Today we’d like to introduce you to Major Filer.
Hi Major, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Once a service member for the Army National Guard, I decided to let the military life go and chase my passion as a creative. So I decided to attended The Art Institute of Atlanta. My first decision was to study Illustration, as I had already had years of experience with it. My adviser eventually opened my eyes to the world or graphic design, which started a new chapter in my creative journey. As a single adult trying to attended school and ensure that I had a roof over my head at the end of the day, there were a lot of difficult times. Bouncing from job to job, relationship to relationship, and from one house to another, I could hardly take a break. But through it all, I kept one thought in my mind, “All will be well.” I stuck to that and it kept me whole and gave me hope. No matter how tough it got, I knew all would be well, I just have to keep pushing. And so I did, and my hope paid off. Today, along with my freelancing, I’m a professional designer for the world’s largest, privately held 100% recycled paper and packaging company. Number 5 in the U.S. Now, deal with a different challenge, how can I improve my craft, how can I become better, and how can I put my craft to work in order to help others. I’m currently in the process of searching for the right school to get my master’s in Art Direction, all-the-while considering opening my first business! I guess we’ll have to see which one comes first!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
For a black man, there is no such thing as a smooth road. We have to work with what God has given us and turn it into wine.
As I stated earlier, it’s very difficult to support yourself, being a full-time student, having multiple full-time jobs. Your expectations have literally quintupled; (1) You have to show up and be present for classes, (2) the same goes for you job, (3) you have to ensure you’re completing what’s expected as a student, (4) you have to make sure your performing at work in order to pay the bills. It’s all a full circle (or square), if one is off balance then everything else is off balance. So my biggest struggle? Trying to consistently balance the four above while trying to maintain a relationship at one point.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Currently, I’m employed at Pratt Industries. We’re known for providing our clients with 100% recycled packaging. Companies like Walmart, Home Depot, and USPS, just to name a few. An extension of that company is PrattBox, (soon to transition into Pratt.com). We provide custom packaging from businesses of any size! There’s a really amazing system that enables our customers to create, re-create the ideal design for their business. This system allows you to see a 3D render of your box as you’re building it out. You can see it all, I’m talking from uploading logos to specific colors, and any design elements that you my have on your computer can also be uploaded to our site and on your packaging. As for me, If we have customers with a lack of design experience, or just don’t have the time, I assist them with designing their packaging, along with giving my professional advice about the route they should take based on their brand.
As far as Graphic Design in the professional field, what makes me proud is our returning customers. It lets me know that I’ve helped make a difference in someone’s business.
What sets me apart from others? I’m not so sure. I see it the same way as I see opportunities for celebrities. In the words of Dr. Dre, “Anybody can get it, The hard part is keeping it.”
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
When I’m not in front of a computer screen, I can be a big comic video game nerd. So if you find any of my socials (@iamficasso) drop a follow and a good recommendations for me. Or if you just want to chat, potentially collab, or want some friendly advice, I’m here for that too!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.majorfiler.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamficasso/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamficasso
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvuCQbVBWlLZ42nc7kpc1yg
- Other: https://www.twitch.tv/iamficasso
Image Credits
All photography and original sketches were done by Major Filer
