Savanna Hunter-Reeves
Writer / Filmmaker / Graphic Designer
San Diego, CA
Q What do you do?
“I’m a multidisciplinary writer, filmmaker, and graphic designer. ”
I’ve been a freelance designer since 2015, working mostly with small businesses on their identities, print collateral, and websites. I also write fiction, and I wrote and directed my first short film in summer 2021.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I was a writer before anything else. When I was eight I read a novel published by a 12-year-old and thought that would be me! Turns out that’s fairly rare. Instead life took me on a detour through graphic design, which has been fulfilling in a whole different way. I’m highly visual and love color and typography, and the problem-solving aspect of translating a brand’s ethos and goals into visual communication is very satisfying.
I’ve wanted to make films since high school, but gathering the knowledge, people, and money to make your first short can be really challenging. I put the dream aside for many years, until 2020, when I applied to The Film Fund. I ended up winning $5,000 in funding for my short film, and a whole pandemic—and many pushed dates—later, we completed production.
Shortly after that I felt the itch to get back to writing, and I’ve been working on short stories, a novel, and several screenplays since. I’m self-taught in everything, which basically means I read a lot of books and watched a lot of videos by people much smarter than me. Big shout-out to Skillshare, Instagram, Robert McKee, and generous creators on YouTube.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
Having so many interests lends me a unique perspective. When you can see design through a storytelling lens or film through a design lens, your ideas are richer and more informed.
Q What are you working on right now?
Besides my freelance design projects, I’m working on a collection of short horror stories. I’m also editing my short film.
Q What’s your style?
I’ve always been told my work errs on the feminine side of things, even when it’s visually or conceptually “dark”. I’m not a very outwardly feminine person, but for whatever reason I’m extremely drawn to this theme in my work. Whether it’s a traditionally feminine color palette, soft details, or feminist themes in my writing, it’s always there in some form.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
Before I wanted to be a graphic designer, I was interested in high fashion. I still dream up designs every now and then, and if I can find the time, I might try to make them.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Perfectionism, and a lack of community. The former can be debilitating, the latter destabilizing. Especially right now, everyone is a bit fragile, and it’s hard to find the time or energy to connect with new people.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Dishes, always.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
To my 20-year-old self: “success” never follows a straight line. Experiment, fail, try something different. That’s the whole point.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
How to accept that you’ll always hate your past work. Anybody know?
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
Unless my website says otherwise, I’m open to either freelance or in-house design opportunities. I mostly have experience with services, but I love the tactile nature of working with products—beauty, fashion, lifestyle. I'm also open to the right writing or video editing project.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
Whether freelance or in-house: a genuinely cool product, fresh branding, and nice, open-minded people.
Q: What is your rate?
As of October 2021, brand identities start at $2500. Print collateral, websites, and additional assets are also priced flat, but vary depending on number of pieces and/or pages, functionality, paper, foils, and so on.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Email! No eccentric requirements, just an introduction to you and the project and why you’ve chosen me.
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Always too many to name. There are these cute little cookies on Instagram I love, by A Cookie Club. Right now I'm obsessed with the dreamy, 80s-inspired illustrations of Dylan Anderson.
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Stalking brilliant minds on Instagram. And lots of TV.
This member profile was originally published in November 2021.