Shon Quannie – Member of the Month
Shon Quannie / 4X Studio
How long have you been an AIGA Member?
I have been an AIGA member for 12 years.
What do you like most about AIGA Arizona?
Pre-COVID, I liked the variety of events.
What design event do you look forward to every year?
Phoenix Design Week
How has the pandemic affected you professionally?
Most of my clients are American Indian non-profits and small businesses that have needed additional design support during the pandemic. So I have been fortunate that there has been a steady amount of opportunities come my way. My creative network also became closer, which has allowed us to mobilize and share resources and opportunities that fit our experience levels and interests.
What have been some of your biggest career setbacks and how have you persevered?
9/11 was probably one of the toughest times for myself and creatives. I had just moved back to Phoenix from Colorado. The job outlook was bleak. That is when I had started doing pro-bono jobs and freelancing for non-profits and small agencies. After months of looking for work daily, I knew it was time to start my own business and put my experience and contacts to work for me. I started doing research on how to start a small business and reading all the resources available. That is how 4X Studio was founded.
What is the superpower you wish you had?
Persuasion – You know, Jedi Mind Trick.
What is your favorite small business that you have been frequenting?
Zees Greek and Arizona Art Supply. Food and supplies!
Who are some designers or creatives that have been inspiring you lately that you think people should be following and why?
– Brian Skeet (@brianskeetdesign) – Indigenous Industrial + Graphic Designer doing great collaborations and blurring the lines of creativity.
– Jared Yazzie (@oxdxclothing) Diné designer. His work brings to light indigenous issues and challenges.
– GG LeMere (@smidge.design) She is doing incredible work that she loves to do. She loves type!
– Mer Young (@youngmer) Creates artwork that aim to inspire, celebrate and elevate repressed indigenous, first nations and native cultures and women of color.
– Eunique Yazzie (@euniqueink) She is a Diné designer/artist and community art/creative activator
– Orlando Allison (Hopi/Gila River) Using traditional and contemporary indigenous designs.
Tell us about your favorite event or moment with AIGA Arizona
In 2019, being involved with PHXDW and helping put together the first Indigenous Peoples Day Poster Show on Roosevelt Row as an official PHXDW Event.
What is your most prized possession?
My Aconav brand mask for dressing up.
What is your biggest non-serious fear?
Giving gifts that people do not like.
What is something you were embarrassingly late to realize?
Eyebrows need care too!
What would your last meal be?
Pork Shop, Red Chili stew and fresh tortillas.
What is the most embarrassing thing on your Spotify playlist?
Riff Raff
What superstition do you have?
Always do things in fours.
What is the longest delay you have ever had? Or best airport experience?
Best airport experience: Coming back from over 60 days in Europe and eating wings and nachos at a Chili’s at DFW! Missed American junk food.
What is one scene from a movie you have memorized?
Fast Times at Ridgemont High: Jeff Spicoli had a pizza delivered to class. “If you’re here and I’m here, isn’t our time?”
Connect with Shon:
Instagram
IndigeDesign Collab
LinkedIn
Have a story to tell about your own AIGA journey or want to nominate someone? You don’t need to be an award winner, a prodigy, or even a graphic designer to be chosen. Send a note to Membership Director Julian Martinez and tell us what being a member of the AIGA Arizona community means to you. See you next month!