We were lucky to catch up with Simone Hood recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Simone thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

“Big Mood” by Bri Trilla is the biggest project I have ever done so far. I’m so appreciative to be apart of that project and I enjoyed the team. It’s meaningful to me because of her message behind the song. Not only the message, I still remember the first time she sent the song for me to listen. I told her “It sounds like you teaching the ladies about self worth” & she said “Yes” ! Her confidence and her sureness of that song has put so much life into the artwork I made for “Big Mood”. The importance of women knowing there worth when it comes to dealing with men who doesn’t appreciate women. The first artwork cover concept I made for it was more like a chalkboard theme with chalk fonts. At first it was too cliche but the song still blew up before the actual song dropped. She trust me again to make the official cover for “Big Mood” which I felt very great and confident about. The vision was like a sports digital clock, pink represents softness in women, the picture that Bri Trilla’s sister took was a picture of her rolling her eyes, and that picture showed the attitude alone! I made sure the font was big and bold & pink! I’m a girl’s girl! Always put yourself ladies, there is 1,2,3,4, 500 out there!

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

For the people who haven’t read about me and my journey I’m here to tell you that graphic design is everywhere. It’s in your house, it’s at your job, your favorite restaurant and even on the highways and more. I got into the industry starting with photography. I love taking pictures. I started off with family and our friends of the family and soon the neighbors knew who I was. I bought a digital camera in 2016. I was still enrolled in college it was almost time for me to graduate. At first I wanted to go to Full Sail University for “Film” but couldn’t afford the state fees or move to work on campus. So my mom found Brown Mackie College and it had “Graphic Design” which is almost close to film. I came up with “Visual Vibez” because my vision is out this world and have a great vibe and want to share my dopeness with the world. Since I do many other things I added “Studios” to my brand name. I’ve always surrounded myself around talented people. The guys I grew up with had a studio at their house. What’s crazy is this was in middle school all the way to adult years. I’ve always knew the music industry was for me. Helping artists with creative direction and pushing them for perfection. The services I provide are music artwork covers. I love making artwork covers it’s my specialty! I’m proud of my growth as a person through my journey and to know that I am resilient. The problems I solve for my clients/artists is to make sure I am guiding and helping them with project arrangements which led to me managing upcoming artists. What sets me apart from others is my delivery, dedication and determination. There is no one that I know or work with can say I’m not those 3 things.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

The hustle mentality stuck with me for a minute. I had to unlearn “fast money”. Money pays the bills, helps you eat everyday, and wanting to treat yourself nice but fast isn’t always good. Fast money doesn’t always help your mental health. I remember when I stopped taking cash with clients. I had to take a step back and recognize my target audience and had to come up with a solution for my brand. I don’t know about you all but fast money caused a lot of problems for me. Those type of clients are not the best clients. They become problematic. See the hustle mentality is only for surviving. I’ve been surviving so long and realize that the game is nothing but smoking mirrors. I believe in realism and artist development. I believe in both parties should earn respect and trust. Fast money had my availability open to much and I forgave myself for that because it taught me to value in myself more and let others value me in the way I want to. Value is important and it cause last longing business relationships, even personal. I got tired of surviving. It was time to control my purpose and understand the bigger picture.

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.

Choosing not to work long hours at a job. I know that many people wouldn’t like this but to know that I have a passion for graphic design and working with independent or major artists I try to keep my availability open for creativity. There were times where I missed opportunities and tour shows because having to work so much. There are other opportunities here yes but some opportunities maybe once in a lifetime. I like to give myself to network. Yes financial stability is a need, I fully understand that. My mom is my biggest supporter and I appreciate her so much. Other people wouldn’t took me in and she’s literally my biggest fan through it all. I believe that everything will pay off. I’m really only working only to make sure I’m good and make sure that my mom is great also!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.visualvibezstudios.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simonevvs.gfx?igsh=dW90MXIzc2k0ajJy&utm_source=qr

Image Credits

CEO JAYARE
FGM KNINE
BRI TRILLA
BREE CARTER
ZOE $LIM