Meet Ramzy Alahmad | Artist, Graphic Designer, and Web Designer

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

Hi Ramzy, why did you pursue a creative career?
Fulfillment and connection. I find so much fulfillment in creating. Whether that is logos or websites for clients, artwork, or collages. The process of creating in any way is always so fulfilling. I find so much joy in every element of it. Even the moments of frustration that naturally arise during the process of creating are outweighed by the fulfillment of finishing an art project, logo, or website.

The other element that drove me to pursue a career as a creative is connection. Whether that is meeting with business owners for branding projects, partnering with business owners for consignments, or meeting people at events or markets. These connections and relationships are where I find the inspiration to keep working and creating. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed meeting other small business owners and building relationships with them. It makes me feel more connected to the community and gives me an outlet to learn from other small business owners who have been active in our community for a long time.

Additionally, I find immense value in the interactions I have while working at markets and events. I love connecting with like-minded people who share the same passions as me. Whether that’s art, anime, plants, Wes Anderson movies, or anything else. It creates an opportunity to inspire or be inspired while connecting with others. Every event leaves me feeling more motivated and inspired to start working on my next project.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
My name is Ramzy Alahmad, I am a small business owner, artist, graphic designer, and web designer. I grew up in Crossville, TN and after graduating high school instead of going to college I moved out to South Lake Tahoe, California where I lived for 6 years. In 2018 I moved back to Tennessee to be closer to family and start my college career. Chattanooga seemed like the best place to live because of the easy access to the outdoors and the overall vibe of the city. I decided to get a degree in web design because I knew it was a growing field and it would land me a career that would sustain traveling and working mobile. While pursuing my degree in web design I learned to use creative applications such as Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. I hadn’t created digital artwork up until that point, but through the courses I was taking, I started creating art for projects and becoming more familiar with the applications. Because I was so interested in digital art I used a lot of my time outside of school to dive into it and learn as much as I could about the applications used to create it. With my new skills, I started creating art, mock-up logos, posters, and digital collages.

By 2020 I had been lucky enough to take on a decent amount of branding and rebranding projects for local businesses. These businesses gave me these opportunities after meeting me and seeing some of my mock-up logos. In August 2020, I decided to start my own business, Elevated Design, in order to create a brand for myself. I wanted a company face to work through while doing branding projects, web design, and art commissions.

By 2021 I had a lot of digital art that I had created over the years so I decided to finally do something with it. That is why in June 2021 I decided to start printing my artwork and selling it on Etsy. Soon after I began working at events and markets selling my artwork in person as well. In May 2022 I became one of the featured artists at I Go Toyko which is a unique boutique located in NorthShore that brings high-quality Japanese linens, stationery, ceramics, and distinctive Kawaii items to Chattanooga. As a featured artist at I Go Tokyo I create Japanese-inspired anime artwork which is all available in their store.

Since then I’ve taken on many more branding projects, web design jobs, art commissions, and many other creative projects. I am always interested in taking on more projects and connecting with other business owners and creatives in our community.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost my family. I couldn’t have accomplished what I have so far in life without their support. My family has been so supportive since day one, they have supported my decisions every step of the way. They never pressured me into following a structure or timeline for starting or having a conventional career. I never felt pressured to pursue college until I desired to do so myself. Because of this, I could fully explore and learn more about myself while traveling and working many different jobs. In doing so I was able to understand what I truly wanted to do before picking a degree to pursue.

Secondly are my friends. The wonderful people I have found in life and have surrounded myself with are irreplaceable. Their love and support have helped me grow and develop in ways I could have never achieved on my own. They have truly given me support in the darkest of times and helped me rise above any challenge or difficult situation. They provide me with a level of energy and happiness that I find to be vital in fueling my creativity and imagination.

Lastly, all the business owners and entrepreneurs that have trusted me with their visions along the way. I am so grateful for all the experiences and opportunities they have provided me with.

Website: https://www.elvtdesign.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elevated_design.co/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ramzy.elevateddesign/

Other: Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ElevatedDesignPrints

Image Credits
All artwork credited to Ramzy Alahmad Personal photo/headshot credited to Mark Gindi: Gindi Marketing