Today we’d like to introduce you to Hannah Zerbe
Hannah, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Growing up, I was always interested in art. I loved how I could perfect a skill and teach myself different painting techniques. I tried all the mediums—from watercolors, to painting jewelry, to embroidery—until I landed on oils in 2015. I felt like a grand master from the Renaissance, and my love for art history grew out of that. That same year, I took a photography class in school and I was hooked. I’d ask my two older sisters to model for me all the time, and I’d spend hours on Photoshop trying out the bottomless effects.
When it came time to choose what to study in college, I knew I wanted to find a balance of studio art and digital art. To me, that came out to be graphic design. I began my degree in Maryland—where I grew up—and finished out the remainder in Charleston—where I live now. During college, I spent a lot of my time freelancing design, doing branding and logos. Each semester I also had an internship, so I was able to make a big portfolio for my first full-time job.
I was surprised that my background in studio art pushed me further than I thought it would—The first job I got out of college was because of my sketchbook. I have stacks of spiral-bound books that have my thought process and drawings mapped out in detail. Sketching is still a huge part of my creative process that I use in my digital work now.
Today, I run Hannah Zerbe Studio in Charleston, SC. I like to describe my design style as a combination of forward-thinking but timeless. My goal is to create work that embraces values and vision instead of what’s trending. My painting style leans on realism, but with a little flair and texture. Some of my favorite painters are John Singer Sargent, Anders Zorn, and Diego Velazquez, who are all portrait artists.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Unfortunately not! The first job I got out of college was at a small marketing agency—I called that my “dream job” for the longest time. Working downtown was cool, I loved the work I got to do, and I especially loved the creative freedom. It was client facing, so I was able to practice all the things I’d seen other business people do. When it came time for my year-and-a-half review, I thought I was getting a promotion when I ended up getting laid off. I was shocked, but it let me reflect on what work I really wanted to do in the art industry—branding and painting. Soon after, I started freelancing again and am so glad I did. Developing a brand identity is one of the most satisfying parts of design for me, and there’s nothing like the feeling of seeing a before-and-after of a project you spent weeks on.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Hannah Zerbe Studio?
Based in Charleston, SC, Hannah Zerbe Studio provides branding services and bespoke painting services. We believe in thoughtful, clever work where beauty harmonizes with function. Our values are rooted in expression, purpose, and collaboration. At the end of the day, we strive to display your story, honor your origins, and bring your unique narrative to the surface.
I believe what sets my work apart is the intentional discovery process. Once we identify what’s at the core of your ideas, I’m able to hone in on what matters to you—the founder and visionary. I strive to learn and understand your brand as a whole, so I can create work to resonate with the right audience. The combination of art history with branding is something that’s untapped into today, and I believe I provide a unique perspective of channeling the two into both of my services.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I don’t have a mentor, but I have a number of agencies I look up to for inspiration! My all-time favorite design agency is based in Charleston—SDCO partners consistently produces tactful, elegant, and inventive work. My favorite podcast is called The Futur by Chris Do, and usually fills my long car rides. His advice on productizing design has helped me think more like an entrepreneur while still being a creative.
Networking has been trickier to figure out, but I’ve found that staying in circles of those in my field has been really helpful. They’ve referred others to my work without me even asking! Otherwise, I gather clients by word of mouth in social circles. It helps that design and painting are already my hobbies, so it makes it easy to bring up!
Pricing:
- Branding: $2-10k
- Custom Oil Paint Commission: $3-10k
Contact Info:
- Website: https://HannahZerbe.com
