Today we’d like to introduce you to Brione Stephenson.
Brione, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Honestly, I never thought much of myself in the context of creativity or artistic expression. I knew I was a decent creative writer, being encouraged to consider pursuing a career in creative writing by my English professor at Houston Baptist University; but creating graphic designs? I never would’ve thought I’d be here, doing an interview highlighting my work as a graphic designer. As I’ve stated many times before on my social media pages and to anyone who asks, I have to give a great deal of credit to my Executive Pastor, affectionately known to the Champions family as “Pastor T”, for where I am today. I’ll be forever grateful and indebted to her for giving me the tools to build my own business. Although I’ve cultivated my own strategies over the years as I grow with my business, I never stray too far away from my roots and what she taught me.
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?
Through a lot of trial and error, I’ve grown to appreciate and enjoy this journey to perfecting a craft I never fathomed myself being active in. The road, smooth? Couldn’t be bumpier. The most difficult part of the journey has been the self-doubt. There is always so many artists to compare your work to. Often times I feel I come up short. Others, I couldn’t be more proud of myself for what comes from within. I have always possessed this unshakeable fear of inadequacy. This weighs heaviest when the stakes are the highest and the projects are the biggest. There have been plenty of instances where I’ve even turned down opportunities out of unyielding fear that my designs wouldn’t be up to par for the occasion or the project. It’s a feeling I’ve learned to press through because clients ultimately are depending on me to complete their projects efficiently, effectively and in excellence. Which is the SwindleStevie guarantee.
Now, more than anything, I’m grateful for the ability to be creative. I’ve embraced the fact it’s a gift. It brings clients joy to see their visions come to life. I enjoy sharing in that positive energy with them. The most important words that have ever been spoken to me regarding how I feel about creating graphics for clients came from my Bestfriend. She told me, “it isn’t all on you; all you’re responsible for is giving the client what they ask for”. Thank you, Kiki. That’s helped me overcome hurdle after hurdle many times. My fear of inadequacy seems to mitigate by the day. I press on.
SwindleStevie’s Design Studio – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
SwindleStevie’s Design Studio is a graphic arts company most known for creating e-flyers, logos, business card designs and other promotional artwork such as YouTube channel and thumbnail art and cover photos for social media pages. I started out only offering digital services. Over the past few months I’ve added several print services to my portfolio including obituaries, printed business cards, retractable banners and cardstock/vinyl flyers and banners. Currently, print services are only available to clients in the Houston and surrounding areas. I hope to be able to expand these service options to clients outside the Houston and Texas areas soon. Social media and website design/setup and videography services are also available through the SwindleStevie brand.
Thus far, I am most proud of my company’s ability to adapt and change as the market changes. Gleaning all I can from the most talented veterans in our city like T. Hart every chance I get. Sets SwindleStevie apart? I try my very best to give each and every client a personal experience. You’ll never be able to go on my website and create a flyer using a template. Every design, for every client, concerning every project is completely customized to best suit their needs. I offer a wide range of options for every service offered to ensure every customer gets that personalized experience.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
It would definitely have to be the time spent with my Papa. He was stern, yet gentle. Kind. Sweet hearted. Loving. Forgiving. Longsuffering. Patient. He was everything a child needs to grow. What I wouldn’t do to go on another trip to Jimmy Poole’s on Homestead and East Mount Houston. Eating Spaghetti, adding a little ketchup and hot sauce on top. Walking through the door to hear, “I made that cabbage and porkchops for you”. He was a solid rock. My favorite childhood memory.
Pricing:
- Business Cards (design only – no print) $50/$100
- E-Flyers (design only – no print) $50/$75
- Logos $100
- Start-up Package (2 E-Flyers, 1 Logo) $150
- 4 E-Flyers for $150
- 10 E-Flyers for $300/month
Contact Info:
- Website: www.swindlestevie.com
- Phone: 8324523718
- Email: requests@swindlestevie.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/swindle_stevie?igshid=a56zr9uqcd02
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/SwindleStevie/
- Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/swindle_stevie
Image Credit:
Brian Nelson, Sr.
Brione Stephenson
Cyla Johnson
Paul Barrett, Jr.
Ms. B’s Cups & Tees
SwindleStevie’s Design Studio
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