Today we’d like to introduce you to Cyriz Ponce.
Hi Cyriz, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Roughly about 2 years ago, a close friend of mine had purchased a MacBook that I knew they ultimately had no true use for. Around that time, I was determined to start my own business doing something that I could enjoy and also make good money. I was 21 & absolutely overworking for corporations and businesses because no matter the amount it was never worth staying for me. I’ve always felt like my true purpose is far more greater than I could ever comprehend, so letting go of things & situations that don’t serve me has never been too difficult. After reflecting upon the businesses & their competitors within my city, I asked myself “what’s something unique that currently isn’t being offered?”. There were SO MANY individuals within my city looking for a worldwide reach, but only marketing themselves solely through Facebook statuses & recycled low-quality images! No offline presence, nothing custom & personal to their business, improper branding, the list goes on! After that, I couldn’t STOP noticing how many missed opportunities there were for a Graphic designer out here! I began researching, practicing & working on graphics nonstop, for more than 10 hours a day almost every single day & night that summer. I purchased & taught myself how to work every last app within the adobe creative cloud, like Illustrator & Photoshop, & even watched hours upon hours of lectures & lessons from Chris Do, one of the top earning graphic designers! I was having so much fun composing the visions of others I began offering logos & graphics for only $20!! In an industry where the simplistic Nike logo would cost more than 6 figures today, I was undervaluing myself because I had just started. Little did I know, within a few months, I would be creating motion graphics & obtaining more high valued clients all SELF TAUGHT! In year two, I’ve created several logos & graphics for many well-established businesses, like a super cool restaurant, a true crime podcast, a paint & sip lounge, & many more! I’m proud of where my talent, skill & persistence has taken me so far & I can’t wait to see what else I have in store!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t always been easy. As an artist, I feel as though there’s never a time we’re not self-reflecting or providing self-criticism. Sometimes, it’s just hard to get out of your head & realize “hey, you’re not as horrible as you imagine, look how far you’ve gotten, look at all these great things you’ve accomplished”, some days it gets hard to overlook what you HAVE’NT done vs what you have. It’s like you always have imposter syndrome kind of, & sometimes that makes it hard to be as openly creative as you need or want to be. It’s taken me a long time to understand and accept that I’ve 100% earned the position that I’m in today, and that if graphics truly weren’t meant for me, if I was truly meant to give this up, I wouldn’t love & enjoy doing it so much!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a self-taught freelance Graphic designer! I specialize in logo creation & branding, though I’m proficient in almost all scopes of graphic design. I’m best known for providing high-quality, authentic & unique graphics where creative freedom is provided! What sets me apart from other designers, is that I’m well versed in presenting & creating graphics with several different art styles, I don’t stick to just one! I’m a jack AND master of all trades! I’m most proud of one of my more later works, the logo created for “Collar city Mac shac”! This was the first time something I’ve created was plastered onto a storefront & it felt SO amazing being able to visit the restaurant in person & know that I had a part in creating something wonderful.
What’s next?
I hope for the near future, that my work & name begins to become more recognized, & that I’m working with the high-profile clients I’ve always wished to! I want to be able to charge the appropriate amount that I should be charging, not the amount that I feel I have to because I’m not as widely known as id like to be. I really want to start working with more major mainstream artists as well, I want my art to be seen, felt & genuinely appreciated, and not scrolled past anymore. I hope I become the success everyone else sees I can become,
Pricing:
- Logos start at $87
Contact Info:
- Website: https://gfxbycy.myportfolio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gfxbycy/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GfxbyCy/
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRNnPGd2/
