Daily Inspiration: Meet Shari Fairclough

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shari Fairclough.

Hi Shari, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Early Beginnings I started my journey in UX/UI and Graphic Design after graduating from Georgia State University with a degree in Film/ Media. From an early age, I had a passion for drawing, sketching, and painting, which naturally led me to pursue a career in the creative field.

Initial Steps
After graduating from GSU, I struggled to find consistent work in the film industry. To expand my opportunities, I attended boot camps, web seminars, and networking events. I realized that with the many departments in the film industry, I needed to develop skills in a specific niche. This led me to research job positions in the art department, where I quickly developed an interest in Graphic Design. I took my first steps in design by attending The Creative Circus. Although I dropped out in my first quarter and failed Portfolio School, this experience taught me the importance of perseverance, no matter the setbacks.

Key Milestones
A major turning point in my career was teaching myself how to become a design expert. This self-driven education and determination played a crucial role in shaping my career and establishing me in the design field. Soon after, I found work on non-union projects as an art and set decoration assistant. However, I quickly realized my true passion was in pursuing my freelancing journey and enhancing my design and consulting skills.

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?
The journey has been filled with both rewarding moments and significant challenges. One of the main struggles has been balancing my creative passion with the practicalities of running a business. Ensuring client satisfaction while staying true to my design vision has often been a delicate act. Additionally, staying current with the ever-evolving technology, attending networking events, conferences, and keeping up with design trends demands continuous learning and adaptation. The journey was rough, but over time, I saw how much I have grown as a designer.

Every obstacle, whether it was a tight deadline, a demanding client, or a challenging project, has tested my abilities and pushed me to improve. These hurdles have provided countless opportunities for growth, enhancing my resilience and expertise in the field. I’ve learned that in life, you often have to fail many times to succeed. Each failure has been a stepping stone, leading to a deeper understanding of my craft and a stronger resolve to achieve excellence.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a multidisciplinary graphic designer with a passion for creating visually compelling and impactful designs. My work spans various mediums, including print, digital, and multimedia platforms. I specialize in branding, UI/UX design, web design, social media marketing, and visual storytelling, ensuring that each project I undertake is not only aesthetically pleasing but also effectively communicates the intended message.

Specialization and Expertise
* Branding: I create cohesive and memorable brand identities that resonate with target audiences.

* UI/UX Design: I design user-centric digital experiences through research, wireframes, and prototypes, enhancing user satisfaction and engagement. I also hold a UX Design Certificate, which has further solidified my expertise in creating intuitive and efficient user interfaces.

* Web Design: I develop captivating website layouts and templates, ensuring seamless user experiences across various devices and platforms.

* Social Media Marketing: I craft visually compelling content for social media platforms, leveraging design strategies to engage audiences and enhance brand visibility.

* Visual Storytelling: I capture high-quality visuals and create narratives that bring brands and concepts to life.
Notable Achievements

* Successful Brand Identities: I’ve collaborated with clients to produce brand identities that have significantly boosted their market presence and engagement.

* Feature Publications: My work has been featured in Canvas Rebel, VoyageATL, and on 11 Alive, showcasing my design prowess and industry impact.

* Film Credits: My design skills have been applied in notable film projects, including “Black Lightning,” “The Color Purple,” and “The Staircase.”

What Sets Me Apart

* Versatility: My ability to work across various design mediums and industries allows me to tackle a wide range of projects with unique solutions.

* Continuous Learning: I stay updated with the latest design trends and technologies, ensuring my work remains innovative and relevant.

* Client-Centric Approach: I prioritize understanding my clients’ needs and objectives, providing personalized solutions that exceed their expectations.

Most Proud Of

I’m particularly proud of my contributions to both educational settings and the film industry. With four years of experience as an assistant teacher, UX Design, and TEFL certifications, I’ve leveraged my design skills to enhance educational materials and environments while spearheading social media coordination and marketing efforts. Simultaneously, my involvement in prominent film projects has provided a platform to merge my passion for design with the captivating realm of visual media. My involvement in high-profile film projects has allowed me to blend my passion for design with the dynamic world of visual media.

Ultimately, what sets me apart is my dedication to creating designs that not only look great but also deliver meaningful results. Whether it’s developing a brand from the ground up, crafting seamless user experiences for websites, driving engagement through social media marketing, or enhancing visual storytelling through multimedia platforms, I bring creativity, technical expertise, and a deep commitment to every project I undertake.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Apps: 1. Asana: For project management and organization.
2. Miro: For collaborative online whiteboarding and brainstorming.
3. Google Suites: For productivity tools like Gmail, Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides.
4. Google Analytics: For tracking website traffic and analyzing user behavior.

Podcasts:
1. Art + Audience by Stacie Bloomfield: Insights into creativity, art, and building an audience.
2. Beating The Odds Podcast by The Creative Folks: Tammy Huynuh: Stories of creative professionals overcoming challenges and achieving success.

Blogs:
1. Medium Daily Digest: Curated articles on a wide range of topics, including personal development and technology.

Professional Development, Community Involvement, and Freelance Work:
1. Blacks in Technology: Insights and resources for Black professionals in the tech industry.
2. Community Impact Volunteering with AWA: Southeastern Conference: Opportunities for community involvement and making a difference.
3. Campaign For Democrat Socialist Gaberial Sanchez House of Representatives District 42: Updates and information on political activism and social change initiatives.
4. Working with My mentors, Tammy Huynuh for Graphic Design, and Candace Wilson for UX/UI Design: Personal reflections and insights from mentors in the design field.
5. Freelance Work & Passion Projects: Engaging in diverse design projects and collaborations, contributing to professional growth and skill enhancement.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/sunniaesthetics
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunniaesthetics/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shari-fairclough/
• Other: https://www.behance.net/sharijene