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qotnc · 10 years ago

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SHE IS QOTNC

Today is the seventh creative Q&A feature titled She Is QOTNC! As a Graphic Designer/Art Director and avid music junkie Laci Jordan represent style. Expanding on her blog So Laci Like, she continues to thrive in a creative environment. Originally from the South, her artistic journey has landed her big opportunities to live on the West Coast in LA. While Freelancing has developed a new media platform of expression, this is only the beginning for this fly girl. **Let's not forget to give a big s/o to her as she celebrated her birthday yesterday 4/21!!!

Checkout her story and become inspired. Thanks Laci for supporting the movement!

1. Who is Laci Jordan?

I’m a Graphic Designer in Los Angeles originally from Huntsville, AL. I'm also a dreamer, Blogger, music lover, and hustler. I attended the University of Alabama and left with two degrees, a BA in Criminal Justice and a BA in Digital Media (long story). I'm currently a Designer at CAA.

2. In a culture where women are marginalized/misrepresented, how do you maintain your feminine edge?

I just remember to be myself. I know that sounds easy and I didn’t always get it, but now when I go into jobs I try not to change too much for the environment. For instance, I love sneakers and on a usual day I’m dressing down in a pair of Jordan’s or Converse. For CAA, I’m working full-time in-house and that environment is more business casual but more on the hipster cute side. So instead of fully converting to dressing up I’ll wear something cute like a white button down, long trench coat, slim black dress pants, and Retro 3 Jordan’s. The look gives a nod to sophistication but I keep my edginess and personal style. Everybody Wins.

3. How did your environment influence your musical palette?

I grew up with only brothers and I’m the youngest so I heard a lot of Hip-Hop and loud music growing up. One of my brothers introduced me to Outkast and I remember being so excited when I knew “Elevators (Me & You)” by heart. My Dad is also into Hip-Hop, but more old school like Geto Boys. I can recall hearing “Mind Playing Tricks On Me” in the car all the time and he would try to turn it down every time someone used profanity but it was damn near impossible. Now I can only listen to loud music, I’m not sure how old I will be when I decide to get rid of the speakers in my car lol.

He also loves a lot of old school artist like James Brown so I heard a variety of music growing up. My Mom encouraged me to pursue extra curricular activities in particularly band. I’d say that influenced me the most because, I really learned how to listen to music. So now when I listen it’s not just for the lyrics but the melody, and figuring out what’s going on in the background.

4. 3 words that describe your design style?

Colorful, random, and eccentric.

5. Which song/art piece do you identify with?

Man! Honestly SO many, but right now I really like the flat vector style. There are a bunch of artist that have different styles I like, but so far I’m in love with the paintings from Shag (http://www.shag.com). The worlds that he creates are amazing and that’s something I’m figuring out now, how to create scenes and realistic worlds. All his work is so colorful and eclectic, it automatically makes me happy.

6. Who or what inspires you as a creative?

I know this is back to back but SO many things haha. Seriously, I’m inspired by so much! I would say my main three inspirations are: life experiences, music, and potential. These days you can do so much. I was reading Nylon the other day and saw Illustrator/Graphic Designer Sophia Chang had a spread. It’s amazing to know you can be featured on a national platform like that for your craft. It only reminds me the sky is the limit.

7. In terms of music formats, Vinyl or Digital?

I have to go with digital because its what I interact with the most. I have a great respect for vinyl and I love it as well, you can never go wrong with the classics. I’m planning to make an Amoeba trip soon to start my collection.

8. Who are your top 5 Women in music?

This can probably change at any given time.

Of all time Badu Missy Elliot Destiny’s Child (let me cheat here lol) Aaliyah Nicki Minaj

Right Now Rihanna Nicki Minaj Jhene Aiko Janelle Monae Beyonce

9. What does your creative process consists of?

It honestly depends on what the project is. I recently completed a set of illustrations for the month of February in celebration of Black history. I knew I wanted to do something in honor of Black History Month but I didn’t know what, and I didn’t want it to be something that looked super serious. I remembered being in Elementary School and having to look up a Black History fact everyday and decided to illustrate a fact a day. For each illustration I started off by researching Black History facts or targeted facts based off a certain event or topic. After finding the perfect fact I came up with a few ideas or drafts of how it could look. After finding the right look I executed the design using the style I set for the illustrations: Research – Draft – Execute.

10. What is your favorite place to travel to that inspires your work?

Anywhere I haven’t been before.

11. What is your favorite record of all time?

I’m not 100% sure if this is true, but the first song that came to my head is "Gossip Folks" by Missy.

12. What's your favorite sample & why?

When Ice Cube sampled Isley Brothers "Footsteps in the Dark" for “It Was A Good Day”...classic.

13. Is there a particular album/mixtape that fuels your creativity?

There isn’t a particular one, but there are certain albums/mixtapes I gravitate to depending on the mood I’m in. GKMC (Good Kid, M.A.A.D City) is always a go to all the time. I tend to listen to Jhene Aiko (Souled Out & Sail Out) while I’m working as well as Yeezus. I know, that’s super random. I’m actually creating a series of my activity playlist on beats music.

14. What is your favorite transition/era in music?

For the 99/2000 (Juvenile voice) and a close second is the "snap era" where Lil Jon and all the Atlanta Rappers took over.

15. Most valuable lessons you evolved from?

Man there are so many!

-Learning how to stay true to myself in a corporate setting. -Trust my gut, keep my faith always. -Always stay a step ahead.

16. How has your educational background help shape your career?

My education was the backbone of my design skills, so it definitely helped shape me into the Designer I am today. But I have to be completely honest, I feel like I’ve learned more from my work experience and online design tutorials than I did in school. I wish I would’ve paid more attention in my foundation courses; I would love to go back to still-life drawing. Back then, my motto was “I’m just here so I can get to my digital design course.” My education in both criminal justice and design gives me a good left/right brain balance that really gives me an edge in my work."

17. Advice for young women in the Arts/Digital Media?

Keep learning and keep hustling. Try to get to know yourself and stick to that girl.

18. What’s the next chapter for you?

Honestly I’m not sure, hopefully something good haha. Right now I’m constantly creating content for my Design/Lifestyle Blog www.solacilike.com. I’m always coming up with ideas of things I want to produce. I was approached in January to teach a Skillshare class, so I’m trying to get that together. I have a ton of ideas for projects, products, and collaborations so I’m exploring as much as possible.

19. How would you define yourself as a #QOTNC?

I know I’m the poster child of having a dream and making it happen. There’s a place in the music industry for a designer to make a mark (especially an African American Designer), and I plan to be that girl. I’m full of dreams, ambition, and individualism.

Follow on Twitter & IG @solacilike (all social media) & www.solacilike.com

*Artwork by Nina Q. Allen

#Women #LaciJordan #Music #GraphicDesign #Typography #Pink #GirlPower #QOTNC

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