Bodhi Vincent Calvo
Q What do you do?
“I create strategic and bespoke brand + web designs for wellness business owners and entrepreneurs.”
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I started out in the design world as an interior designer. I studied interiors and sustainable design in school, which is when I developed my passion for design. I worked as a designer at firms for residential, multi family housing and hospitality design. Two things I knew for sure. While that was what I wanted up until that point in my career, I knew I wanted more. I also knew that clocking in and out everyday was just not my jam.
In 2019 I ditched my desk job, and eventually decided to venture into the online business world. I felt really drawn to the power of branding and web design and knew that I wanted to help business owners grow their business through good design. With lot's of determination and elbow grease, I was able to turn my dream of being a business owner into a reality in 2020 and honestly I haven't looked back since!
Q How do you stand out in your field?
I think there are two parts. On one end, standing out is showing your true essence and what makes you, you. I think what makes me unique is the personal experience I provide to my clients. I think branding itself is personal, so the process I share with my clients should be too.
On the other end is my process. I make sure that I explore strategy in my design process to develop a clear relationship with my clients vision and their brand identity design. When it comes to sustainable and wellness based businesses, it's incredibly important to have a symbiotic relationship between the brand and it's audience. That's why I go through a unique and comprehensive brand strategy workshop with each of my clients to provide clarity to their brand.
Q What are you working on right now?
I'm always working on Rove Creatives content creation and online presence. Project wise, I'm currently developing a brand strategy and brand identity design for a tarot card reading, energy work and elegance coaching business!
Q What’s your style?
My perspective in design, is a clean and modern aesthetic with muted tones. I love typography focused logos and having a playful approach to design. I'd say that a recent project of mine, Elevate is a great example of work that represents my style. I had so much fun working on this brand!
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
Without a doubt, photography. I would love to incorporate brand photography for both product design and branding portraits. I think it would be a great way to include a skill that can be so useful in the design process, and provide value to clients in any industry.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Marketing and sales! I think this is something a lot of designers struggle with. As creative people it's not something that normally comes naturally. I know for sure it's always at the bottom of my to do list, and can be the most difficult to approach.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
For sure marketing. This would 100x make my day easier, so I can focus on what I love doing most, designing and helping clients align with their vision.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
Start before you're ready. We hear this all the time, and it couldn't be more true. I would have told myself this as soon as I started thinking of going into business. My background is in interior design, so it was a career shift for me that was packed with imposter syndrome and self doubt. All that aside I would have liked to have had the confidence to started sooner!
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
Speaking with an expert on business development and growth would be amazing, I'd really like to gain more insight on scaling my business in a way that's truly sustainable.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I'm looking to work with business owners that love what they do. When people have skin in the game, they really put their true selves into it and open up to you. Seeing their emotional reactions to the brand and web designs is what truly lights me up. I want more of that.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
I love working with small business owners who want to make a profound difference in the world and in people's lives in ways that really matter. I love to work with clients in the wellness industry, such as a yoga studio, skincare/ beauty brand, massage, reiki + energy workers, coaches and even a vegan food cart or kombucha shop!
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
You can find me hanging out on Instagram, feel free to DM me, I'd love to chat! I also prefer email at hello.rovecreative@gmail.com
Q Who is a creative you admire?
There's so many creatives in the entrepreneur space that have great courses to help designers! Here's just a few of my favorites:
Paige Brunton's Square Secrets Course
I took this course when I knew little to nothing about web designer, and knew I needed something to get from where I was to where I wanted to be as a designer. Her course helped me iron out my process from start to finish. She also has a great youtube channel that's perfect for new designers.
Marisa from Quil & Co Collective's Brand Clarity Academy
This course help shed light and demystify the buzz word "Brand Strategy" and not only helped inform me on how to effectively use brand strategy in my business, but also made it clear on how to present to clients in a way that is clear to understand.
Cassie + Amanda from Foxtrot Branding + Web Design Pro Designer Course
These ladies know their stuff and in their course the make it super easy for designers to develop and streamline their design process both on the backend and the client side!
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
I stay creative by making sure I spend time doing things every day that make me feel good. When I'm not designing, I hang out at the beach and go on hikes in the Hollywood hills. I get inspired and feel the most creative while I'm relaxed and at peace, so I always make sure I have a pen and notebook with me!
This member profile was originally published in August 2021.