Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Zamina Donaldson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Zamina, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
I learned my work ethic from my mother. I grew up watching her work a handful of jobs to make sure my brother and I had more than enough. When a job didn’t server her anymore or didn’t fit the family’s needs she pivoted to another. My mother always found a way no matter the circumstances.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m a multidisciplinary graphic designer by trade but I didn’t start there. My creative journey began with photography. I was the kid in high school with a camera attached to my hand. I switched to graphic design in my sophomore year of college. I still love photography but I didn’t like how dependent it was on others to create. That inherent independence drew me to graphic design and eventually motion graphics.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I’d tell the next person the same things I tell myself:
I. Unwavering faith, just know whatever “it” is will happen, the only question is when.
2. Confidence, it’s easier said than done but be sure of your gift(s), no one can do or think like you.
3. Stay focused, we live in a world of distractions, take some time to reflect and figure things out.
If you’re just starting something be fearless and keep going. Don’t expect to be the best in the beginning, but you can get there if you’re persistent. Oftentimes our taste level is higher than our skill, the two will eventually meet but your tastes will continue to elevate. It’s a constant chase.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
I read “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz when I was 16. It changed me forever.
1. Be impeccable with your word, words are spells only say what you mean.
2. Don’t take anything personally, nobody does anything because of you. People have their own reasons and motivations.
3. Don’t make assumptions, don’t be afraid to ask, communication is everything.
4. Always do your best, how you do one thing is how you do everything.
Contact Info:
- Website: zaminadonaldson.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/ughzamina
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/zamina-donaldson/
