Today we’d like to introduce you to Veronica Owens.
Veronica, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started off with a passion for art when I was a child. I remember, I was about 7 years old and I felt it “wasn’t fair” that I was receiving gifts on Christmas, but I wasn’t giving them – so I started drawing pictures and putting them under the Christmas tree! From that point on, I always found a way to share my artistic skill. From drawing kids at school to volunteering to paint murals.
By the time I got to High School I began working with Sharon King Casting. Initially, I was modeling and acting in front of the camera… But I never felt comfortable in the spotlight. I began trying to find my “passion” … and it always came back to the world of art. I chose to go to Florida A & M University’s School of Business and Industry where I had a concentration in Marketing. Although the college experience was amazing, I never felt I found my niche. Until… I decided to try something new.
Because of my connections in the entertainment industry, I landed the college dream job- I was a Marketing Rep for Universal Music Group! I was working a concert for one of our artists when someone approached me and said: “I heard you are the creative chick, can you make me a flyer?” Without thinking I said, “Sure I can!”…. But I have never done a design in my life! The next day, I snuck into my professors office, and took Photoshop form his office and rant o my dorm…. once it was installed on my computer, I ran back to his office, put it back on his desk and went back to my dorm where I stayed up all night until I figured out how to work the program.
That was the moment my life changed… I took a risk… and I found something I loved. When I gave him the design ad saw how excited he was, it was a feeling I could never describe. As I continued to practice and my reputation spread, I found out that bringing peoples visions to life was an amazing feeling.
I started off making Club Flyers… but it wasn’t enough. So I started promoting myself as a Brand Stylist. It was a much more fulfilling experience. And through all of my mistakes… all of my ups and downs, I have managed to reach clients as far and London England. All because of my talent and self-promotion.
Has it been a smooth road?
There are so many struggles along the way. Often times, I overextend myself because I want to make everyone’s dreams come true. Another major struggle is separating my emotions from my work. Because I am so passionate, and because I put my heart into my work, sometimes I wear my heart on my sleeve.
Another struggle I have had is when someone wants to work with me because they love what they see from my past work, but, when I cant deliver as fast as expected – I am ridiculed. There have been a MILLION times I have wanted to give up – but I reach out to my online community for motivation. In life (and business) – you will NEVER please everyone – but you have to keep trying! One of the MAJOR things I am continuing to work on is communicating better and being upfront with clients and deadlines.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Digital Art and Design by Veronica Nicole story. Tell us more about the business.
BRINGING YOUR VISION TO LIFE
Imagine a world of extraordinary graphic design. Your website pops. Your logo is epic. Your packaging rocks. Your display ads rule. Veronica Nicole can engage your consumers upon first glance. She builds carefully crafted graphics and websites that maximize your target demographic’s experience.
From the minimalist to the whimsical to the serious to the avant-garde, Veronica Nicole has got you covered. Your brand is unique. Veronica Nicole will customize a sophisticated graphics package to fit your distinct personality.
This Chicago-based, woman-owned graphic design company is Chicago’s premiere boutique graphic design and web design company.Whether you are a Fortune 500 corporation or a small startup, our design team will launch your brand into the stratosphere. Veronica Nicole will bring your image to life.
Where do you see your industry going over the next 5-10 years? Any big shifts, changes, trends, etc?
Within the next 5-10 years, I hope to be known more as an ARTIST than a designer.
I have changed my design style to be more sleek and elegant. I have also gotten back into my art and painting work. I pray that within the next 5-10 years, I have made more of an effort to make my abilities more present to the world.
More than anything – I just want to be a blessing to others. I have developed a branding manual for clients because I feel many people have an idea – but they don’t have a plan to execute it. Myself included! I feel branding and design is important, but it’s not everything. I dream without a plan … is just that… a dream.
Pricing:
- Logo Design – $150
- Branding Package (Logo, Flyer, Business Card, and Website) – $750
- Photo Retouching – $20 per photo
- Flyer Design – $45
- Business Card Design – $30
Contact Info:
- Website: www.MISSVERONICANICOLE.com
- Phone: 312.912.2357
- Email: vnicolegraphics@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/artanddesignbyv
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/missveronicadesign
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
