Today we’d like to introduce you to Latarra Davis.
Hi Latarra, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My story began as an incoming high school senior majoring in Graphic Design at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, my alma mater. I received news that the program was no longer offered as there were no available instructors, and I ultimately chose to major in drawing and painting. My passion has always been in the arts, and I’ve embraced the evolution of digital art through time. Little did I know I’d become a Professional Graphic Designer later in life.
After high school, I couldn’t attend Atlanta College of Art after my acceptance offer from National Portfolio Day, so I chose another route to go to the local community college and work in the healthcare industry. I met with and was mentored by organization leaders and design professionals along the way. I lost my purpose after working full-time and taking college courses. I wanted to pursue my passion and reconnect with the arts. I applied to Savannah College of Arts (SCAD) to finish my undergrad in Graphic Design.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t accepted; I didn’t have an impressive transcript or an up-to-date portfolio. Since high school, SCAD has been my dream school, and I was determined to reapply, whether it was for graphic design certification courses or something else. I completed my undergrad at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) and majored in graphic design and media arts. My experience there got me to where I am today, and I am forever grateful. My professors had a strong background in the industry and helped me create a fantastic digital portfolio to showcase my works.
I graduated with honors, established my graphic design firm, and decided to take on an entrepreneurial journey. I have designed and worked with amazing clients during and after school! I thought I was done with academia until I revisited SCAD and applied for a Master’s program. I wanted to learn more about creative business and entrepreneurship to bring value to my business. Currently, I am a graduate student at my dream school, SCAD, majoring in Creative Business Leadership. I’ll be graduating in 2022.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has not been smooth, but I persevered. I always look at the big picture. I’ve experienced personal struggles during my journey. The biggest challenge was the sacrifices I had to make to achieve my goals. Although my goals are personal, I’m also doing this for my family. They mean the world to me. Working full-time and going to school full-time has taken away valuable time with my loved ones. They understand what I’m doing, but it’s time I cannot get back. I have also experienced significant losses in my family.
I lost my big sister in 2016 while I was working towards my degree. She passed away in the hospital while giving birth to my niece, my adopted daughter. I wanted to give up, but I had a newborn to take care of, and my sister was planning to continue her formal education, and I wanted to represent that for all of us. Last year, I lost my Father to Covid-19, and this hurt me to the core because my Father has always been my greatest supporter, even as a young girl. My Father genuinely supported my passion and love for the arts. I remember the necklace he purchased of an art palette for me and gifted it when I was young.
He’d encourage me to go to Downtown Jax and set up at Hemming Plaza (formerly) and draw and paint people. My Father passed two months before I was set to begin my first quarter at SCAD. I wanted to take a break, but I told myself to do this for him. My dad wouldn’t want me to stop. He also knew about my entire application process and was the first person I told when I got accepted into the program last year in October. I’ve endured a lot in my journey, but I’m still determined to share my passion with the world.
We’ve been impressed with Latarra Designer, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am a professional graphic designer specializing in logo brands and brand identity strategies. Although I have begun my business in design, I understand the significance of consistently challenging myself and my designs and staying current in the art industry.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My fondest memories were having these elaborate weekend getaways and sleepovers with my girlfriends. We were/ are a close group of creative individuals who still keep in touch and have formed a strong sisterhood.
Pricing:
- $150 for a logo design
- Free consultations!
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: Www.ldsgnr.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/Latarra.designer
- Facebook: Facebook.com/latarradesigner
Image Credits
Professional photos of myself were captured by Carissa Ganton of DiamondEyez Photography
