Today we’d like to introduce you to Larmarrous Shirley.
Larmarrous, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
In 1996, I moved to Atlanta from Kentucky for a position that never materialized. After a year of random jobs, I was given an art assistant position at Upscale Magazine (a national entertainment publication). My position at Upscale Magazine allowed me to network with many entertainment and media professionals as well as peers who were just getting started in their careers. After a few years of building my portfolio and networking, I left Upscale Magazine and took the position of Assistant Art Director at Atlanta Magazine (a city publication). I was the first African American to hold an art director position at the publication. Atlanta Magazine had won extensive awards which helped to open many doors for my career. I was introduced to many amazing creative professionals, many of whom I still work with to this day.
Around the early 2000s, the internet caused a significant change in the print world. There were constant buy-outs, closings, declines in circulations, advertising and printing prices started to shift. After a corporate buy-out at Atlanta Magazine, I bounced around for a few years at several magazines and ad agencies. Thankfully, my experiences helped me work at various levels in design, from Graphic Designer to Design Director. These experiences allowed me to freelance with ad agencies and various corporate and entertainment companies. This also allowed me to work with international artists such as Najee, Chaka Khan, and Incognito. As well as design for The Low Country Jazz Festival (Charleston, SC), and The Trumpet Awards. I recently have designed the branding for the Next Level Events company for Mary J. Blige, Toni Braxton, Robert Glasper, and Lalah Hathaway.
Since the age of 13, I have deejayed and created music. I have had the opportunity to perform alongside jazz, soul and hip-hop greats such as Roy Ayers, Kameron Corvet, and India.Arie, among others. And at events such as Sol Fusion, Arts Beats & Lyrics, and Funk Jazz Cafe. Deejaying has only added to my financial and creative opportunities.
Along with former Creative Loafing Editor In Chief and 20th Place Media owner, Carlton Hargro, (we had worked with each other at Upscale) I co-publish a magazine & website called Slo*Mo (which we launched in 2013) and a podcast called Mo Audio (launched in 2015). Magazine. We host the podcast with our longtime colleague and contributor, Chante LaGon, The goal of Slo*Mo Media is to report about, uplift, and pay homage to the Atlanta soul-music scene. We also produce performances and various music/media related events.
My current “day job” is Creative Director for Travelgirl Magazine, a national women’s travel publication. I oversee the design and production of the print magazine and website.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
One obstacle/challenge has been adjusting to the ever-changing technology in the media/advertising/business world. I am constantly reminded to never get complacent with knowledge, but allow myself to grow and be open to new technology and ideas.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
LShirley Creative has been my freelance moniker for years, and I sometimes utilize other creatives to help produce work from the initial idea stage to completion. I have a great understanding of various design platforms. Whether it is print, web, television, radio, social media, audio, photography, etc. I am known for my creativity, but also by decades of actual media and advertising work experience. I would be considered a creative director that does art direction and graphic design. There are differences but I can work seamlessly through the many gray areas. I am most proud of the visuals that have stood the test of time and have worked with so many amazing creative individuals throughout my career. They have inspired me to be the best I can be and help others achieve their goals. What sets me apart from most is my ability to help my clients reach their market/audience because I have decades of experience working with people within various demographics.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
If I had to do it over again, I would have invested in my business earlier in my career.
Contact Info:
- Website: lshirleycreative.com, http://www.slomoatl.com/, travelgirlinc.com
- Email: https://www.lshirleycreative.com/contact
- Instagram: IG: larmarrous
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SloMoMedia/
Image Credit:
Pursuit Is Happiness: Photo By Bonnie Shirley, Photo of MoAudio crew, Larmarrous, Chante LaGon, Dres The Beatnik and Carlton Hargro, photo by Natrice Miller, Larmarrous DJ-ing Photo by Kat Goduco
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