Interview With Makrigga Media

Hello World and the state of SC,

I had the pleasure to meet Dezz Founder of Makrigga Media and Tha Steam Squad member via Facebook. He contacted me because I was looking for somebody to do a logo for SC HomeGrown. Instantly I shoot him the vision for our logo and less than 24 hours I receive exactly what I wanted. He also invited me to “The End of the World Tour” at New Brookland Tavern. It was a networking pool and the opportunity to chill with Tha Steam Squad. His work is awesome, fresh and always thinking outside the box. To really get to know a person you have to work, network and be in their work environment.




@FiveTrey_SCHG: Thanks for seating down with me. I really enjoy the work you did for SC HomeGrown. Can you tell the people who are you?

@Makriggajuana: What’s up SC! I’m Dezz, also known as Makrigga, the manager for LosCaus and other artists in Tha Steam Squad. I’m also one of the art directors (along with @JusSaidDat) for Tha Steam Squad.


@FiveTrey_SCHG: I was drawn to you because of the work your previous work you have done. What’s Makrigga Media?





@Makriggajuana: Thanks. I strive to make my next piece my best piece because my portfolio will always speak for itself. Makrigga Media is a company that utilizes and collaborates the creative prowess of individual artists to create cutting edge media for a wide range of clients. It originally began just as the name for my freelance graphic design business, but now Eric J. (@ericjlutherking of LosCaus) has found yet another talent in video editing, so we’re starting to reach out to clients for video production.

The name “Makrigga Media” comes from the name of a spear indigenous to the Zande tribe in Africa. It’s double-m shaped barbs make it unique, and a much more effective weapon, which inspired the logo for Makrigga Media. The idea is that the work that comes from the company is as effective, sharp, and poignant as the Makrigga was for the Zande warrior.




@FiveTrey_SCHG: Why did you choose to be a Graphic Designer? Something had to inspire and motivated you.










@Makriggajuana: My roots as a graphic designer grew from necessity. As a child I was always into visual arts. My mom always pushed me to explore and hone my creativity. Back in 2007-2008 I was helping run an underground Hip-Hop and R&B blog and we needed banners and ads for the site. With an, essentially, non-existent budget, the co-creator and I resorted to creating our own designs. I started playing with the software and realized I had a knack for it, so I decided to stick with it and develop my craft.



@FiveTrey_SCHG: When did you started Makrigga Media and how did you became a member of Tha Steam Squad?


@Makriggajuana: When I first started creating graphics I was freelancing under the name deZZFx Custom Graphics. Just last year I realized that my skills have reached a certain level, and that I needed to overhaul my image and company to better reflect the quality I produce.




My origins with Tha Steam Squad began with an extended hand from @JusSaidDat. I was already managing LosCaus, and Justen recognized my efficiency in organizing that group, as well as past projects as Executive Director of the Columbia chapter of NORML, so we decided to team up our efforts and strengths.










@Fivetrey_SCHG: Why should people come to you for their graphic designs? It’s a lot of others offering the same services? What makes Makrigga Media standalone?






@Makriggjuana: You’re right, you couldn’t swing a dead cat in Columbia (or virtually on Facebook) without hitting another graphic designer. But I pride myself not only on the quality of the images I create, but my OCD-like attention to details in my work, along with keen business practices, and my ability to think outside of the box. I don’t do typical. I make sure that my work is distinguishable from every other artist, so when you see the piece, aside from the logo in the corner, you know that it’s a certified Digital Dope. Also my affordability and efficiency as a designer provides high quality work at a low price, with a stunningly fast turn-around. They often say with graphic design that out of Cheap, Fast, and Good, you can only choose two of those qualities, but with Makrigga Media all three qualities are essential to every project I undertake.





@FiveTrey_SCHG: How does it feel to know people trust you with their vision for party flyers, events and mixtape covers? You brought my vision for SC HomeGrown to life.






@Makriggiuana: I was excited when I finally hit the nail on the head for your design. I’m sure you remember how many times I had to start over to make sure I got it right. But I love the fact that people can come to me with a vague idea and I make it come to life with a fresh breath of originality. I’ll admit that it kind of annoys me when a customer doesn’t allow me much input because I always take every design into consideration using certain rules of design and color theory. But there’s nothing like staring at a blank canvas, closing my eyes for a minute, and being able to mentally create what I feel is the perfect image to represent my clients wishes. Especially when it comes to a project for a musician. I often put their music on repeat and let the music move me.





@FiveTrey_SCHG: How can you be contacted?

@Makriggiuana: SMOKE SIGNALS! LOL just kidding. You can always catch me on Twitter @makriggajuana , or find my page on Facebook, facebook.com/MakriggaMedia and hit me up. Also, you can e-mail me at Makrigga.Media@gmail.com.




Real quick before we wrap this up, I want to give thanks to you and SC HomeGrown for showing such a willingness to support Tha Steam Squad and Makrigga Media in our endeavors. I also have to thank moms for always pushing me to let my creativity flourish, as well as always drilling it into my brain to always remain professional in everything I do. Also big ups to my right-hand man Eric J. for holding me down when I need to brainstorm, nitpicking minor details that need to be fixed, and being a beast with editing videos, thus opening more avenues for the company. Of course I have to show love for my Steam Squad family for supporting, and last but certainly not least, my biggest thanks goes out to all of my clients that I have had the pleasure of creating for. For the most part, every one of my clients has challenged me to create my best piece to date to meet their needs. Also shout-out to my loud man, his top-shelf quality foliage has always kept me inspired!