Ali Rowenna
Art Director / Designer / Photographer
Portland, OR / Seattle, WA
alirowenna.com
instagram @alirowennastudio
Q What do you do?
“I help brands define their values and figure out how those stories can shine through typography, color, photography, branding, and brand positioning.”
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I began my journey earning dual degrees in Fine Arts (photography emphasis) and Communications (New Media and PR emphasis). I subsequently began my career in social media strategy at nonprofits and in the cannabis industry. After years of cracking the algorithm, and creating thumb-stopping content, I wanted to push my visual talents to the max. I pivoted my way into becoming an art director through various branding, photo, and interim campaign projects -- and here we are!
Q How do you stand out in your field?
I'm a big fan of applying an analog sensibility to everything I touch. While we move towards social melding with reality and increasing tech advancements, I think retaining some of that irl sensibility that's tactile is vital to keeping people engaged.
Q What are you working on right now?
Courting a couple small businesses to concept interim campaigns for a jewelry line, branding for a record shop, and currently working on social ads for an accounting software company.
Q What’s your style?
I'm a big fan of anything fantastical, irreverent, highbrow-lowbrow, and surrealist humor. I think my photo work speaks to this most, but so does my branding work.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
Any opportunity to shoot portraiture or direct shoots, I adore.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Finding enough time for my personal art practice!
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Organize my desktop! Ugh.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
I wish I would have told myself at 22, when I had just graduated, to keep honing in on my visual style because it will (literally) pay off!
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
3D design - it fascinates me. As someone with a past life as an installation art background, I think this is something that could be really fun to play with.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
Dream brands include: streetwear/skate brand "Fucking Awesome," NYX makeup, and Onitsuka Tiger. I'd love to produce photo work or creative campaigns for them. Otherwise though, generally speaking, I am always hungry to do more branding projects, social-first art direction, and branded content.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
I love clients who are willing to push boundaries and get a little uncomfortable. People's attention spans are shorter than that of a goldfish these days, so I think it takes something really visually stunning or exceptionally weird to snatch their attention.
Q What is your rate?
Project dependent, but usually $80-100/hour.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
LinkedIn or email! Having a sense of scope before chatting is the ideal universe. From there we can see how I can best contribute to your vision and goals.
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Keep making things, as much as possible. That's the only way to bridge the gap between taste and skill.
This member profile was originally published June 2021 / updated in October 2023