We had the good fortune of connecting with Keith Montgomery and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Keith, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Embarking on the journey of starting DesignsbyKeith, my graphic design agency, was a thrilling yet challenging decision that evolved from a combination of curiosity, passion, and a hint of uncertainty. The inception of this venture was fueled by a genuine love for graphic design and a burning desire to explore the uncharted territory of entrepreneurship, despite having no prior experience in running a business.

In the midst of the MySpace era, where social media platforms were still in their infancy, I stumbled upon a realm of boundless creativity. Graphic design, a craft that would eventually become the cornerstone of DesignsbyKeith, captured my imagination. At that time, my involvement was purely driven by the joy of crafting custom profile layouts and playful image effects for both friends and strangers.

The decision to turn this passion into a business, however, was not a straightforward one. The initial thought process revolved around the fundamental question of how to start and run a business when I had never ventured into the entrepreneurial realm before. It was a mix of excitement and trepidation, a feeling akin to standing at the edge of unexplored territory.

To navigate this unfamiliar terrain, I turned to what I affectionately call “Youtube University.” Armed with determination and an internet connection, I delved into countless hours of online tutorials, business advice videos, and success stories shared by seasoned entrepreneurs. This self-education became the backbone of my entrepreneurial knowledge, offering insights into the intricacies of business management, marketing strategies, and the art of building a brand.

My journey with DesignsbyKeith began as a solo endeavor, fueled by a genuine passion for graphic design and a hunger for knowledge. The MySpace era may have been the catalyst, but the decision to transform a hobby into a business was a pivotal moment that required a leap of faith. With each step, I embraced the challenges, learned from the failures, and celebrated the victories. DesignsbyKeith became more than just a business; it became a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the willingness to embark on a journey of self-discovery.

As I reflect on the thought process behind starting my own business, I see it as a journey of personal and professional growth—a journey that began with a love for graphic design and evolved into the creation of DesignsbyKeith, a manifestation of my entrepreneurial spirit.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
In the design industry, one quickly learns that success is not always a smooth ride. It is a challenging field that comes with its fair share of obstacles, both professionally and personally. Throughout my journey, I have encountered numerous struggles that have taught me valuable lessons. Perhaps the most significant lesson I have learned is that not everything is a walk in the park.

When it comes to working with clients, one can either encounter those who are easy-going and understand the design process or those who have high expectations and want their final product delivered immediately. In such situations, I have learned the importance of setting realistic time management expectations both for myself and my clients. It is crucial to ensure that deadlines are reasonable and that there is adequate time for revisions and feedback.

Moreover, there have been instances where I felt confined by the strict corporate guidelines and opinions that were presented to me. This experience taught me not to allow corporate self-interest to hinder my creative potential. As a designer, it is vital to recognize the balance between corporate needs and creative freedom and to be able to express oneself while still adhering to project requirements.

Overall, my experiences in the design industry have taught me that setbacks and challenges are inevitable, but they can be valuable learning opportunities. Through these challenges, I have gained essential skills such as time management, client communication, and the importance of maintaining creative freedom. These lessons have helped me grow both as a designer and as an individual.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting Baltimore and I only had one day to show them around, there’s one place I would definitely take them: Fells Point. It’s a historic waterfront neighborhood that’s known for its cobblestone streets, charming shops, and fantastic food. Baltimore boasts several captivating destinations that you simply cannot miss, such as the Harbor, Horseshoe Casino, and Shake and Bake, which offers both skating and bowling.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Being a Graphic Designer takes a lot of hard work, and patience, and sometimes there are rough days but as far as my current success I would have to shoutout first in foremost God. I am a religious and spiritual person and just praying and building a connection with God has help my brand overall thrive. I want to sincerely thank my clients and my family for their invaluable support and trust in DesignsbyKeith. Without them, my business would not exist. Additionally, I am deeply appreciative of my family’s unwavering support and encouragement throughout my journey as a graphic designer. Their love and belief in me have been a constant source of inspiration and motivation. Their understanding and patience during the challenging times have been instrumental in my ability to pursue my passion and overcome obstacles. I would also like to express my gratitude to LJ from YoTrakz and Marshall Foxxx from 120 Design Studio, who have been instrumental in my growth as a graphic designer. I would like to extend a special acknowledgement to these two individuals who have contributed significantly to my professional journey.

LJ of YoTrakz provided me with my first graphic design software, which was instrumental in allowing me to take my craft seriously. With their support, I was able to hone my skills and improve the quality of my work. Furthermore, Marshall Fox from 120 Design Studio provided invaluable assistance during the rebranding and relaunch of DesignsbyKeith in 2020-2021. Their expertise and guidance were crucial in elevating my brand identity and enhancing my overall design capabilities.
I am deeply grateful to LJ and Marshall for their support, mentorship, and encouragement. Their contributions have been essential in shaping my career, and I look forward to continuing to learn and grow under their guidance.

Website: Designsbykeith.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designsbykeith/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/designsbykeithh

Other: info@designsbykeith.com

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