technologies is crucial. So too is the ability to face setbacks with grace and tenacity, turning obstacles into opportunities for growth.
Speaking of obstacles, perhaps the biggest one was my own fear and self-doubt. There were times when I questioned my abilities, feared criticism, or felt overwhelmed by the scale of my ambitions. But these trials, as daunting as they were, only served to strengthen my resolve and fuel my passion for design.
My journey is far from over, and I am grateful for every twist and turn, every success and failure, and every moment of discovery and growth. The world of design is a magical one, and I am excited to continue exploring, learning, and creating in the years to come.
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 back background and context?
I’m an individual of diverse facets, both an artist and a scholar, a creator, and a thinker. For over two decades, I have been intimately engaged with the world of media design and communication, a journey that started with an ember of curiosity and has grown into a burning passion. My love for design began organically, sprouting from a self-taught exploration of the arts, photography, and expanding through formal education and professional experiences.
Venturing into the professional realm, I found a place in a variety of companies, working on projects that ranged from branding and marketing, to interactive media design. I quickly learned that every client is a new universe, teeming with unique challenges, needs, and aspirations. It’s my mission to delve into these universes, unravel their complexities, and create design solutions that tell compelling stories, solve problems, and make a meaningful impact.
In the course of my career, I’ve had the opportunity to provide a myriad of services, each tailored to meet the specific needs of my clients. From creating distinctive brand identities to designing immersive digital experiences, my work encompasses a broad spectrum of media design and communication. Every project is a testament to my dedication to craft, detail, and innovation, underpinned by a deep understanding of design principles and an unwavering commitment to my clients’ visions.
What sets me apart, I believe, is my holistic approach to design, born out of a profound respect for the interconnectedness of our world. I see design not as a collection of separate elements, but as a harmonious interplay of aesthetics, functionality, and emotion. Moreover, my educational background in Media and Communication and a Master’s degree in Media Design equips me with a unique lens to view the design challenges, blending creativity with strategic thinking.
One of my proudest achievements is the diversity of projects I’ve had the privilege to work on. I’ve served clients across industries, cultures, and continents, each time immersing myself in their world to deliver design solutions that resonate with their audience and align with their goals. These experiences have not only refined my skills but also enriched my understanding of the universal language of design.
As for what I want potential clients and followers to know about me and my brand, it’s that I am a lifelong learner and an ardent believer in the transformative power of design. My work is driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence, a deep-seated respect for diversity, and a commitment to creating designs that inspire, engage, and drive positive change.
So, if you’re looking for a design partner who is equally invested in your vision, who approaches every project with passion, creativity, and strategic thinking, I’d be delighted to embark on that journey with you. Let’s create something extraordinary together.
Have you ever had to pivot?
The advent of the Covid-19 pandemic brought with it a wave of uncertainty and disruption, forever altering the landscape of our lives and our work. For me, this unprecedented crisis also served as a catalyst for change, pushing me to reimagine my approach to business and design in profound ways.
I remember the day clearly when the gravity of the situation truly sank in. Client projects were being put on hold indefinitely, collaborations were dissolving, and the familiar hum of my day-to-day operations began to wane. The world seemed to be holding its breath, uncertain and apprehensive about the future.
It was amidst this turmoil that I realized the need for a pivot – not just a minor adjustment, but a fundamental shift in the way I conducted my business and engaged with my clients. It was time to embrace the digital frontier more fully, to navigate the virtual spaces that were rapidly becoming the new normal.
With physical interactions limited, I shifted client meetings, brainstorming sessions, and presentations online, leveraging video conferencing and collaborative platforms to maintain the connection and rapport that are so crucial to my work. This transition wasn’t without its challenges, but it opened my eyes to the potential of remote collaboration and the flexibility it affords.
I also recognized the growing need for digital solutions in the wake of the pandemic. Businesses were seeking ways to connect with their audience virtually, and this need became a new focal point for my services. I started providing more digital design services such as UX/UI design, creating virtual experiences that could bridge the physical gap imposed by the pandemic. In doing so, I found a renewed sense of purpose, connecting with a larger community and providing value in a time of shared adversity.
Pivoting during the pandemic was a journey of resilience and adaptability, a testament to the human capacity for innovation in the face of adversity. It was a challenging period, but also one of growth and learning. I discovered new ways of working, new avenues for my services, and, most importantly, a newfound appreciation for the power of connection and community in times of change.
This experience taught me that even when the world seems to stand still, we have the power to keep moving, to adapt, innovate, and forge new paths. The Covid-19 pandemic may have changed the way we work, but it also underscored our ability to evolve and thrive amidst change. This, to me, is the true essence of resilience, the heart of every pivot, and a guiding light for the future.
Can you share your view on NFTs? (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)
NFTs represent a fascinating intersection of technology, creativity, art, and finance, a development that is undeniably revolutionizing how we conceive and handle digital ownership. While the concept can seem nebulous to some, my perspective on NFTs is rooted in their potential for innovation and transformation.
From a technological standpoint, NFTs are a significant leap forward. Built on blockchain technology, they introduce a new layer of functionality and application to an already revolutionary technological concept. The immutability and transparency inherent in blockchain provide a robust foundation for NFTs, ensuring the authenticity and ownership of digital assets in an otherwise replicable digital environment.
In the realm of creativity and art, NFTs are fostering an unprecedented renaissance. Artists and creators now have a platform where their digital works can be authenticated, owned, and traded in ways previously limited to physical art. This not only democratizes art, giving digital artists an opportunity to monetize their work, but also disrupts the traditional gatekeeping mechanisms in the art world. Moreover, the tokenization of art can give creators ongoing royalties for secondary sales, a significant shift in artists’ rights and earnings.
As a new asset class in finance, NFTs are adding a fresh dimension to the world of cryptocurrencies. Beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum, they represent unique, non-interchangeable tokens, opening up a host of possibilities for digital collectors and investors. NFTs can represent a variety of assets – from art to real estate, to virtual goods in digital games, paving the way for innovative investment opportunities and economic models.
Critically, NFTs are fostering a broader understanding and adoption of cryptocurrencies. As people engage with NFTs, they become more familiar with the mechanics of blockchain technology, cryptocurrencies, and decentralization. This has the potential to drive a wider acceptance and normalization of crypto transactions in various sectors of the economy.
However, as with any nascent technology, NFTs also bring challenges and considerations, including environmental concerns linked to blockchain’s energy consumption, and questions around intellectual property rights. Navigating these issues responsibly and sustainably is crucial as we embrace the possibilities NFTs present.
I view NFTs as a groundbreaking innovation, a catalyst driving new ways of thinking about art, creativity, and financial investment in the digital space. They are a testament to our collective creative and technological potential, opening doors to a future where digital ownership and creativity take on new meanings.
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Image Credits
All images by Sheroma Hodge.