Today we’d like to introduce you to Candace Elise Orange.
Candace, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
After graduating top of my department from Clark Atlanta University with a BA in studio arts and advertising design in 2014, I was unable to secure a job in my field. Eventually, I began working as a visual merchandiser and started an online jewelry store for extra income.
Instagram had just started to become popular, so I started designing flyers on my phone for my brand. After a while, I asked myself, “How many other businesses need advertising graphics to promote their business on this new photo-share platform,” and just like that, one of my most popular services was born.
My then $10, same-day turnaround IG flyers I would create on my phone grew into a weekly, “booked and busy” full-service visual design business.
My business has grown from $10 IG flyers to literally making client’s dreams a reality.
Along with social media graphics, I also offered your basic branding materials such as logos, websites, and print graphics. After years of building a solid reputation, loyal client list, and obtaining my first USTPO design patent in 2019, my services started to be curated more to the product market. I now only offer specialized branding services such as product design and manufacturing, product sourcing, packaging, creative project management and everyone’s favorite editorial design.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Like Atlanta’s roads, my road has been rocky at times and I definitely hit a few potholes, but as a true entrepreneur I would not expect anything less. Those bumps and dips made me and my business who we are today, and now I know to swerve when I travel down particular avenues.
Coming in at #1, “you’ll get exposure,” which is the #1 struggle for me and I’m sure other creatives. Everyone has fallen for the scam a few times, especially here in Atlanta because there are multiple avenues of exposure, but you should never use anyone and knowingly understand that you can not put them on.
When I finally realized who I was and what I was worth, I started negotiating my own terms. At the end of the day we’re all going to get “used”, but you should always pick and choose who “uses” you and know what you want out of the deal upfront.
For example, I took a volunteer design gig at a local magazine here in Atlanta. Even though I was not getting paid, I knew that I now had a platform that would promote my designs to a larger audience, access to multiple celeb photoshoots to build my portfolio and be able to make connections with the other creative team members.
Working for that magazine for free took my brand from a “nice little ATL designer” to a “star-studded editorial designer”, which then segwayed me into getting a paid contract with Hype Hair Magazine.
Soooo the struggle is real, the road is bumpy, and the journey is long, but there is no better feeling when you finally know your destination is near.
Tell us about your business – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Celise Elise ATL is a mix medium design company that aims to connect your brand and brand identity by creating aesthetically appealing visuals through mix mediums, colorful designs, layouts, and typography. Mix Medium describes my process of specializing in digital graphics, however, also using several other mediums to accomplish our clients dreams.
Celise Elise Atlanta, formally known as Celise Designs, has been in business for 15 years in the making. Throughout my time in high school and college, I’ve worked on many freelance gigs without knowing at that time that would be my saving grace when I graduated from undergrad.
I’m a visual designer, specializing in upscale branding and product development.
I’m mostly recognized for my very clean layout and detailed graphics. My clients are constantly returning and refer me to others because of my creativity, time management, and integrity. I’m known for all things creative. I’m definitely the person you come to when you have a creative idea and you are looking for assistance putting it together.
I am most proud of how much I have developed my brand and how much my work speaks for itself, which allows doors to open up every day. During my developing career, I’ve had the pleasure of working with Yandy Smith, Jacob Latimore, K Michelle, Black Ink Crew Chicago, Tami Roman, Brian White, and B Simone. I’ve also produced some work for Southern University, Vh1, GG Brows, Yelle Skincare, Plastiq Magazine, Tammy Rivera, and Massachusetts Black Lawyer Association.
I definitely think my 20-year background in art sets me apart from others in my field. I had extensive training in studio arts, which carries over to my graphics. This is the reason why I advertise my business as a mix medium design company.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
When I was granted my patent, I thought everyone would be ecstatic because I was a black female patented inventor. Instead, they breezed over it and said if they knew what I patented, they could be more excited. At that point, I realized if we look at others to define success, we would never feel fulfilled.
I believe only you can define success in your life. Small wins are just as good as big wins. You should set goals and not stop until you obtain them.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.celiseelise.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/celiseelise_atl
Suggest a story: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
