Alexandra Kolbe
Alexandra Kolbe
Art Director
Brooklyn, NY
www.alexkolbe.com
Instagram @akk122
Pinterest
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I create experiences that make people fall in love with brands.”
I'm a strategist, art director and designer. I create experiences that make people fall in love with brands. I focus on developing concepts, crafting and directing the creation of physical experiences that connect brands to their consumers in unique, meaningful ways.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
I went to school for Interior Design, which is where I became obsessed with design of all forms and begin to study (informally) graphic and industrial design, and architecture.
I moved to NY right after I graduated, with a lot of momentum to work, learn and create. Nothing was more terrifying to me than settling, or being bored at work and doing something I didn't want to do.
I freelanced for experiential marketing agencies as an interior designer, until I was asked to come on full time at SET Creative. At the time the culture was great, I worked directly with the CCO and CD, wore lots of hats, and had amazing opportunities to strut my stuff. When I eventually left, I joined one of my past Creative Director's at another agency, NA Collective.
In summary: I was curious, eager, too afraid to settle, said yes more than no, worked hard, constantly created, and was nice. Voila!
FOR OTHER PEOPLE IN YOUR FIELD, WHAT DO THEY USUALLY LACK?
Understanding the different agendas of everyone in the room and how to align and appease them all, or at least most of them. A lot of times things are left off of briefs, as creatives we are expected to anticipate those needs and deliver holistic, well-rounded solutions. After years of experience of agency life, you become aware of what's driving whom, who you must to appeal to make the project move forward, and how to answer all of those needs, even the unspoken ones.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
Lots of things! An event for a social media client, wedding invitations for a friend, brand positioning for a freelance client, and my own capabilities deck.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
Graphic textures, tactile materials, and architectural forms and shapes are solid staples in my portfolio. I love fashion and find a lot of inspiration with the clothes and runway shows. My own aesthetic is more minimal, but I try to balance it with rich textures and patterns.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
Creating art and content, both by hand and digitally. I love painting, watercoloring, sketching live models, as well as making gifs, videos, and graphics of all sorts.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
When a client's team is siloed within their company and isn't in touch with other teams. When this happens it will prevent any project from reaching its full potential. The best scenario is when all the teams (media, social, marketing, etc.) communicate and have a unified vision.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HOUR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
Go to meetings that could be emails, and then email me the notes.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
I would tell my teenage self to create more art. Draw, paint, play with different mediums. I took my first real art class in college and I've been drawing and painting ever since. It's such a great creative outlet. It's all about creating and making, and it's never right or wrong.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
Skills like HTML, coding, and video editing are on top of my list. But I would also love to tap into someone about other life skills like finances, yoga moves, and water color techniques. It's all about being well rounded, amiright?
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
I'm interested in helping brands tell their story in a new way, building strategies based on audience insights, and creating ways for them to connect on a more personal level.
WHAT IS YOUR IDEAL CLIENT?
Someone with an open mind, interested in elevating and pushing their brand, and a desire to create a culture around the brand. Ideally someone that also has an affinity for Moscow Mules and making the world a better place.
WHAT IS YOUR RATE?
My standard rate is $120/hr, but that can vary depending on the client and work involved. I also charge per project basis for larger scale projects.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
Shoot me an email roughly outlining the project and suggesting a time to chat. Any reference imagery or links are appreciated.
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Play, explore, create and stretch.
This member profile was originally published in August 2016.