Today we’d like to introduce you to Shayna Babin.
Hi Shayna, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My design journey began in 8th grade taking a computer graphics course that included stop-frame animation. I continued with various graphic design courses, programs, and applications through college. It was a challenging journey entering into fine art courses in college with little experience in that realm as my primary experience was in graphic design. I was in over my head. I struggled to keep up and realized my strengths/weaknesses. I decided to start my own business selling a combination of edgy products and personal designs in events throughout southern California becoming a staple at the LA roller derby. I was petrified to file the necessary paperwork to get established and cried in my car outside the county office before submitting for my business license and seller’s permit. Was I worth it? What did I have that others did not? Would I fail? These thoughts permeated through my mind. Nonetheless, I proceeded.
The next 5 years were spent developing, designing, creating, and teaching myself web design while utilizing my graphic design skills. I had 3 lines under 1 umbrella company and all spoke to different themes that appealed to various demographics. I’d say my efforts were 80% work – 20% profit, but I loved every minute of it. Seeing people’s faces when they walked into my booth, sending them away feeling excited for their purchase or even just with a laugh. I was fulfilled. I had succeeded in getting my wholesale products into several retail stores. I knew I needed to expand and wanted to move to the city closer to a larger source of events and commerce. The move was not met without trials and tribulations.
Through a personal experience pursuing a passion for dance, I managed to achieve and destroy a parallel dream of performing all while grinding down both knee caps. The next 3 years were met with agony and pain. I was no longer able to sell at events, or perform and was forced to watch musical inspiration without being able to express myself fully. It was heartbreaking. I began to use my unique expertise and perspective to capture the magic that I witnessed through a digital platform of photography and film. My work spoke for itself.
I decided to develop one of my product lines into a full-scale digital media company. That’s when DEF JUNKY was truly born. I began working with artists, musicians, and public personalities using my professional photos for branding, marketing, and graphic design/web applications in radio, film, and music. I was featured in 4 international photography exhibitions in New York. I’ve been an associate producer in radio for over 10 years. Amassed experience as a producer/coordinator in film production with specialty in set photography and design in television. I became Marketing Coordinator for an independent record label and have successfully designed over a dozen albums over the last decade that have been released and received airplay worldwide including producing in film specifically music video format. I have a particular specialty highlighting the magic and depth of reggae music through photos, video & interviews, capturing the wonder that I see that others tend to overlook. I continue to pursue my passions and apply myself wholeheartedly in all endeavors. I don’t see failure, but rather a foundation of experience creating a platform for success. I look forward to future achievements and overcoming challenges, and obstacles with new applications of my skillset.
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?
Of course, the road is rocky. You try different approaches and can beat your head against the wall if things aren’t working out. It is imperative to be able to regroup, reassess and reroute in order to persevere. I had to rebrand myself or see what worked and choose to build up that line, product, or brand rather than painstakingly pursue every idea. The path of least resistance tends to be the most ideal for progress.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My specialty is to match the quality of one’s work/product to their branding and representation. I utilize photography, graphic design, web application, and development to elevate others’ brands. I am known for production quality work with a unique aesthetic. I am most proud of being recognized internationally for my photography and a body of design work that has spanned 2 decades being diversely applied in radio, film, and music. What sets me apart from others is that I truly care about helping people that work so hard to hone their craft, but may not have an expertise in the areas that I do. Being able to apply my skill set to match their quality and aide in their continued success is truly gratifying.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love love love the vibe! Fantastic restaurants, cool neighborhoods, beautiful weather, and the list goes on. As far as a dislike, the increasing traffic throughout the county.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.defjunky.com
- Instagram: @defjunky
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/defjunky
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/defjunkyTV
Image Credits
DEF JUNKY
