Today we’d like to introduce you to Georges Etienne.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started out in college majoring in Information Technology and aiming to get into the tech world, hopefully as a systems or network administrator. I had goals to also pursue some certifications in Cybersecurity. But while I was working on my degree, I got my hands on a copy of Photoshop. As a kid, I used to draw a lot and I would also build stadiums or buildings out of old shoe-boxes, craft material, or whatever else I could find (back when I thought I wanted to be an architect)… so I always had a creative side. I learned how to use Photoshop a little by watching tutorials on Youtube and blogs.
Before you know it, I was designing flyers for my fraternity (Alpha Phi Alpha) as well as other orgs on campus. It grew into a side hustle. But I was always taught that anything in the graphic and arts industry doesn’t make good money, so I continued in the IT path. I would soon learn some basic HTML and CSS for website building in my courses. The coding never excited me, but the actual design and graphics of the site did. I would soon learn the inner workings of WordPress at it’s infancy. I continued to design both graphics and websites for years on the side and soon built a solid base of clients. My projects went from designing party flyers to creating a visual brand identity for a new start-up. I still wasn’t convinced that I could do it full time, so I got my master’s in Management Info. Systems. I eventually realized I didn’t like what I was doing and I somewhat hated my job. Designing kept me going and the itch to become an entrepreneur grew. After being in IT for nine years and getting over my fears, I decided to finally quit in 2015 and become a full-time graphic and web designer. I haven’t looked back since.
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?
It hasn’t been smooth, but it also hasn’t been the worse than I know it can be. Because I built a solid core of clients before quitting my full-time job, it gave me a good 1-2 years’ worth of projects so I never really had to market or advertise too much. Till this day, about 98% of my clients are referrals, which is a blessing for being in business for almost six years. There were some gaps where I had nothing to work on and there definitely were times where I felt like I was working my behind off but no invoices were getting paid on time. So it definitely got a little scary from time to time. But for the most part, I’ve been very blessed and fortunate.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’ve given myself the title of Creative Strategist. I create the visual brand identity for businesses, starting from logo design, marketing material, social media graphics, and web design and development. I aim to take a strategic approach to all my projects. I don’t like to be referred to as just the “graphic guy”. I like to learn about a client’s business and their goals and try to figure out how a design will help them accomplish that goal and how it will communicate with their audience.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Absolutely. First and foremost, my wife is my biggest cheerleader. She remained in my ear for years, telling me that I needed to become an entrepreneur and that I can accomplish anything. She pushed me (and still pushes me) when I’m not confident enough and holds me accountable while still encouraging me to keep up the good work. I mentioned earlier that I’m in a fraternity. My brothers, who are now my family and closest friends, also pushed and encouraged me to do what I do. I got my first taste of entrepreneurship with two of my closest brothers back in college (shoutout to Kirsh and OJ) and it really propelled me to take that leap of faith.
Contact Info:
- Email: georges@84studios.net
- Website: www.84studios.net
- Instagram: instagram.com/84studios
Image Credits
Photography by @michael.kawaida
