Meet Latreash McCurdy | Branding & Website Designer

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

Hi Latreash, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
My mind has always been full of curiosity and creativity from a young age. I read books that push imagination and fill your head with whimsical thoughts, I read encyclopedias to learn how things work, and I have always been able to visualize people’s ideas.

My Uncle used to paint and draw and that inspired me to explore many aspects of art, from painting, pastels, graffiti, comic books, and even decorating our box forts in the yard with crayons… if it was about art, I wanted to do it.

In High School, I became a young mother, and a sense of drive opened in me. I needed to go to college and create a future. I knew my path was art, I just didn’t know how to get there and how I could ever make it a career. So, I applied to Indiana University, of Fort Wayne and was accepted.

A few months into college I took a computer design class and fell in love. I heard professors talking about their work appearing in ads, billboards, and magazines and I thought – that’s what I want to do!

At that time, I had no idea how many directions graphic design could take me.

I worked in newspapers, corporate America, international companies, and traveled the world. I was able to see my designs out there in the public eye. Then in 2014, I took the leap and officially started my own Graphic Design business, Latreash Designs. Now I get to fulfill another passion, supporting businesses and entrepreneurs with brand identities, websites and graphic design materials that help them succeed.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

There was a lot of hesitation, bravery and stepping out of my comfort zone to get where I am today.

I started my career in 2001, working in newspapers as a designer and creative director. After a few years, I headed to NYC, as a single mom and with no job offer in sight. I was much braver back then! After many competitive interviews, I landed a job in a global company. Then the recession hit around 2009 and I found myself laid off, in a city, overrun with designers.

For the next couple of years, I freelanced, and went back to college for Advertising. As I was finishing my degree, I accepted a job at another global company. As I worked with the company for over 9 years, I established my official business, and kept a small client list. I knew one day I wanted to be a business owner, but as you can imagine, as single mother, the security that comes with a full-time job was too easy to attach to.

Insert Covid. I had already started playing with the idea of moving out of NYC and establishing my business full time but always hesitated to leave that comfort. Then when the company furloughed me – I had to fight with the idea of “hanging on” or diving face first into my business.

My son was an adult now and my other attachments were gone. It was like the universe was handing me a one-way ticket to my next success story. So of course I took it.

During 2020, I continued to network virtually and completely faced any fears by researching and asking for advice. In 2021 I relocated to North Carolina. I networked locally, audited my business services to fit my passion and continue to evaluate services I should cut or keep. That helps me stay on top of changes in my specific area of focus. I would say the main lessons I have learned are to network, keep people in your circle, follow your passion, lean on your support system and push through your hesitations.

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.
I live in Fuquay-Varina, and this small town has a huge vibe. A day here would involve hitting up my favorite local bakery Stick Boy, and then check out the small local shops and antiques. There are local spots to grab lunch and dinner but can’t miss out on having a drink and live music at one of the 5 breweries we have here. If hiking is in the plan, then I suggest a short drive to Raven Rock.

With a day in Raleigh, I would explore the Arts. View and buy local art at Artspace. Visit the NCMA, the gardens at JC Arboretum and the Raleigh Flea market.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My success came from many people. I think becoming a young mother, I owe a lot of gratitude to my son. That new responsibility and drive to provide and show him a path to a good future helped my find my own success. A lot of what I did to get here was fueled by him along with my passion in the arts.

My uncle was also very supportive. He took me in at around 12 years old and raised me. His love of artwork and painting helped me feel secure in my own journey. Whether he gave me constructive criticism of my art or just sat at the table drawing with me – he was always there to remind me I am going to make it.
The rest would be bosses, colleagues, and other artists I have met along these 23+years. Watching their struggles, successes and creativity has kept me motivated to continue and learn more with the rapid changes of the design world.

Website: www.latreash.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/latreash_designs

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/latreashmccurdy

Facebook: www.facebook.com/LatreashDesigns