Today we’d like to introduce you to Misha Banner.
Misha, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was born in a small town in the south of the USSR a few years before it collapsed. As in many other small towns across the world, the one I grew up in didn’t present many career opportunities. So in 2005, I fled cold Russia for warm California. I was young, energetic and full of dreams.
My job as an art director for an eccentric fashion theater meant late nights at nightclubs, underground parties and trips to Burning Man. Even-though dancing the night away dressed as a bunny was fun, it grew old and I chose to start a family.
In 2011 I followed my husband to Texas, with an idea to settle in this beautiful big state. Things don’t always work as planned, and one evening I found myself alone with a newborn baby, while my husband was MIA. I fell in love with the great state of Texas and Houston, so much that I stayed despite not knowing a single person here. So I pressed reset and started my life over. This meant getting a mid-level designer job instead of director level, which I was used to.
I was determined not only to get my career back but to advance it. I went back to school and earned certifications in web design and front-end developing. I studied late at night, often holding my fussy, sleeping baby.
My freelance design business was always a big part of my life and I knew I wanted to keep it going in Texas. Finding clients in California was easy because I knew many people who referred me. This was not a case in Texas. Finding new clients meant putting myself out there despite dealing with social and general anxieties.
This was one of the hardest things I’ve done in my life. And I am glad I did it because not only was I able to build my freelance business back up, I met some amazing people along the way.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I have faced many obstacles and challenges in my journey.
Many times in my career I was told that my design aesthetic was not right for the Texas market, or the work I did was simply bad. This was very discouraging at the time, but deep in my heart I believed in myself and my work.
Being a single mother while working full time, freelancing and going back to school is a challenge on its own. I didn’t only work late nights, I worked from playgrounds, pool sides, karate classes, anywhere as long as there was Wi-Fi. But being a parent also means finding a time to turn off my computer and silent my phone to focus on my child. I work as hard as I do to give nice things to her, but those nice things mean nothing if she doesn’t feel loved.
Finding a right work-life balance is hard in general. And I’m trying to get better at it.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Misha Banner Graphic and Interactive Design – what should we know?
I have had the pleasure to work with wonderful brands in many different industries, from real estate to retail. The shortlist of brands I worked with includes:
• The Woodlands
• Bridgeland
• City of Alvin
• Toll Brothers Builders
• Papa Johns
• Tribute Goods
• Bella Terra Cosmetics
• Kor Hair
• Mattress 1 and more
I hold a full-time Art Director position at Entrust Energy and work with a small group of select freelance clients. In my freelance business, I focus on high-end retail local businesses. I choose to focus on a small group of clients because it allows me to give them my full attention.
My design style is minimalistic and clean. I love playing with bold colors and elegant typography. This year I received an in-house design award from GDUSA.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I consider myself lucky because I have a strong support system of friends and family. I would like to highlight a few people:
My father, who passed away in 2016 and I miss him every day. He believed in my creative abilities even when I didn’t and was proud of my achievements.
My mother, who supports me, even if she doesn’t always understand exactly what I do.
My husband, who was brave enough to marry a woman who’s obsessed with her job. He is my rock! He keeps me grounded and focused.
My daughter, who is my best friend and my reason why. She makes me try harder, even when I feel like I can’t.
My friend and partner in crime, Jamie Swartz. This talented woman helped me to come up with some of my best ideas. She is a creative yin to my yang.
My friend and longtime client, Misti Buard, who supported me and believed in me even when I had doubts.
Pricing:
- $120/hr
Contact Info:
- Website: http://mishabanner.com/
- Phone: 2816910618
- Email: redmisha@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/russianmisha/
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