We had the good fortune of connecting with Keith Montgomery and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Keith, why did you pursue a creative career?
I made the decision to pursue a career in the artistic and creative field due to my childhood passion for the arts, including various forms such as dancing, drawing, painting, and designing. Although I did not initially anticipate that designing would become a permanent fixture in my life, I am grateful that it has, as I derive satisfaction and joy from my work.

Designing allows me to exercise my artistic talent and infuse it with functionality and purpose. The prospect of helping clients bring their vision to life through my passion and gift is immensely fulfilling. Witnessing the joy and happiness of my clients upon seeing their projects come to fruition is truly the best feeling.

In summary, my decision to pursue a career in the artistic and creative field stems from a deep-rooted passion for the arts that has persisted throughout my life. Designing, in particular, allows me to blend my artistic talent with practicality and purpose while bringing the dreams and visions of my clients to life.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
In the design industry, one quickly learns that success is not always a smooth ride. It is a challenging field that comes with its fair share of obstacles, both professionally and personally. Throughout my journey, I have encountered numerous struggles that have taught me valuable lessons. Perhaps the most significant lesson I have learned is that not everything is a walk in the park.

When it comes to working with clients, one can either encounter those who are easy-going and understand the design process or those who have high expectations and want their final product delivered immediately. In such situations, I have learned the importance of setting realistic time management expectations both for myself and my clients. It is crucial to ensure that deadlines are reasonable and that there is adequate time for revisions and feedback.

Moreover, there have been instances where I felt confined by the strict corporate guidelines and opinions that were presented to me. This experience taught me not to allow corporate self-interest to hinder my creative potential. As a designer, it is vital to recognize the balance between corporate needs and creative freedom and to be able to express oneself while still adhering to project requirements.

Overall, my experiences in the design industry have taught me that setbacks and challenges are inevitable, but they can be valuable learning opportunities. Through these challenges, I have gained essential skills such as time management, client communication, and the importance of maintaining creative freedom. These lessons have helped me grow both as a designer and as an individual.

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.
If my best friend were visiting Baltimore and I only had one day to show them around, there’s one place I would definitely take them: Fells Point. It’s a historic waterfront neighborhood that’s known for its cobblestone streets, charming shops, and fantastic food. Baltimore boasts several captivating destinations that you simply cannot miss, such as the Harbor, Horseshoe Casino, and Shake and Bake, which offers both skating and bowling.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Being a Graphic Designer takes a lot of hard work, and patience, and sometimes there are rough days but as far as my current success I would have to shoutout first in foremost God. I am a religious and spiritual person and just praying and building a connection with God has help my brand overall thrive. I want to sincerely thank my clients and my family for their invaluable support and trust in DesignsbyKeith. Without them, my business would not exist. Additionally, I am deeply appreciative of my family’s unwavering support and encouragement throughout my journey as a graphic designer. Their love and belief in me have been a constant source of inspiration and motivation. Their understanding and patience during the challenging times have been instrumental in my ability to pursue my passion and overcome obstacles. I would also like to express my gratitude to LJ from YoTrakz and Marshall Foxxx from 120 Design Studio, who have been instrumental in my growth as a graphic designer. I would like to extend a special acknowledgement to these two individuals who have contributed significantly to my professional journey.

LJ of YoTrakz provided me with my first graphic design software, which was instrumental in allowing me to take my craft seriously. With their support, I was able to hone my skills and improve the quality of my work. Furthermore, Marshall Foxxx from 120 Design Studio provided invaluable assistance during the rebranding and relaunch of DesignsbyKeith in 2020-2021. Their expertise and guidance were crucial in elevating my brand identity and enhancing my overall design capabilities.
I am deeply grateful to LJ and Marshall for their support, mentorship, and encouragement. Their contributions have been essential in shaping my career, and I look forward to continuing to learn and grow under their guidance.


Website: Designsbykeith.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designsbykeith/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/designsbykeithh

Other: sales@designsbykeith.com

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