Molly Anne Shapiro
Molly Anne Shapiro
Art Director / Creative Director / Designer
Silver Lake, Los Angeles, CA
www.studiovesper.co
instagram @mollyamorous
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I specialize in branding, graphic design, and photo/video shoots within the fashion, beauty, and lifestyle industries. ”
I have an elevated design aesthetic focusing on minimalism, composition, line, balance, and flow. I'm a lover of angles, texture, and shadow. I love working with companies that are kind to the earth!
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
I started out as a hairstylist many years ago. Through being on set of editorial photo shoots I realized that I wanted to create the entire vision rather than just be a small piece of it. This lead me to attend FIDM where I majored in Visual Communications and received a well-rounded education on design and how to apply it to a multitude of industries and platforms. I worked in offices but ultimately found that environment to be creatively stifling and embarked upon a freelance career.
How do you stand out in your field?
I have an elevated and minimal aesthetic that at times has a flair of nostalgia inspired by my Los Angeles roots and love of travel. I have a strong understanding of mood, atmosphere, and aesthetic and know how to tap into each brand's unique personality, bringing it to life.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
I'm trying to create a list of consistent clients who are looking for what I'm best at! I want to specialize in and be valued for my own aesthetic.
On the side, I'm trying to figure out how I can use my skills to help others. I'd like to help the homeless and animals. I have some ideas and am looking for collaborators!
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
My style is minimal, tone on tone, with an emphasis on shadow, line, and composition with contrasting elements.
I try to bottle up an emotion or an experience and put it on paper (or a screen). I want it to appeal to all the senses. Every project deserves a soundtrack and scent.
In a photo I love for the shadow to create intrigue by creating texture and separation.
In graphic design, I like interesting layouts focusing on negative space, purposeful typography, and an unexpected right-aligned text box.
When it comes to print, let it to be tactile (and always sustainable)
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
I would love to do more photo shoots! Taking the time to conceptualize, mood board, produce, source, and come to set fully prepared to watch a dream become reality brings me new life. I love the exhaustion and sense of completion that I feel at the end of the day.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
Outreach! Finding clients and putting yourself out there is a full time job. By the time I've completed working on all the projects I've been commissioned to do, I barely have time to line up the next one.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
Oh, that would be the outreach again... It's probably easier to do this for someone else rather than yourself.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
I could have told myself this at any time in my life, about any number of things -- You are good enough. Be patient and don't settle for less than you deserve.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
I really would love to have a mentor and focus on growing my business successfully.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
Photoshoots, branding, graphic design, creative consulting -- ongoing or one-offs.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
I love doing Creative Consulting! I am hired as a freelance creative director that can brand from scratch or rebrand an existing company. I then create all visual assets (graphic design, web design, and photo shoots) maintaining consistency throughout. Depending on the workload, turnaround time, budget, etc., I work either alone or lead a creative team.
WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE?
My hourly rate is $75 and day rate is $600. Flat rate projects vary depending on the intricacy of what's needed. That being said, I'm always open to hearing your budget and trying my best to work within it if it makes sense for us both.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
Email me at molly@studiovesper.co or contact me through my website at www.studiovesper.co
Please include project details, deadlines, assets and budget!
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
I like to take myself on dates, take pictures, and travel.
This member profile was originally published in October 2019.