Hailey Blake Firstman
Q What do you do?
“I write, I paint, I make music, I graphically design, I make video and motion content.”
Most things that fall under the creative category, I thoroughly enjoy. I'm a true (self proclaimed) renaissance woman.
My day job is at a nonprofit where I’m currently heading up a rebranding. Day to day, I work on things like social media graphics/campaigns, video content/campaigns, apparel design, signage/infographics, posters, and I even designed a mural in the space.
I am in the final stages of recording my debut album written and co-produced by me.
I’ve been doing freelance work at an ad agency in LA area, playing jack of all trades; art directing, writing/concepting scripts, lifestyle photography on set etc.
I'm almost finished with my first draft of a YA fiction novel.
My newest passion has been creating visual content including static and motion pieces for musicians. This started with the creation of content for Mr. Marigold (my music), but has blossomed into a dream to help other artists and musicians see their sonic scapes turn into visual ones.
My flavor is absurd, colorful and little outside the lines, I love finding the truth and the story in everything I make.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
Growing up in a creative family, I was encouraged from a young age to make my ideas a reality. The walls of my childhood room are a testament to the creative freedom I had, with random spray painted shoes nailed to the wall or pennies hot glued to the ceiling.
I studied art and design with a concentration in graphic design at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and absolutely loved it. Amidst my college career, I was lucky enough to have a Creative Director as a dad who believed in my work, giving me opportunities with an ad agency early on.
The most practical thing I’ve done to get where I am, is not waiting for all the stars to align but rather aligning them myself. Doing what I want to do, trying out the ideas I have with what I have. Writing that book, making that album etc..
With music, I've been lucky enough to meet and work with a lot of talented people who believe in my songs and my vision and want to make it all happen in the best way it can. It has been an incredibly life giving and special experience over the last year, watching each song become a little world, sonically and visually.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
My range/willingness to work in many different mediums to tell someone’s story in the best way possible makes me stand out. I like challenging myself and am always willing to learn and grow from both my past projects and from each new person I work with. I don’t take myself too seriously, but I have that oh so important tenacity to get things done and in a timely manner.
Q What are you working on right now?
My current focus is balancing my day job at the nonprofit with my side hustle passions like creating visuals for my music, writing my book, designing/screenprinting my merch, and beginning the journey towards making connections with other musicians I’d like to one day do art direction, design, or content for.
Q What’s your style?
I love stop motion, I love mixing a lot of textures and colors, I love a good juxtaposition between the old and the new. I'd say all the Mr. Marigold (my artist name) content represents my personal style well. Though my own passion projects take up a very specific visual space, I truly love going on the journey of finding that unique style or visual story for someone else whether it be a company, brand, or musician.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
I’d really like to focus more on art direction/content for musicians/artists, and transitioning in the next year having that as my full time gig, developing a list of clients/artists to work with.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Figuring out a practical way to transfer into my passions full time! Finding people/clients to work with.
On a more personal note, unlocking ways I can get my music heard when it comes out, I’m proud of it and I’d love for people to hear it.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Probably a publicist, manager or agent for getting my music, writing or creative work in general out there in the world. Or perhaps an assistant would be nice.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
I’d say that idleness is one of the most important parts of the creative process. Giving your mind space and time to sit with things, giving your mind silence is SO important and something I still forget. This has gotten more and more difficult with the constant stimuli of social media or just entertainment in general but is essential in my creative process. This is something I learned amidst the pandemic, having a lot of silence and stillness, my creativity woke up in a whole new way. I would have told myself this in college.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
The thing I struggle with the most is finding practical steps for what to do once a personal project or something I’ve created is finished, whether it be getting a book published or selling my merch, or getting in contact with people within the music industry. Making my passion projects and creative into something that is not just for me but for anyone that they could be meaningful, entertaining or helpful to.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I’m very open when it comes to types of projects. Would love anything to do with music, specifically from a visual content standpoint. I’d love to work with people or companies on any sort of passion project. But more generally a list of things I do or would like to: Art direction, motion or static content creation (I love editing video and stop motion content), Spotify canvas videos, album covers, brand strategy or identity, brand campaigns, print work, merch or apparel.
Honestly, if you’re liking what you’re seeing and what you’re looking for isn’t explicitly listed, reach out! I’d love to hear about you and what you’re doing and see if I’d be a good fit. I’m really nice 😁
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
First and foremost I’d love to create a safe space for clients to exercise their dreams and ideas and second, for them in turn to trust in me to make those dreams happen. As Brenda Uleland says, “everyone is talented, original and has something important to say.” I want to make space for artists and brands to tell their story. Whether they want it beautiful or shocking, poignant or absurd, simple or complicated, I want to be the one to help get them there.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Luiny Rivera is a jewelry designer that inspires me daily.
Ashley Armitage of The Ladyist and her photography is an inspiration to me.
I really like the work of Olga Perelman of Inner Peach
Also Madelaine Turner’s outside the box approach to tiktok and video editing amazes me.
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Change. Be. Do. Listen. Attention. Care.
This member profile was originally published in November 2021.