Today we’d like to introduce you to Malik Henley.
Hi Malik, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always had a love for using art to represent my feelings and emotions as well as using it as a way to expand my knowledge.
I have a first-grade “what I want to be when I grow up” book and I remember to this day writing and drawing about how I wanted to be an artist. And I’m really proud to say I did just that!
I predominantly studied as a graphic artist but recently discovered a love of helping small businesses get the branding knowledge and tools they need to make their dreams come true.
I’m a full-time graphic designer but I’m always eager to take on clients who need a little help getting started! Or seasoned clients who need a quick revamp.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I am beyond blessed to say things have been smooth for me.
Because art and helping people are deep-rooted passions of mine it was a no-brainer when people started asking me to design things for them. I was a little anxious about not doing so great or not giving the client exactly what they envisioned. But so far I have had amazing clients who have made the journey and process easy!
Sometimes it’s a little tough when a client seeking a design kind of disappears after sharing a proof or rough draft. It’s kind of scary to think someone you put a little trust into may have taken a design you put a lot of time and effort into for free.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
When I’m not behind a computer screen working on a logo or branding graphics for clients I’ve been connected with.
I am discovering fun new mediums and art forms. Embroidery, watercolor, letterpress, screen printing, woodworking, making handmade paper, making cute animated gifs, and sometimes even recycled paper globes! You name it!
I’m known for my logos and graphics for clients, friends, and family. However, I love to make fun color illustrations of things in my everyday life and turn them into gifs or stickers!
What sets me apart would be my love for wanting to make fun and occasionally interactive art. I also like to repurpose materials into some of my pieces. Sometimes when I’m painting I’ll add plant clippings or coffee grounds for texture or color.
I really love making paper from scratch to make more art on because I can make it out of old paper and then turn it into something even more beautiful. Being able to incorporate things from nature or even scraps from old projects and able to use them, again and again, brings me joy and peace.
One time I took all my old college papers and made paper pulp out of them. Used that pulp to make a sculpture for my 3D art class (made an A) then turned around and used those globes to house some of my plants! The circle of life!!!
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I think my willingness to try new mediums and to just go for something even if I’ve never experimented with it before. I make mistakes and I learn how to do better the next go around or use that technique somewhere else.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.malikhenley.com
- Instagram: @MalikDemoreMakes
