Conversations with Asha Ford

Today we’d like to introduce you to Asha Ford.

Hi Asha, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My story starts with a mindset shift. Growing up, I thought art was something you were just born with. Either you had the gift or you didn’t.

Then in high school, I had a teacher who completely changed that for me. She showed me that any skill, including art, can be developed if you’re willing to put in the work. I’ve carried that belief with me ever since, and it’s pretty much the foundation of everything I do.

When I got to Kennesaw State University (hooty hoo! 🦉) I took motion design as part of my graphic design program, and it was an instant love. I’ve always looked at still images and imagined them moving, so once I had the tools to actually do that, there was no stopping me.

After school, I spent some time in a corporate environment and knew pretty quickly that it wasn’t for me. I started freelancing, and it didn’t take long to realize that my talent and labor were creating a lot of value…value I wasn’t fully capturing by charging hourly. I wanted to build something of my own, something where I could grow on my own terms. My partner is also getting involved, which makes it even more meaningful.

I love women, I love girlhood, I’m a proud feminist so naturally I choose a female-audience focused niche. I genuinely believe that what we see in media shapes how we think about ourselves and the world, so I know how important my work is. Motion design and animation are forms of visual communication, and when used intentionally, they’re incredibly powerful tools for empowerment. I want to use mine to actually make a difference.

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?
The biggest battles take place in my own mind.

Self-doubt, imposter syndrome, the whole package. The questions that creep can be relentless.

Am I good enough? Do I need 483,049 years of experience before I’m allowed to launch something of my own?

Am I too young, too inexperienced… too female? I think a lot of women in creative industries (especially motion graphics) know exactly what I mean.

It’s like being at war with yourself in your own mind. You can have all the talent and drive in the world, but if that inner voice is loud enough, it can stop you before you even start.

I’m blessed to say I have an incredible partner who only sees perfection in everything I do. Slowly but surely, I’m able to see the perfection in myself as well. 🙂

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I run a motion design & animation studio called Krystal Klear Motion (aka KKMotion) and we partner with brands with large female audiences and bring their ideas to life in a way that’s bold, clear, and fun. We specialize in explainer videos, ad creatives, and social media animations. If a brand has something to say to women, we help them say it in a way that’s bold, clear, and impossible to ignore.

One thing I’m intentional about is versatility. My style isn’t one-size-fits-all because women aren’t one-size-fits-all. Every brand I work with has its own personality, its own audience, its own energy. I’m great at capturing that.

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Email us directly at info@ashaforddesigns.com or visit us on Behance: be.net/KKMotion

Pricing:

• 5 – 10 seconds of animation: $1,000 – $2,600
• 30 seconds: $3,500- $6,000
• 30+ seconds starts at $8,000
• Simple, templated design for small business: $500

Contact Info:

• Website: be.net/KKMotion
• Other: www.pinterest.com/krystalklearmotion/