We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Naliyah Hall. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Naliyah below.
Naliyah, so happy to have you with us today. You are such a creative person, but have you ever head any sort of creativity block along the way? If so, can you talk to us about how you overcame or beat it?
I really appreciate this question because as designers we hardly discuss this. When I am experiencing creativity blocks, I honestly, just close my laptop because I don’t find it to be productive sitting in front of your laptop, PC, tablet, etc if you’re not sure where to start. I try to find activities that inspire me or I listen to music, it helps to have your mind completely empty for a while. One thing I had to take away from having blocks is that it is normal and relatively common, and to not feel discouraged. Once I need to create, I have fresh ideas and ready to execute quality work for my clients!
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?
Hello! I am a Cleveland-based Graphic Designer and Content Creator. I specialize in Album/Single Artwork, Flyers, Logos (business or brand), and Motion Art. I decided to switch from the Fashion Industry to the Music Industry in June of 2023. I’ve had the opportunity to create work for North Carolina rapper Stunna 4 Vegas with his Single ‘Ask Around’. I also had the opportunity to be published by VoyageOH in November of 2024 and Canva Rebel in January 2025. The most exciting aspect to my career is checking off all my goals I set for myself as a designer this year and meeting all my potential clients this year! And a special thank you to Bold Journey because I am more than excited to announce I will be servicing YouTubers soon with Youtube Banners, Thumbnails, Headers, and Video Editing. I can’t wait to meet all of you! Follow me on Instagram @naligraphics!
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?
These are really deep questions, I love that! The 3 areas of knowledge that were most impactful in my journey were Typography, Color Grading, and Texture. It clicked right away that these 3 key points can make or break the entire cover. It helps to understand the “vibe” of the project, who the artist is, and which direction should the project should go in. I do find that most hip-hop artists are into gritty and grungier covers than their pop or r&b counterparts. When you are trying to develop your skills in these 3 areas it’s best to understand right away that consistency, practice, and even collaborating can shape your skills in the long run. I also important to give yourself a break, do not overbook with clients in your schedule; As important as it is to have a strong work ethic , its also important to take breaks or even a vacation to refresh the mind. You don’t want your burn yourself out starting out.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Yes, I am looking forward to collaborating with musicians and other graphic designers in the near future. I always thought coming together when you’re working in the same industry brings so much beneficial aspects including diversifying your audience as well be able to share feedback between one another. If you’re looking to collaborating with me, please feel free to reach out via Instagram direct message or shoot an email via naligraphicdesign@gmail.com. I can’t wait to meet all of you and make some magic!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naligraphics/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/naliyah-hall-b498a2182?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
