Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Benjamin.
Hi Andrea, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started my career nearly a decade ago when I got my first job in print, creating ads for newspapers and magazines. In the years that followed, I worked my way up to a Creative Director at a digital marketing agency, working with hundreds of small businesses along the way. And while I loved what I did every day, I knew I wanted to call the shots. So, I took a leap of faith and I left my 9-5 job to follow my dreams and start my own business.
While I’m originally from Fargo, North Dakota, my family moved to Arizona when I was 6 years old. I came to love living in the desert, though I briefly moved back to the Midwest to play college basketball at Concordia College. I didn’t know it at the time, but my experience as a college athlete would shape me for years to come. I learned how to work hard, be goal-oriented, and work with a team; and balancing work, school, and basketball was a lesson in time management. Today, these skills allow me to successfully run my own business, and I couldn’t be more grateful for that experience.
As a designer, I consider myself somewhat of a “generalist.” Many designers like to niche down and work exclusively with one type of client or provide specific services. But one of my favorite things about Exo, besides the freedom it gives me, is that every single day looks different. I love working with clients across a variety of industries on all different types of projects.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
A smooth road may get you to your destination at a faster pace, but as a designer, I know that fast isn’t always best. The road to owning my own business has been a journey where I had amazing support and encouragement from my family, friends, and clients who know my heart and passion for my craft. When I started Exo Design, I knew my mission, but the path to success wasn’t as clear. I have learned so much as my business has grown – recognizing more of the strengths within myself and the areas where I needed a helping hand. I wore many hats when I started over two years ago and I have had the pleasure of handing over a few to the capable head of my Executive Assistant, Kelsie. Together we have created a more efficient project management system and streamlined communication to continue to build better relationships and help fulfill the vision of our clients.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Exo Design specialties: Web Design / Logo and Branding / Print Media / Ad Design / Sports Media
I love creating a new logo and branding package for new and existing businesses (rebranding). It brings me such joy to be a part of someone else’s design journey, melding my creativity and expertise with the clients’ dream and vision for their business. I like to tell my clients that design does the talking when you’re not around. What is yours saying about you?
One of the areas I am so proud of continuing to work in is Sports Media. This avenue has opened the door to combine my undying love for basketball (and the other lesser sports – jk!) and design to create memorable and inspiring pieces that hang in local gymnasiums across Tucson.
What sets me apart? Too many agencies prioritize their own talking points and ideas during the creative process. I’ve seen it happen time and time again – a client comes in with one idea of what they want, and their agency spends an hour convincing them that they need something else entirely. It’s part of the reason I left the agency world to start my own business. Exo Design takes more of a non-traditional approach to the design process (and I’m not just talking about the fact that I work from home in my sweatpants while my cat sleeps on my keyboard).
When it comes to working with my clients, I want them to feel like I’m more of a partner than a hired contractor. Because at the end of the day, your happiness is more important than my ego as a designer, and I want you to feel comfortable providing me with honest feedback. That’s why I intentionally create a collaborative design process centered around open communication and transparency. Together, we’ll create something that’s unique to your needs and personal style!
Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
The Adobe Suite is my sweet spot! I do most of my work within these programs.
My Female Power Playlist on Spotify gets me through the day!
Pinterest is a place I go to find inspiration for work and life.
Stacked Vogue Magazines reside in almost every corner of my home.
Contact Info:
- Email: create@exodesignaz.com
- Website: exodesignaz.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exodesign_az/
