Today we’d like to introduce you to Halston Shannon.
Halston, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
From a very young age, I always knew that I would live a life dedicated to using my creative talents not only as a form of self-expression but as a way to bring others’ visions to reality. I’ve always had an equally strong interest in technology, which naturally led me to my profession of Graphic Design. In my youth, you could always find me sketching, painting, or even playing around with LEGO blocks around the house. I had considered pursuing both architecture and engineering along the way, but during high school is when I had first taken Graphic Design as an elective course. At that point, what simply began as a fun hobby of mine started to become my way of life. While attending Florida Atlantic University, I had the chance to really hone my skills and my knowledge of the field. I had come across a wide variety of individuals, student organizations, and non-profits that needed marketing materials created and these experiences allowed me to realize that Graphic Design was a direct way in which I could use my gifts to benefit not only my peers but the world. Now, I am a Co-Founder and the Lead Graphic Designer of Allsnap Media, LLC, where I have the amazing opportunity to work alongside a strong group of web designers, photographers, and videographers who have an equally strong passion for their art. Working in this industry has brought much joy to my life, and my story is a prime example of how if you remain persistent in pursuing your passion, anything is possible.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
As a Graphic Designer, I create a wide range of items. I first started doing only flyers, but have now expanded into logos (my favorite), shirt designs, banners, posters, business cards, invitations, musical covers, and snapchat filters. I also have recently started learning and expanding into the Web Design field. Each of these items are made using professional creative software such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe InDesign. The biggest message that I look to always send through my work is that no idea nor dream is too crazy, and can be achieved if you take the proper amount of time to do your research, ask the right questions, and surround yourself with the right people. I always look to receive a “WOW!” when others view my work because such a reaction lets me know that I turned what was seemingly impossible into reality. I want people to know that my work represents me, my personality, how I think, and what I value about life. Sure, there are plenty of other Graphic Designers out there, but each has their own distinct style, which is the beauty of it all.
Have things improved for artists? What should cities do to empower artists?
I believe that with today’s conditions, it couldn’t be a better time to be an artist. It is important for all artists to remember that if your work can reach and inspire at least one person, then all of our efforts would have been worth it. The presence of multiple social media outlets, networking events, and art exhibitions has made it even easier for artists to market themselves accordingly and to allow the world to see their creative minds on full display. Artists that happen to live in the South Florida area, like myself, have the unique benefit of being surrounded by great diversity. Cities like ours should certainly continue to push for more events and occasions in which its artists can meet, network, and trade ideas with one another on a more consistent basis. There are many artists that still have yet to be discovered, and we all deserve an equal platform to show the world what we are capable of. Our city, amongst others, should recognize this need and utilize its size and influence to create a positive environment for artists to flourish in.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
My company will be holding our 3rd Annual “The S.N.A.P” event on June 29th at the Art at the Elks Cultural Center in Miami, FL. The S.N.A.P. is an acronym for: Shop. Network & Appreciate Photography. At this event, participants will be given access to a behind the scenes set of live photographers & models, exclusive vintage merchandise for sale, chic performances, delectable appetizers and an overall prolific ambiance. We like to refer to this as a “media appreciation” event, where those who work within the media industry and express themselves through their art are given a platform to display their talents while simultaneously networking with fellow peers. The event, which was originally held in the Fort Lauderdale area during its first two years, has already gained great support and will continue to be a staple in the South Florida area for years to come. My work, as well as the rest of my team’s work, can be viewed at allsnapmedia.com. We also routinely post our most recent work to our company’s Instagram page – www.instagram.com/allsnap.media.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.allsnapmedia.com
- Phone: 954.552.7724
- Email: info@allsnapmedia.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/allsnap.media
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/allsnapmedia
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/allsnapmedia
- Other: www.instagram.com/__halston__
Image Credit:
Alex Bailey @abaileyphotos
Allsnap Media @allsnap.media
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