Today we’d like to introduce you to Monseé Wood.
Monseé, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Early on as a child, I drew a lot eventually leading me to exploring Adobe Photoshop my Junior year of high school. My art teacher saw something in me and pulled me from my other classes to attend his class 70% of the day. I went off to college (VCU) to study in the arts program where I focused on Communication Arts and Design, receiving two degrees, one in Digital Imaging and the other in Animation/Film. During college I picked up my first major client, Lonnie B, a DJ signed to The Heavy Hitters along with Kanye West and others. From there I continued working with him and other musicians developing album cover art, logos, websites, photography and music videos.
After college, I worked at a few companies as a designer for The Smithsonian Museum, a UI Designer for an agency where I designed for Sephora, Weight watchers, and the Army. Also, at Capital One as a par-time designer. It was at Capital One where I had an interview with the Art Director for a full-time position and she told me I was too talented and should freelance instead. She said I could have the position starting me at 90K Salary but she believed in me and wished she’d done what I have to the opportunity to do…. That night I wrote up my two weeks notice and quit to pursue freelance.
My next break was working with members of The Roots crew (Jimmy Kimmel Show) which opened more doors today to showcase my skill set with great minds like Alfredo Flores, Marlon Wayans, Adam Waheed, Travis Barker, Ciara, Dytto, Lexy Panterra, Andre Berto, Quincy, Cheyenne Lavene, Cardi B, Aaron Carter, AGM, Ayanis, NBA, Bose, The Obama team, U.S. Marine Corp, U.S. Army, DAARPA, Matt Stephanina, Nicole Laeno, Sam Allen, Guy Groove, Bailey Sok, Ariana Grande, Abby Lee Miller, Kendall Vertes, and the list goes on. One of my best moments was receiving a plaque for a music video I directed for JoJo Siwa, titled, Boomerang. Today that video has close to 900 million views. I’m beyond grateful for everything.
Today, I continue to work smart and recently opened my visual studio where I do photography, design, and video production for my client list. I call it, Monseé World.
Has it been a smooth road?
It hasn’t been smooth but in reality, what is? In my opinion, if it’s smooth, you’re not passionate enough. I’ve hit many bumps and have battle scares for days that built me into the person I am today. I’ve had tons of music video treatments declined, bombed interviews, failure is necessary. I’ve woke up to an empty bank account with bills that were more, lost both parents, bad breakups, life hits hard when you live it right, but it’s all about how you manage the ups and downs. A rollercoaster would be lame without the ups, downs, twist, and turns, so stay safe and enjoy the ride.
Please tell us about the company.
VGR Creative Group Inc is the official name of my company. I started it about two years ago and it’s been a lot of fun learning the different components of how to run a company. There’s a lot to it, like the many facets of a diamond, and when it’s cut right, and everything is in alignment, it’s brilliant. I enjoy learning, so it feeds that constant search for mental stimulation I need. Every day is different. Some days I’m marketing one of the services offered, some days I’m executing the service, other days I’m reading on how to improve the service.
Music videos, graphic design, video production, and photography are the key leaders my company offers. I work in multiple markets from fashion and entertainment to real estate. My clever clients bring the best out of me and keeps things very interesting. One day I may shoot a dance video. In that same day create a promotion for a restaurant. The following day, a photoshoot for Dolls Kill, then finish designing a logo for a musician. It’s interesting and stimulating. I love my job.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I’m from the east coast, so automatically the city of Los Angeles is very different from my hometown, Alexandria, Virginia. Alexandria is a city about eight minutes from the White House. LA has a vibe that is undeniably a feel-good relaxed place. At first, I wasn’t a fan of how relaxed it is and now I realize it’s good for me and everyone else who needs to take a moment from time to time, and unwind.
Obviously, the weather is consistent but I still have a problem with seeing the same sky daily, I like change. However, I also like that fact that I can schedule a shoot almost any day any time of the year and normally, the weather won’t kill the shoot.
I’m a huge foodie so LA is brilliant for that so I spend a ton of my income on good food and giving my taste buds new experiences. Sushi, Thai, pho, lasagna, steak, boba tea, old fashions, and açaí bowls are just a few of my favorites. Otherwise, it’s the same complaints and praise everyone else speaks about that isn’t from here. I think stand-up comedians nail it 90% of the time.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.monsee.world
- Instagram: Monseeworld
- Twitter: Monseeworld
- Other: Vgrcreativegroup.com
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