Meet V’shonne Allen | Graphic Designer & Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with V’shonne Allen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi V’shonne, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I always had this strong urge to contribute something to culture, and that’s where graphic design and photography came into play. While music held a special place in my heart, it wasn’t just the music that captivated me; it was also the very first impression – the album cover. I would spend hours drawing and analyzing album art, appreciating how it added depth to the artist’s narrative. Music acted as my life compass, giving me insights into experiences I had either gone through or were yet to encounter. With every passing moment, it became clear that I wanted to be a designer, making my own album covers and leaving a mark on the music world. This newfound passion led me to recreate iconic album covers, paying homage to the very albums that had profoundly influenced and shaped me.
In the end, it’s the power of media that has guided me throughout my life. Music, TV, and film have been more than just sources of entertainment; they’ve been the roadmap of my journey, equipping me with the wisdom and foresight to tackle the adventures ahead. And now, as I embark on my creative path, I’ll forever cherish the impact these cultural icons have had on my life.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
When I dive into the world of creating album covers, I fully immerse myself in the experience. To channel the very essence of the album, I play music by the artist, allowing their ethos to flow through me.

Throughout my journey, resourcefulness has been my ally in propelling my career forward. Despite not always having the latest or greatest equipment, I’ve never let that hold me back. Instead, I’ve found ingenious ways to create, refusing to let barriers obstruct my path. I’ve learned that focusing on what you lack only hinders progress. The key is to envision your end goal clearly and work with the tools you already possess – it’s what has brought me this far.

If there’s one takeaway from my story that I wish to impart, it’s this: Embrace life with passion and purpose. With that unstoppable force driving you forward, nothing in this world can stand in your way. Let your creativity flourish, fueled by the love for what you do, and watch as you make your mark on the world.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
The first place that comes to mind would Be Canal St. Arcade & Deli. Canal St. preserves the 80s aesthetic with its wide arrangement of classic arcade games and accompanying media within the establishment to transport you to that era. The music always sets the right vibe, and the deli selection is great!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have a few people I want to shout out. I want to shout out all of my mentors for seeing potential in me and pouring into me as I embark on my journey as a creative and black man. I want to thank my family & friends for being my biggest cheerleaders and supporting me as a creative. The love is very appreciated and keeps me going. I also want to thank artists like Andre 3000 and Tyler the Creator for showing me what it is to be unapologetically expressive.

Website: https://vshonnejadereallen.myportfolio.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/v._z._a/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/v’shonne-allen-002868114/