Today we’d like to introduce you to Raya Danielle.
Hi Raya, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Raya Danielle, (Ray-UH) Better known as STUNNA. I am a Full Time, Self-Taught Designer, Creative Director & Artist.
Originally, in 2018, I taught myself Photoshop in an attempt to bring my clothing designs to life.
I ended up experimenting with making photo collages, mixtape covers & freestyle art.
Once I started posting my work on social media, my followers went crazy.
I wasn’t intentionally TRYING to gain attraction, but people were requesting custom collages of themselves and I would create them FOR FREE!! At the time, it honestly didn’t occur to me that people would pay for digital art. Until the day someone refused to NOT pay me and sent me $7. Then I started charging $7. (lol)
From there, my first beauty client in Houston hired me to design pretty much everything for her business; Loyalty Cards, Flyers, Youtube Banners, Certificates, Websites, etc. This not only majorly boosted my experience but very quickly built a portfolio for me to showcase.
After she began referring me to other businesses, the clients started rolled in. Fliers were $10 at the time, increased to $15, then $25. I would work my full time job, and then come home and work on graphics until 3/4AM pretty much every single day. Design was coming naturally to me, as it was my whole life, and now I had a new medium to explore and navigate through.
Since 2020, Graphic Design is now my FULL time job, my rates have significantly increased, I’ve established my LLC. and I’m going on four years of doing this professionally, with a portfolio that is truly versatile and forever growing. I now also offer Creative Direction on-set, Product/Brand Photography, Event Design and More!
I can’t wait to see what the future holds…
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 has been as smooth as it has been bumpy. Becoming an entrepreneur and full-time business owner is something nobody TRULY prepares you for, unless you have a bomb mentor or went to school…which I didn’t have either of. Even then, you never really know what is going to happen unless you jump into it. And honestly, I didn’t intentionally choose to do this 100%, I was kind of forced once COVID-19 hit and I was laid off of my clothing production warehouse position. Miraculously though, the demand for graphics was so high that I was ABLE to only rely on that.
Being able to maintain the clientele & business take a lot of consistency, patience, networking & fearlessness. Along the way I’ve had to learn how to set boundaries with my clients, myself, friends and family. My policy kind of built itself after going through experiences that I knew were no longer tolerable going forward. I’ve learned how to take days off and tell myself that it’s okay to take a break every once in a while. And of course, naturally as an artist, I battle with confidence every now and then. Doubting my work, not feeling inspired, etc. But I always remind myself that I was born for this- and although I’m a great designer, I’m only human. I have to just go with my ebbs & flows.
Overall, running a design business has truly changed me as a person for the better. I feel + act differently in my everyday life and I feel blessed to be able to wake up and live off of my art.
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 specialize in Brand Identities, Commission Art, Freestyle Graphics, and Creative Direction. My most popular services are my custom logos, eye-catching digital fliers, product labels & website designs. Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator & Premiere Pro are my software of choice; I don’t use Canva, or any design templates WHATSOEVER. I don’t follow trends and truly value my individuality in the design community.
Some of my most unique projects have been Billboard Designs, a giant custom peach painting for a Houston Esthetician, a local Atlanta Pizza Restaurant menu and a Vending Machine wrap! I’d love to fully design more concepts for photoshoots; from styling the hair, the outfits and set, to directing the shoot- and then create the graphics for the campaign.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Definitely. I learned that my soul needs more than just to be in the house, behind a computer all day, every day. I need movement, human interaction & hobbies! Other than working on graphics, I would paint, read books, make DJ mixes, dance, sew clothes and cook all kinds of delicious meals to make sure I stayed sane. Talking to your family, gratitude/meditation and journaling are also key factors that should not be neglected.
Also, savings is IMPORTANT. No matter how much money you make, you should always… ALWAYS put at least 5-10% into a savings account. Financial discipline can also be challenging when you first start making your own money.
Lastly, I learned that I CAN run my own business. I had it in me, and all it took was for me to get pushed in the water.
Pricing:
- Digital Fliers – $50
- Custom Logos – $150
- Websites – Starting @ $385
- Product Labels – $75
- Creative Direction – Starting @ $100
Contact Info:
- Website: www.stunnagraphix.com
- Instagram: @stunnagraphix
- Facebook: STUNNAGRAPHIX LLC.
Image Credits
@OSA_MARS @SLIM_THEPROPHET
