Today we’d like to introduce you to Clarissa Fletcher.
Hi Clarissa, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Hi, I’m a graphic designer. I’ll start the story after I graduated from the University of Houston and the University of Houston Clearlake. One year and half after, I saw an email for volunteers needed for an outreach program at Lakewood Church. So, I mediated about applying for this opportunity and decided to apply. I went in for the interview and was accepted.
I started working in the Special Projects Department, specifically for Generation Hope Project. I assisted with social media communications and graphic design work leading up to an outreach event that following summer. Before that event, I assisted with #HoustonRecovers Live event that was broadcast on ABC13 at Lakewood. I was honored to work on some social media graphics and help cover the event Live on social media. That was an amazing experience to be there and see the impact first hand. After about nine months of volunteering at Lakewood, I was presented with an opportunity to work on the marketing for an event called the NFL Super Bowl Gospel Celebration that was going to be broadcast on BET at Lakewood Church.
During that time, I was still volunteering at Lakewood Church and I just secured my first freelance client as a social media manager for a Girls Empowerment company in Houston. I was again honored to cover an amazing event that booked a Disney Star, and more pre-teen celebrities to share their stories. The BET event was incredible and one of the most memorable experiences of my life alone with the Lakewood events. As a result of my work for that event, I was hired an Independent Contractor to work on the next Generation Hope Project event that following summer. The people that I met at Lakewood Church, open doors for more opportunities over these past five years. I have worked on multiple projects in different fields.
I’m currently, working a freelance graphic designer for a Film and Television company since 2017, a non-profit company for kids since 2017, a Christian preschool since 2020. I also, have my own site that I blogged about travel tips, inspiration, design, style since 2012 and Hey Girl Create tutorials. In February, I launched an app that has almost 400 digital murals that users can replace their backgrounds. I continue, to learn and grow with every client and opportunity. It’s been an incredible journey so far!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it hasn’t. It took me a long time to secure clients that are financially worthy of my skills. I have to say, the more skills I have developed over years, the more clients are willing to pay. The increase in pay comes with hard work and experience. I have to say that there were job opportunities I didn’t get because I wasn’t qualified for in the past. The hurt of those close doors prepared me for the open ones that I’ve experienced.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a Graphic Designer with a specialty in social media, web, print and interactive content. I like to create fun graphics for fun brands and create story graphics for film and television brands. I believe that every brand has an incredible story that’s waiting to be launched. My motto is Let’s Color Together!
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Yes, besides my Mom, Grandmother, Grandfather who are my very first supporters. I’ve had some amazing women that I’ve worked with over the years that provided me with client work and supported me too. These women, we’re in college and in my professional career. One women in particular, would be Joan Tankersley. I met her at Lakewood Church and have worked with her on numerous projects. She’s a Dove Award winning Creative Director and has been an incredible mentor and friend to me over these past five years.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://clarissafletcher.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clarissa_fletcher/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clarissanatashafletcher/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/clarissacolors
- Other: https://www.muralcity.app/ | https://www.clarissa.media
Image Credits
Joan Tankersley – Creative Director
Clarissa Fletcher