Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexandria Hughes-Holsey.
Hi Alexandria, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
It all started with Microsoft Powerpoint. My Godbrother, Eric, installed a new version of the Microsoft Office suite on my computer so that I could do my homework for that school year. I started tinkering around with Powerpoint and I learned that slides could be saved as .png and .jpeg files. I started making custom desktop backgrounds for myself and my friends and fell in love with design. I had no idea it was called graphic design at the time. I just knew I loved creating different images on Powerpoint and playing with the software.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. As I’ve grown in this industry, I’ve had to overcome creative blocks, constantly changing trends, and surprisingly gatekeepers. I would reach out to local designers whose work I admired looking for mentorship and would either get no response or a bunch of vague and simply unhelpful “advice”.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I specialize in clean, professional designs that are digitally delivered but can be optimized for print. I work with big brands as well the every day person. So whether someone is launching a new business, product, or initiative, or if they’re planning a birthday party or other celebration and want custom design elements, I’m who they go to.
I like to fully understand what my client is trying to accomplish before we begin any design work because I’m not a fan of long tenuous email chains or projects being drawn out unnecessarily.
My newest service, Nitty Gritty Branding, is built around these principles. I like when my clients are excited about something and are ready for launch. Nitty Gritty Branding equips them with the tools necessary to establish and grow their brands with a solid brand identity. I believe when brands know who they are, what they stand for, and where they’re trying to go, it is easier to make those decisions as they continue forward.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Of course! I love listening to “The Angry Designer” podcast as well as “Marketing School” and our city’s own “Macon It”. I follow many Youtube Channels for quick how-to’s and inspiration. I also follow other designers like Cayla Burden who I believe is based in Atlanta although I know her from right here in Macon and Christéle Parham of Ham Designs also here in Macon. My mentor, Sara Sykes, has been instrumental in the skill growth and polishing I’ve experienced over the last year and a half. I spend a lot of time at the public library using their print and digital resources for research and even to complete my projects sometimes. My family, of course, are also my biggest supporters. They’re always bringing some new cool project to me. I’m so grateful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sospoton.pro
Image Credits
Alexandria Hughes-Holsey
