Today we’d like to introduce you to Keith Montgomery. They and their team shared their story with us below:
In the midst of the MySpace era, a young and curious mind stumbled upon a world of endless creativity. Graphic design, a craft that would become Keith’s lifelong passion, found its way into his life as he began crafting custom profile layouts and playful image effects for friends and strangers alike.
Before the birth of DesignsByKeith, Keith watched from the sidelines as others embarked on their entrepreneurial journeys. Frustration simmered within him as he yearned for someone to impart the foundational knowledge he craved. His words echoed with determination, “Mannn, I wish someone could just teach me the foundations…”
At the age of 18, Keith embarked on a journey of self-discovery and skill acquisition. Armed with nothing but determination, a copy of Photoshop, and a hustler’s mentality, he began his self-taught odyssey into the world of graphic design. The absence of a formal education in the field didn’t deter him; he was guided by both his unwavering ambition and the belief that a higher power was steering his path.
His nights were long, often marked by setting alarms for 1 AM to wake and create designs. The grind was relentless, and he made countless commitments to himself to reach his aspirations. What makes Keith’s story so compelling is that he continually delves deeper, recognizing that the layers of knowledge in his craft are infinite, and he revels in the daily pursuit of growth.
But Keith’s journey wasn’t a solitary one. Along the way, numerous remarkable individuals contributed to his development. He holds deep gratitude for those who illuminated his path, making his progress possible. The journey thus far fills him with thankfulness and anticipation for the future.
Yet, for Keith, being a graphic designer is more than a personal pursuit. It’s about being a conduit for others’ greatness. He sees himself as a vessel through which his clients’ visions materialize. Each project is an opportunity for him to channel his creativity, expertise, and passion into delivering results that exceed expectations.
Keith’s joy knows no bounds when he witnesses the success and growth of those he collaborates with. Whether it’s a business flourishing, products selling, or messages resonating, his sense of accomplishment transcends personal gain.
For him, the role of a graphic designer isn’t merely about crafting visually appealing designs; it’s about understanding his clients’ unique narratives, values, and dreams. By embracing their vision, Keith endeavors to create visuals that authentically capture their essence and effectively convey their messages.
To his cherished clients, Keith extends heartfelt gratitude for entrusting him with their creative needs. He recognizes that their success is intertwined with his own, and he considers it an honor to be part of their journeys. Together, they will continue to radiate greatness and make an enduring impact.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
To be honest… Not everything is a walk in the park; you’re always going to run into struggles, and I ran into many that taught me valuable lessons in the design industry and personable life lessons. When it comes to clients, you’re either going to get some awesome, easy-going ones that know what they want or some that have high expectations that expect a final design the same day with a snap of a finger. When it comes to situations like that, it taught me how to set realistic time management with my clients and myself. There was a time where I did run into feeling boxed to very specific corporate guidelines and opinions that blocked my creative potential. That taught me to not allow corporate self-interest to take over the potential I have for a project.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a self-taught freelance graphic designer that specializes in designing a Legacy for Leaders and entrepreneurs. From small businesses to large companies, I have achieved creating their brand that is appealing and recognizable, and that is something I’m proud of. One thing about myself is I don’t just create and send a file through an email and go on with my day; I truly get to know my clients and build solid relationships, which has led me into opportunities I didn’t imagine taking on.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Graphic design is an ever-changing industry. Even in the last five years, I’ve seen massive changes.
Whether you’re just getting started in a corporate career or want to start your own design firm, it’s vital that you stay up-to-date on current trends to remain competitive and relevant. Here are five of the trends moving us into the future.
1. Remote work rises.
When you first break into the industry, you’re eager to prove yourself. One of the drawbacks of working for a corporation is that they tend to already have standards and guidelines in place. If you don’t follow them to a “T,” then you risk getting in trouble. While they do want your work on trend, they also don’t want to think too far outside the box of what they know works for the majority of their clients or their business model.
Fortunately, remote work has become more accepted by companies around the globe. Instead of being tied to a desk, workers are taking their laptops home or designing on the fly from a coffee shop or library workstation. You’re still bound to the company’s guidelines, but at least you can complete work from the convenience of home and save on commuting costs.
2. Millennials are interested in freelancing.
The average pay for a graphic designer is approximately $48,700 per year. The more you work for yourself, the more appealing freelancing becomes. However, there is also a degree of uncertainty that accompanies self-employment. One might wonder if their income will remain consistent.
Out of the over 250,000 graphic designers in the U.S., nearly 25 percent are self-employed. It is expected that this number will increase in the coming years, driven by millennials’ desire to transition away from the corporate culture in favor of a freelance lifestyle.
3. Experience takes the stage.
In recent years, flat design experienced a resurgence, but it now appears to be on the decline, giving way to three-dimensional designs and experiential graphics. One notable innovation in visual design involves creating a more immersive experience for consumers. Consider envisioning a scenario where every element of a shopping mall, from the water fountains to signage on the floors and ceiling, is wrapped in visual properties.
4. Mobile becomes more vital.
Mobile responsiveness has been a prominent term for quite some time. Each year, an increasing number of individuals access the Internet through mobile devices. Additionally, studies indicate that smartphone ownership surged from 35 percent in 2011 to 77 percent in 2018.
As a graphic designer, I find myself relying on mobile access to my work more than ever. Whether it’s using my phone to respond to a client’s inquiries or conducting research for a specific project, mobile devices have become integral to my workflow.
Reflecting on the frequency of my mobile usage, I’m struck by how it has evolved. Five years ago, I might have used my phone a dozen times a week, but now I rely on it a dozen times a day. I anticipate that mobile accessibility will continue to grow in significance, both in the tools I employ as a designer and in the imperative for designs to be mobile-responsive.
5. Artificial intelligence shapes the future of design.
As technology advances, we now have more tools at our fingertips than ever before. Taking the time to analyze data shows me how well-received any particular design element is. Armed with cold, hard facts, it becomes easier to fine-tune a design for maximum impact on the brand.
Anticipate designers dedicating less time to creative endeavors and more time to deciphering which features effectively boost traffic and convert site visitors into customers. The landscape of design work has gradually evolved over the past decade, and this trend seems poised to extend into the 2020s.
The realm of design is in a constant state of flux. The market has increasingly emphasized mobile platforms and embraced innovative trends each year. The most effective way to stay abreast of these shifts is by studying the work of designers you admire. It will be fascinating to witness the future trajectory of graphic design.
Contact Info:
- Website: designsbykeith.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designsbykeith/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/designsbykeithh
