Today we’d like to introduce you to Monique Rojas.
Monique, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Well, I’m a graphic designer. I branded myself as Design With Mo and turned it into a business. Getting here hasn’t been easy and I still have much to accomplish. I’ve always appreciated art in terms of color, painting, and drawing but I never considered myself an “artist.” Sure, I took some art classes towards the end of my high school career but didn’t see a future in it. I went on to attend Valdosta State Univ. as a Pre-Med major with a minor in Spanish. I was going to be a dentist because my father said it’s the easiest type of doctor. Think about it, go to school for four years, go to med school for 2 1/2 years, work alongside another dentist and eventually open my own practice working four days a week making great money. Not bad right? His dream became my dream but I couldn’t see myself doing that forever. Low and behold I took another art class, Applied Computer Graphics. Soon, I learned about graphic design and was hooked. I transferred to The Art Institute of Atlanta and focused on graphic arts and the business end of Graphic Design. I found that I could “create” something every day; something people from anywhere could see and make a connection with. He didn’t understand it at first but I had to find my way. Job hunting for graphic design jobs before and after graduation was beyond frustrating. All I heard was, “You need “X” amount of years of experience!,” or, “You need “X” amount of skills to perform this job!” Yeah, I was going nowhere. So, I started offering small design services to friends and people in my community. Finally, word spread of the designs I could do for people from flyers for campus organizations at Georgia State University, wedding invitations and keepsakes, birthday flyers; the list goes on and on. So, here I am today, working a full-time job as an onsite Print Manager for a construction company and still working as CEO and Designer for my business part-time. I’ve recently re-branded Design with Mo and in the process of building its social media presence and updating the website but I’m still here. Instead of “finding” my way, I’m creating my way.
Has it been a smooth road?
The only “smooth road” I’ve seen was a steady slope of the rejection letters I received when applying for graphic design jobs early on. All I heard was, “You need “X” amount of years of experience!,” or, “You need “X” amount of skills to perform this job!” I’m sure some of us can relate to that. I definitely faced other struggles; allow me to count the ways. I was released from an internship after two months. I didn’t have enough years or skill sets needed for some design jobs. I even missed my first Portfolio Show because I didn’t pass one of my classes in school. I had all of my materials ready to go and I was told I could not attend that semester. I looked at it as fate decided I needed more time to prepare and to be “ready ready” for the next Portfolio Show. I’ve worked different jobs to pay the bills and put Design With Mo on the back burner at times. I learned from other graphic designers and companies that one must learn from struggle.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Design With Mo – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I’m most proud of my strength and will to continue to master my craft. I’ve fought through my own insecurities of my knowledge and skills and through all of the rejection and no’s. The mission of Design With Mo is to design with an ambition to create an experience. I focus on the message of my clients and do my best to communicate that message. The spectrum of design I produce ranges from abstract art, logo creation and branding to fashion and print production. Yes, it is small business and yes, I am a one woman show but that means I can give my clients far more attention than some of the larger design companies. Design With Mo raises the standards to exceed the expectation of it’s clients.
Design with Mo is not limited to any particular sector of design. Other factors that set Design With Mo apart from other design companies is company size, and outsourcing print production. The goal is to work with small business owners of the community that need a push start getting off the ground and brand development.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
There is literally “always” something going on in Atlanta, There’s enough room for various events and activities. Sure, a lot of places close early and the traffic is horrible but there’s plenty to see and do. I have not done much in Atlanta individually, but I hope that Design With Mo can.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.designwithmo.com
- Email: Designwithmo@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designwithmo/
Image Credit:
Design With Mo Logo – @designwithmo
Manifest UR Dreams Logo- @manifesturdreams
Phases By Luna Logo – @phasesbyluna
Living Blessed Logo – @iamlivingblessed
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