Meet Tajani Finnie | Freelance Graphic Designer

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

Hi Tajani, where are you from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
As a woman who was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York it’s hard to imagine that one wouldn’t be constantly inspired by one of the most dynamic cities. My parents are no strangers to art, growing up we frequented museums, and often took walks in the city where they’d each share their stories and fun facts about the area. I actually remember the first time I went to the Brooklyn Museum in 2005 to see the exhibition featuring Jean-Michel Basquiat. This is when I first learned the significance of my name, my whole name, Tajani Basquiat Finnie, which was inspired after the artist. My dad was a big fan, and shared with me Basquiat’s life story. I was only 6 years old, this memory played a big role in my creative journey. Fast forward to my years in high school, I exclusively applied to schools in Manhattan. I attended Chelsea CTE High school, right in the midst of SoHo. I met people with similar interests, after school I visited tons of galleries, and attended events hosted by my peers. I was obsessed with the culture, with art, and began to practice and study graphic design.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My graphic design business started out as a favor. Initially I had friends who had ideas for businesses they wanted to start, naturally through our conversations we’d encourage each other to chase our dreams, and do whatever it takes to bring our ideas to life. In my freshman year of college I offered to create a logo and business plan for a friend of mine who was interested in starting a skincare brand.

After hearing my friend’s idea for her skincare brand I thought it would be cool to be involved and began sketching out logo concepts. The next time we met up I presented them to her and she was really impressed, and wanted to buy them. It was my first logo, so I had no clue how to set a price for my work. I gave it to her for free, I also ended up helping with creative directing, and shooting for her brand as well. At the time I really needed a creative outlet, I was a chemistry major, and soon realized that I had to switch majors immediately. It was then I started formulating my own logo, business name, and developing a plan for selling my work. I was extremely excited to help people with their new businesses, so I put in some research and got to work.

The birth of Taja’s Graphics began here. I was always on the look out for those who needed help, and my friends also promoted me to their peers as well which was extremely helpful. On campus I used to charge 45$ for logos created by myself. What a steal right! I was also involved in 4 different campus organizations, specifically to develop content for the social media page. I tried my best to get my hands on any creative projects I could possibly help with, however my main goal was to provide creative help to upcoming entrepreneurs.
After tons of practice of working with others to bring their brand to life I was able to start my website and take my business more seriously. Of course there were some bumps in the road, it wasn’t easy, but I knew it wasn’t impossible. This hobby was one that could pay for itself, so I knew that if I had at least 2 commissioned pieces a month I’d be set. Throughout this journey I learned that anything is possible with confidence. It’s important to set goals, and develop a clear-cut plan to achieve them.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Honestly, I think I’m the best personal NYC Tour guide you can find! A lot of people ask me why I moved back to New York after graduating in Atlanta… simply put I just love my city. I am extremely passionate about it and with so many places we can explore I’d start by introducing my guest to DUMBO. The area showcases a beautiful view of both the Manhattan & Brooklyn Bridge, has so many delicious restaurants, boutiques and the iconic Brooklyn Bridge Park. It’s the place I see myself living in the future because of my love for classic brownstone buildings, and the cobblestone streets. The River Café is a pretty cool restaurant worth visiting, it has one Michelin star, located on the pier and has the perfect view of Lower Manhattan. After exploring Brooklyn we’ll take the subway into Manhattan where a typical tour guide will explain how it’s dominated by some of the world’s most iconic skyscrapers. You’ll find attractions like the Empire State Building and some of the best Broadway shows.
What is a tour without art? Our first stop will be in Greenwich Village on 57 Great Jones Street. This was where Basquiat lived and worked on his art from 1983 to 1988. In the 80’s the building was owned by Andy Warhol and it was where Basquiat lived and worked on his most famous pieces. Greenwich Village is also a hotspot for the best places to shop, in the area famously known as SOHO you can find glamorous designer stores, high end restaurants and quirky street vendors. It’s also the area of which I went to high school and received my certifications in graphic design.
The Cooper Hewitt is one of my favorite museums. The building was once home to Andrew Carnegie, and as you observe the art, and canvas the building you can’t help but to imagine what it was like living in such a space in the early 20th century. The Cooper Hewitt is a design museum, it’s exhibits are always phenomenal, interactive and extremely important. I think that every creative should experience the museum at least twice. It’s one thing to read about the history of design, but to actually experience its dynamic exhibits of contemporary art in person is invaluable.
When touring the art scene in New York experiencing galleries like the Gagosian are a must… but also visiting local galleries that showcase upcoming artists is fascinating. Swivel Gallery is one of my favorite Brooklyn local spots. I frequent their opening showcases because they are intimate, and you get to meet and speak with the artist as well.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to shout out to my parents and my friends. Each of them contributed their support in different ways but nonetheless I couldn’t ask for a better support group. I’ve been blessed with amazing people who shower me with continuous encouragement.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tajas.graphics/

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/tajanifinnie

Image Credits
Images Shot by @mobvisionaire