Crafting Josh Jones Studio: A Personal Journey from Graduation to Brand Design freelancing
Introduction
Stepping into the post-graduation world with a Product Design Degree felt great. The path I thought was clear turned into a maze of questions. Five months later, I established Josh Jones Studio, a space where my design journey has evolved and recently welcomed its first client. Today, I invite you to delve into the deeper layers of this journey – from my academic roots to the foundation of my own brand design studio.
Ways of Working
From early on, my drive to express creative flair clashed with a reluctance to adopt others' ideas. It became a balancing act – a blessing as it positioned me as a creative problem solver, but also a challenge as mentors often cautioned against reinventing the wheel. Recently, a delicate equilibrium has emerged, shaping my work into three distinct segments: Creative Problem Solving, Visual Communication, and Thoughtful Design.
My time at the University of the West of England, Bristol (UWE), played a pivotal role in refining these segments. Focusing on the visual communication aspect of product design allowed design thinking to seamlessly weave into each project.
Origins of my freelancing
Now, let’s rewind to my second year at university – a moment when the structured path of Product Design left me wanting more depth in my creative pursuits. This realisation led me to take a gap year, a decision that unexpectedly aligned with the global challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.
During this break, I stumbled upon a charity project. Collaborating with Jay Sheppard, the head of fundraising, was a fantastic opportunity. As the project unfolded, I discovered a dormant passion for brand visual identity and direct collaboration with clients. Seven months later, the charity sported a refreshed identity, and I emerged with a profound understanding of my way of work. Designing for clients became a genuine pleasure, shaping my trajectory.
Returning to university for a placement year, mostly in graphics, and concluding my final academic chapter marked the beginning for freelancing.
Concept To Studio
Research and development played a crucial role in shaping my brand strategy. Podcasts, videos, and blogs became my companions, guiding me through the intricate process. I hadn't fully understood my ideal clients or my target market initially. Through mapping, however, my brand's DNA began to take shape – purpose, vision, mission, and values. From there, I could narrow my target audience and explore my brand's personality and positioning strategy.
With a locked-in brand identity and strategy, the next logical step was marketing. Yet, for my first client, I relied on a different approach. I turned to my trusted network, realising the importance of personal connections in the preliminary stages.
This journey, marked by small victories, reached its peak with the rewarding onboarding of my first client. It wasn't just a transaction; it was a testament to the careful cultivation of my brand, the dedication to thoughtful design, and the genuine connection fostered through direct collaboration.
Thank You!
My hope is that these shared experiences offer not just insight but also inspiration. For those contemplating their path in freelance design or business owners seeking a designer aligned with their unique branding needs.
