Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Zachery Sutton. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Zachery, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
My work ethic is deeply rooted in my upbringing. Growing up in the challenging environment of the inner city, surrounded by low-income housing and witnessing tragic events, I battled depression and yearned for an escape from my circumstances. Determined to break free, I made a personal commitment to work tirelessly, vowing never to endure those conditions again. My primary motivation was to ensure that my children wouldn’t face the hardships and witness the struggles that marked my own childhood.
In my office, I prominently display a black and white photograph capturing an African-American schoolroom from the reconstruction period. The aged image portrays children gathered in a one-room, dirt-floor wooden shack. This poignant depiction serves as a constant source of inspiration, compelling me to persevere and keep my dreams alive. During moments of stagnation or when I find myself too comfortable in my career, I turn to this photo. It serves as a powerful reminder to stay driven, work harder, and resist the lure of complacency.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m Zachery, a Senior Product Designer at a San Francisco-based tech company. Additionally, I am a Design Director at Helium Advisory, specializing in marketing and digital innovation. I am also the proud owner of Studio Sutton, my design studio, where I collaborate with clients on diverse projects ranging from branding and logo design to illustration and web design.
Beyond my professional pursuits, I enjoy dedicating my free time to drawing and painting. One of my aspirations is to host an art show, providing an opportunity to share my creativity with the public. Art and design have been constants in my life, dating back to childhood when I would sketch sports logos and cartoon characters. As I matured, my admiration for Vibe magazine led me to the realization that graphic design was my true calling.
During my college years at Winston-Salem State University in North Carolina, I discovered the university’s graphic design program, and from that moment, I was hooked. Graphic design, to me, is the ultimate communication tool. It’s fascinating how it permeates our daily lives, from bills and books to packaging, logos, and restaurant menus—all meticulously designed by someone.
My path has been an ongoing exploration and discovery of my deep passion for both graphic and product design. Leveraging these skills, I aim to address and solve real-world problems for people.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Three pivotal qualities that have significantly shaped my journey are curiosity, determination, and work ethic. Curiosity has been the driving force behind my continuous quest for knowledge, emphasizing the importance of asking questions. I firmly believe that every question, no matter how seemingly simple, contributes to personal growth. My advice to aspiring designers is to embrace curiosity, seek mentors, and inquire about their processes.
Determination is a crucial factor in achieving anything worthwhile in life. Acknowledging that the path won’t be easy, one must persistently push forward with unwavering determination. The journey demands continual effort and a resolute commitment to overcome challenges and succeed.
Finally, a robust work ethic is essential. As James Brown aptly puts it, “You have to pay the cost to be the boss.” Success requires burning the midnight oil, dedicating late nights to practicing and refining your craft. Reading, studying, and continuous learning are integral components of cultivating a strong work ethic, vital for accomplishing goals and realizing dreams.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
The individual who left the most profound impact on my life was my cousin, Terrence Culbreath. I owe much of who I am today to him. Terrence played a pivotal role in uncovering talents within me that I was unaware of. He served as my biggest supporter, consistently cheering me on and instilling confidence in my abilities. His unwavering belief in me surpassed my own self-doubt, becoming the driving force behind my personal growth.
Terrence’s inspiration paved the way for me to evolve into the person I am today. His enduring positivity and encouragement taught me valuable lessons about the beauty of life. Despite facing challenging times, he emphasized the transient nature of difficulties and the inevitable arrival of brighter days. Terrence’s mantra was to stay positive, maintain an optimistic outlook, and not succumb to the negativity surrounding us. Life, he reminded me, is too short to be consumed by pessimism.
These invaluable lessons continue to resonate with me, serving as a tribute to my beloved cousin. May he rest in peace, his influence enduring in the positive perspective he instilled in me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.zacherydesigns.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrzachblk/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachery-sutton-09476723/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ZachSuttonzachblk
