In our never-ending quest to give ‘props’ to the young entrepreneurs and ‘hustlaz’ who make things happen in all the different industries, we bring you the GoodFellaz TV “Hustla of the Month”.
This month’s “Hustla of the Month” is Graphic Artist Ebony S. Junior. A native of the BX, the lovely Ms. Ebony is one of the hottest on-the-come-up Artists & Graphic Designers in the game right now! Over the last couple of years her dope cartoons and character-designs have been in high demand, both among ‘industry’ and ‘regular’ customers alike. Ya boy Tommy Gunz recently got a chance to sit down with Ebony, where we talked about everything: Art, Music, Computer Programs, and the ‘rough life’ of being a good-looking female in the game. Check out the interview below, only on GoodFellaz TV.
Q: So you’ve been doing your thing with the character designs. Tell us how long have you been doing art design for? When and How did you start your business?
A: I have been designing for over 8 years. I started learning graphic design in high school and continued to develop my skill once I went on to college. When I was 18 I started getting my clients. Originally I never charged for my services, but when I started noticing the surprised expressions on my clients face when I said, “it’s actually free!” I realized it was time to charge. As a result 2 months into doing Freelancing I purchased my domain name Ebonysjunior.com and officially started my business as Ebony S. Junior the Graphic Designer.
Q: Where are you from??
A: Personally I enjoy this question because no matter what I say you’ll believe me. I always make up some crazy background for myself just to see how people will react, but I’m simply Puerto Rican and Black, born in the Bronx.
Q: Did you naturally know how to draw, or was it something you learned over time?
A: I started learning how to draw when I was 7 years old. I am a very visual person; I’ve always had a weak spot for vivid colors and details. I learned from practicing on my own.
Q: Did you go to school for art?
A: The school I went to was Graphic Communication Arts High School it was a school for Computer art/ Graphic Design.
Q: How long does it take you to finish a design?
A: It really depends on the project but it can take anywhere from 1 hour to 3 hours.
Q: How has technology helped your craft?
A: In the beginning I was completely against the technology and art combo, but as I became older I realized that technology is what feeds this field and I really had no choice, but to get into it. I started doing computer art and using social networks to promote myself.
Q: Are there any challenges to being a good looking female AND a businesswoman? Do dudes ever try to mix ‘business with pleasure’ or try to ‘get over’ on you??
A: Hmmm. (laughs). Being a good looking female in this business does have its challenges, but more positive ones than negatives. I always have the men who are surprised that I am a designer and they actually don’t contact me originally for my design services. This is where the positives come in because men add me because of my pretty face, as a result they look through my social network photos, there that’s where they find my design work and that’s how I get my clients. I have men paying for projects just so that they can have some kind of conversation. I don’t mix business with pleasure, it’s a waste of my time, but I do have individuals who try (winks).
Q: What program do you use in your design process?
A: Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator. And sometimes Indesign.
Q: Where do you find your inspiration to draw?
A: I find the inspiration to draw through the reactions I receive from my client. I enjoy making others happy. Satisfied clients keep me inspired and motivated.
Q: Do you remember the first thing you drew?
A: I drew the little white-kid on the play-doh container. That was around 1995 though, so I doubt you guys remember that (laughs).
Q: Is there a lot of money in the art game?
A: Definitely! I control the amount I make. It’s all about how good you are.
Q: What is your Advice to other people trying to get into the Art Design Industry?
A: If you are young start now. Start now while your responsibilities are still low and your time is unlimited. By the time you’re at your best and it’s time to make real decisions you’ll have a built client base and the ability to live where ever you want as long as you have a laptop and the right Graphic Design Programs to do what you have to do.
Q: So let’s talk music. Who are some of your favorite artists?
A: Rihanna, Jay-Z, Kanye, Tyga, Miguel, Meek Mill, 2 chainz, Rick Ross, Ryan Leslie; these are the people at the top of my list right now.
Q: What Album is currently in your CD Player/ iPod?
A: 2 Chaaaaaaiinz !!! (laughs).“Based on a T.R.U Story”
Q: So what’s the Best Part of your Job?
A: Always being busy
Q: What’s the Worst Part of the Job?
A: Always being busy. (Laughs). But personally I enjoy it, but my friends and family hate that I never have time to play.
Q: So what’s next for you?
A: Not sure yet, but hopefully the acknowledgment I received on Fox 5 News is a sign that it can only get better.
Q: What artists have inspired your style?
A: I would have to say Amber Rose, I love her attitude and style.
Q: Are you into sports? Football?
A: I actually get asked this question a lot due to my height, I actually hate sports, but I am a good pretender so if I ever had to watch it with a group of guys, its cools I got this.
Q: Hey sometimes you gotta ‘pretend’ (Laughs). So who would you love to draw, if you could pick anybody?
A: Kanye West.
Q: What were some of your favorite projects you worked on?
A: I can’t name any favorites as of now, I’ve had over 800 clients so it’s really hard to choose.
Q: Who’s your favorite artist?
A: Drake, His work and drive is very inspirational.
Q: Do you have any other talents other than art?
A: I also teach at different NYC High Schools.
Q: Do you have any Shout-outs before we go?
A: I would like to shout out GoodFellaz TV for interviewing me and giving me the opportunity to shine on their site. Love you guys!
Q: Where can people reach you at Online?
A: You can check me out online at www.Ebonysjunior.com or Ebonysjunior@gmail.com
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