Alex Arthur Stephens
Alex Arthur Stephens
Graphic Designer & Art Director
West Hollywood, Los Angeles, California
www.thealexarthur.com
Instagra @thealexarthur
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I am a graphic designer & art director by trade / photographer & illustrator by love, living in Los Angeles California. I am obsessively organized with a manic side for tactile creations that I hope comes through in my work. I live, breathe, and think design and how it impacts people.”
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
I've always known that I wanted to be a designer. I went on a journey from Kansas, to Arkansas, Denver and ending in Los Angeles. And now having made California my home, I apply my experiences and memories along the way to the way I look at being creative. Honest, empathetic, wild, clean and contemporary.
FOR OTHER PEOPLE IN YOUR FIELD, WHAT DO THEY USUALLY LACK?
Any creative can be creative, but a lot of designers lack the communication skills to convert their abstract mind into something a client can understand. I like trying to get the most out of their words, discovering what they really mean and delivering that back to them in a beautiful way.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
While freelancing, I am improving my photography and illustration skills while creating social media content for my personal accounts.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
My aesthetic is smart, clean and modern with the feel of a print-focused hand.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
I wish I could work more with designs involving my photography. Usually content already exists or is sourced from the web, but with my knowledge of photography and signature look, I wish I was able to involve that skill more.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
It is always frustrating when people that are not in a creative field show they don't have the respect for our craft, whether it is financially or allowing input through a project.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
I would hire them to research images or examples for me to use, as well as consolidating feedback from the client on a project's rounds.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
Relax and just know you are a great, creative person. Sometimes stress and the fear of not being good enough can hinder you from being your best innovative self. Sometimes you can forget that not everyone's brain works this way and thinks creatively.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
Video production. I have worked in digital and video production while working at agencies, but could always learn more.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
Print, digital, social media and photography/illustration involved projects.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
It is always great to have a client that communicates their thoughts well, and either allows me to work independently with what I think may work best creatively or, if they have an idea on exactly what they want, they can concisely describe what that is to me.
WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE?
My usual hourly rate is $70/hour, but this can be negotiated. I also offer project-based rates depending on what is involved.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
The best way to contact me initially is by email. It is always helpful to hear a scope, budget, and rough creative brief if possible, as well as a little bit about your/your business' personality. GIFs are always welcome.
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Camping, urban hikes, tennis, experimenting.
This member profile was originally published in March 2017.