Kendra Stepp-Davis
Q What do you do?
“I am a creative producer, using all the tools in my tool belt to solve creative problems in the most interesting and efficient way.”
I love creating teams of people that will make a room sing and lift each other up. I do this by finding people I want to work with, hang out with and am inspired by. This leads to a group of diverse people with diverse thought allowing for creative on the fly decision making. As someone with a design background I understand how final application can be fine tuned and helped while on set. As well as help launch e-comm brands with style guides, photography recommendations and talent.
As an artist I also champion the voice of the Black community. I currently have a 20ft tall pair of hands inflatable that has a full set of acrylic nails called The Full Set. The nails are interchangeable allowing for The Full Set to take on the personality of where she is being shown. This work is to highlight and bring importance to the people that brought this trend to the forefront.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
In high school i took a visual communication course. This ignited my love for graphic design. From there I loved it so much that I became the Design Editor of the school newspaper. This was really my pride and joy. I went to school for Graphic Design Communication and worked as a graphic designer for 2 years. I then moved into creative production to be a little more behind the scenes and see the inner workings of projects. I feel in love with production and have been doing that work ever since.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
I think I stand out in my field by being a culture critic. I love finding new trends, new and interesting brands and people. Through this multidisciplinary interest in all forms of creative i think it widens my horizon and forces me to see interesting connections in the world.
Q What are you working on right now?
Right now I am working on a couple of things. I have my personal business The Culture Rooms. It is a creative project that uplifts, recognizes and admires art focused in Black Joy. This can come in many forms. Currently we have a 20 foot inflatable called the Full Set which is a set of hands with a full set of acrylics. Currently The Full Set has two sets of nails and we are applying for festivals. It was previously shown at Blink Cincinnati 2022. I am honing my art practice my current theme is preservation and resistance. I would love to make large public art pieces.
Q What’s your style?
My style is maximalist and quirky. I love pattern, texture and come cultural context. I think this is a great example https://www.kendrasteppdavis.com/bombas-holiday-2020-campaign.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
I wish to focus on art direction and creative direction more. I think diverse voices in this place is very important.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
I think for me exposure. Options and imposter syndrome sometimes paralyze me. So instead of making decisions I spend my time working on different projects.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
I would hire someone to cook for me. I feel like this is a time suck and something I forget to do. I feel like projects just suck me in.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
I would go back to 1 year ago and tell myself that it is okay to take a chance and make art. You never know till you try.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
Business planning, no one tells you how to do this as an artist and I feel like everyday I learn something new that I never thought about.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I am looking for Art Direction, Creative Production, Artist work and DEI focused projects and creative consolation.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
An ideal client would be an adventurous size inclusive apparel brand where we can showcase a wide range of talent both in front of and behind the camera. Focusing on a theme that is expansive and colorful. I want to show the beauty of the product as well as the beauty of interesting casting. I feel like a new balance campaign would be epic.
Q What is your rate?
Production work starts at $75/hr
Production Weekly rate - $1200
DEI consultation is $75/hr - can work on a project rate
Creative Direction is $100/hr - can be worked on a project rate
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Feel free to reach out on kendrasteppdavis.com, or at KSD@kendrasteppdavis.com
Send an amazing women BIPOC or women artist you have seen. Your favorite place to eat a pasty. A beautiful house profile, i love a great MCM house. But for business send a budget, scope, some dates and what type of work you want from me.
Q Who is a creative you admire?
I love the makeup artist Juan Jaar- he is the king of Body makeup and makes every model look amazing. @juanjaar
She Likes Cutie has a great roster of talent from illustrators, makeup artists, manicurists and a photographer.
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
DO THE WORK. I just make stuff even if it is bad.
This member profile was originally published in December 2022.