Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Matthews.
Hi Ashley, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
When I was younger, I was always drawn to art. I never considered it to be a career choice because I feel when I was younger, it was not something that was always presented. I dabbled in earlier art software and had learned some HTML basics. I used to create layouts for my friends on the black planet and myspace (jeez, that seems like ages ago, lol) Pretty sure I cringe at those now but you got to start somewhere right?
Anyways, Fastforward to 2006 at San Diego community college I was going to school for communication. I linked with a few friends that had formed a company called A07 entertainment. We started doing smaller parties at halls to some of the bigger clubs in Gaslamp San Diego. I had started designing the flyers and posters. After a while, a few people started inquiring who was doing the flyers so they were directed to me and started paying for me which defiantly a plus. I also designed the A07 website as well. After a while when inquiries kept coming so I figured I should take it seriously and start a business of my own for graphic design services. Dynasty Designs. I mainly focused on serving the entertainment industry mostly focusing on promotional material. I did everything from club events, concerts, music, and food festivals. That was pretty much my niche for a while. I experimented with photography for about three years but I burnt out pretty quickly so I brought on a photographer to cover that. Lol. I eventually ended up changing the name to dynasty media to represent the multiple services offered.
I always had this idea that I wanted to do more but I was not clear on it yet. Then 2018, I decided to take a few courses and masterminds to refine my skills. I then learned more about branding. I loved the whole process of it. The research that went into it. Clarifying the mission goals and audience and aligning everything with it. From the brand tones and characteristics to their values. But it was the visual communication that was enticing. It was not just making something that was beautiful but aligning it to the story. I knew that this I what I wanted to do. To take all of that and come up with a visual system my clients could use in print, web design, and digital marketing. Going full-blown agency sounded a bit daunting so settled on keeping it of boutique studio teaming with other creatives to provide brand photography, strategy, and design.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Oh, the struggle! I’m not going to complain too much because there is not a doubt in my mind I am blessed. I have a supportive husband and two beautiful daughters but when I decided to go full time after my first little one. THANK GOD THERE WERE TWO OF US!. Listen…The burnout was real and it felt like I was on a hamster wheel. People would say well at least you have the business right. Especially in entertainment. The Lowballers that had the most demands were the worst.
I admit it was my fault because I did not set boundaries and I did not have the clearest processes. Nowhere near like I do today. I find a lot of freelancers don’t really take the time to set up a clear process for themselves but doing this saved my life. I want the process to be enjoyable while also being a learning experience for both me and the client. If you can create this red carpet experience for your client. They are going to tell five more people about you.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Dynasty Media is a boutique design studio providing web & brand design anchored in purpose and connection. We collaborate with small businesses, Non-profits, and Creatives that are looking to make lasting connections with their audience through aligned visuals.
We build lasting relationships with most of our clients. We want to be sure they feel heard while using our skills to create something that will be proud to show off but that’s also in alignment with their audience. I Love that our clients really appreciate the process of really getting to know them and their brand or organization. We currently offer Brand Identity, Web Design for service-based businesses and e-commerce, Brand Photography and direction, and Design Day intensives.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Be open-minded and never complacent. I realize the industry I’m in is contently changing, especially in the digital realm, and it’s so easy to be left behind.
Contact Info:
- Email: dynastymediasd@gmail.com
- Website: dynastymedia.co
- Instagram: instagram.com/dynastymedia
- Facebook: facebook.com/dynastymediasd
Image Credits
Photography by AR Media @alexisrae.totty Orange couch photo @hbphotos.co
