Today we’d like to introduce you to La’Toya Smith.
La’Toya, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Blue Prolific Studios provides fine art, digital and print graphic design, custom apparel and promotional products, book illustrations, murals, shoes, and more. My name is La’Toya Smith born in The Netherlands but raised across the states and before BPS I began freelance work directly out of Stivers School for The Arts Highschool, which required auditions and tuition to attend. From there, I taught oil painting to highschool students when I was 18. I won competitions as well as trained others on their path to do the same. After setting up outside of local businesses and schools drawing on shirts etc. I partnered on My first studio,” AirHeadz custom airbrush and art studio” in Dayton Ohio now reopened by my business associate as Sleeves.
In 2014 I came to Houston for a larger platform in opportunities and returned to school. In the process of receiving my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Graphic and Web Design from The Art Institute of Houston; I secured many contacts, new referred clients, started clubs, events, and was employed as a mentor there while interning for Whitestone REIT. Building relationships and knowledge brought clients of all kinds. Nursing homes, Pediatric offices, Authors, schools, small business of all kinds and families. After graduating and leaving my internship the referrals continued. Through my passion I established myself increasingly in my craft. As many have experienced, even with my credentials, gpa, honors, etc. it was hard to find employment let alone just landing an interview. An important individual in the family and largely successful man in Houston took interest in my efforts. I was challenged to provide a business plan to him and in that success he made an initial investment encouraging me to go further in my pursuit to further my business.
I created a new name Blue Prolific Studios to encompass my many creative services. I now provide services to clients such as Memorial Highschool, Imani Elementary, City Place Marriott, Say Ahhh Pediatric, and assisted on the 2018 Astros Mural previously located in the stadium. These efforts have put me on track to start a full studio again here in Houston. It allows me to also contract other artist and designers to collaborate on large scale projects. I embrace every challenge presented as my passion is the fuel to my drive but Blue Prolific Studios still has a long way to go. None the less the challenge has been the best decision of my life and I hope to grow sharing in my success with my fellow creatives and building on the community.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
In truth it is never just easy. Dedicating myself to this full time comes at a risk. Every dollar has to come from hard work and the support of others. The largest challenge was finances as I started with little and still support myself full time while increasing the company. It took time to learn all of my equipment and build relationships with people who would take interest in learning and building but it has been a true gift.
Please tell us about Blue Prolific Studios.
Blue Prolific Studios is a creative studio specializing in Fine Art, Graphic Design, and Custom products & t-shirts. In Fine Art the studio provides Oil Paintings specializing in people, Charcoal Drawings, and Murals at a high skill level. In Graphic design we provide digital and print. This includes logos, stationery design (letterhead, business card, envelope), marketing materials, posters, banners, invitations, cover design, illustrations, layout, etc. We also provide embroidery patches, screenprint, sublimation, vinyl, and hand painted T-shirts, Uniforms, Shoes and other apparel products. Our current promotional products include: mugs, coasters, mouse pads, cellphone cases, koozie, chapstick, drawstring bags, bottle openers, puzzles, stadium cups, and more. What I am most proud of is the constant customer return and the continued increase in different project requests. I believe what sets my company apart is versatility in both fine art and design. Having skill and knowledge in both allows me to ensure quality service to suit the needs of every creative project for businesses and the every day consumers. There are no limits to creativity.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Thanksgiving growing up. It was the time regardless of where anyone was in life we all came together in my grandparent’s simple little adobe-style house in New Mexico. No hotels just all piled between there and my great aunts next door.
Pricing:
- T-Shirts from $6.99-$39.99 No min. orders
- Professional Logos starting at $250+
- Embroidery patches $7.99-$19.99 No min. orders
- Murals starting at $800
- Flyers designs starting at $75
- Business card designs starting at $65
- Oil Paintings starting at $850
- Paint Party booking starting at $175 or $25 per person
- Custom Shoe Designs starting at $75
Contact Info:
- Website: www.blueprolificstudios.com
- Phone: 9377187286
- Email: blueprolificstudios@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bprolificstudios/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bprolific
- Other: https://www.latoya-smith.com
Image Credit:
Myself La’Toya Smith, Jaye Jackson
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