Keahna Gonzalez
Creative Director / Brand Designer / Founder of Moody Dexign
Los Angeles, CA
moodydexign.com
instagram @moodydexign
Q What do you do?
“I’d like to consider myself a visual translator.”
As I get to know my clients and hear their vision, I come in to transform their brand or project into a beautiful, authentic, and strategic piece that encompasses their unique voice and captures the attention of their target audience. Sometimes it consists of a full branding package, other times it's a pitch deck for a creative concept. Regardless of the project, it has to tell a story that is easily digestible by anyone.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
My journey began at FIDM (fashion school), where I learned the basics of graphic design and visual communication. I began my professional journey in the consumer packaged goods industry as a marketing assistant, and quickly began creating artwork for package mock ups. Working with dielines birthed an eagerness to expand my design knowledge so I went back to school and got my BFA while working full-time at a digital marketing agency.
My dream was always to get into the entertainment industry so I would do extra work in commercials and movies as a teenager. Once I obtained my BFA I got a job at a creative, event production and talent management agency that allowed me to work with brands such as Disney, Netflix, IMAX and many more. After a beautiful three and a half years, I decided to leave that position and begin my own adventure as a business owner, and founded Moody Dexign. And now that has lead me to you! Hi :)
Q How do you stand out in your field?
My work thrives on relationships. I have a passion for getting to know the people I work with to a level where I can fully see what makes them stand out in their field. I love guiding them to showcase their uniqueness in a professional and aesthetically capturing manner. My passion paired with my incredible technical skills allows me to create consistent and detailed branding that meets entertainment industry standards.
Q What are you working on right now?
Working with an event production company on a pitch deck for a festival concept. The details are confidential so if I told you, I'd have to kill you (lol, just kidding obviously but really I can't tell you). I have availability for more projects right now so let me hear your ideas before I'm all booked up!
Q What’s your style?
My style is really versatile. I don't like to overdo designs but also push to add a creative edge. Usually my clients want to take their branding a step further and it's all about exploring. Or they're looking for a strong marketing presence that has all the important details with really killer graphics. I want my clients to love the finished product and feel confident so it's always a very collaborative process.
For example, Redrock Entertainment has many incredible projects. Their brand expansion and marketing materials feel really true to the people who make up the company. The tone is masculine, get-it-done, creative, fast and fun energy, while still looking stylish and professional. The branding speaks to their B2B audience while appealing to the creative brands they work with (Pharrell, Riot Games, Candace Cameron Bure).
You can view some of my work for Redrock here: moodydexign.com/featured-work
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
Working on launching my side-passion as a reiki and sound healer. I'm a very spiritual person and am drawn towards topics such as healing, Law of Attraction, manifestation, mental, emotional and sexual health. I would love for my work to remain in the entertainment industry but also include influence and creative output based on spiritual expansion and upliftment.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
It's difficult showcasing your work when most of it is confidential and proprietary content. I've worked on a lot of cool projects that have been put in front of major artists and brands but you won't see it thanks to a good ole' NDA.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Copywriter or personal chef... I always know the general message of what I want to say, and I'm great at guiding copywriters, but I prefer to focus on the overall message and feeling. And then I just love food so either one would be great.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
Not sure at exactly what age but I would go back and tell my younger self that all emotions and feelings can be used for creative expression. It's okay to be emotional and whenever I feel mad or sad I don't need to ignore it, I can take those emotions are create something beautiful, like a poem or painting.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
It's a goal of mine to work with a Shaman, clearing up ancestral trauma and healing to improve the collective consciousness. Change starts with us and I want to help create a better world.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
My work is truly inclusive. There is no one industry or one project that I would like to work on. It's really all about connection and alignment. If we're both excited about the vision and it feels right, when can we start?!
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
Open communication, trust and appreciation are all extremely important to me. Overall, I just want to have fun creating magic together and help you as much as possible. My clients and colleagues have become some of my closest friends and family and I wouldn't change a thing.
Q What is your rate?
Each price is unique to the client and project complexity. Depending on what your goals are, hourly rates are traditionally at $100/h, but most projects are based on a set price. I prefer to have a Zoom or phone conversation before real numbers are thrown out.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Let's set up a Zoom or phone call! Email me at keahna@moodydexign.com.
After our call I'll send you a proposal with vision, scope, timeline, pricing and related work examples. From there we get to work!
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Shannon Lockwood at Lockwood Design Co: lockwooddesignco.com
Shannon was my first professional mentor. She taught me so much at the marketing agency we worked at. Now we're both managing our own businesses and she remains a good friend of mine.
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Through my work and life experiences. Design is around us, in every place, at all times.
This member profile was originally published in October 2022.