Jahl Herapath
Jahl Herapath
Designer
Canggu, Bali
www.jahlherapath.com
instagram @jahlherapath
twitter @jahlherapath
github
linkedin
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I work with brands and startups to tell stories and solve problems. ”
I love being involved in the entire process from start to finish. My design process is less about the “what” and more about the “why”. This can be anything from a new website or app to a complete brand repositioning or campaign
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
While I never planned to study I'm actually the only person in my extended family with a degree. I studied graphic design at a technical college however my formal education is actually in advertising and technology. In the end I think it worked out well, I’ve worked everywhere from small branding studios all the way to tech startups and more recently freelancing for myself.
For anyone looking to study today I’d definitely think twice. Most of my day-to-day skills are self-taught or learnt on the job. Obviously for some careers study is compulsory however hands-on experience in the creative industry is invaluable.
How do you stand out in your field?
Honestly I'm probably the worst person to ask this as I'm bit of an introvert online but I think if you can block out the noise, stop following trends and focus on making good work people will come to you. I think it also helps to draw inspiration from your everyday life and not just the internet.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
I'm currently working with Lillian Hardy founder of Super to help launch their agency website which is basically a community and platform of emerging talent similar to ilovecreatives. Have also been doing some consulting for a property development company and trying to launch some other side projects.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
My design style is definitely influenced by layout and colour. Abstracting your ideas to the simplest form makes it much easier for people to understand.
The OCD in me really comes out whenever I design something that is too busy. The same can also be said with colour. I usually work with a monotone palette and pair that with one or two pop colours.
In terms of art I take huge inspiration from artists like Jonathan Zawada, Nick Thomm and Jonathan Castro.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
Coding. I've always referred to myself as a designer but recently I've been doing a lot more web development. It's just the one thing that has never come natural for me. I’m just waiting for the day that I can design and develop an app from the ground up without any help. I also really want to get back into art which is what got me into design in the first place.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
I just want more time to balance my work, fitness and other interests. All these people that wake at 5am and function on two hours sleep are kidding themselves.
Also late invoices are never fun.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
Freelancing by myself is pretty manageable. I’d spend this money getting them to work on some side projects or pitching some dream clients. Would also just be nice having another person around to bounce ideas off. I’d also force them to make me take a break.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
Relax. You only get to experience this current moment once you might as well have fun. Also stop comparing yourself to others you’ll get there at some point.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
I’d love to have an honest chat with someone about something I know absolutely nothing about. Could be anything from architecture to engineering. Would be nice to learn about something new without trying to prove yourself.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
Anything creative where design and technology are used to solve problems.
We’ve got people pushing pixels on screens and worrying about the colour of a button when there are more serious problems happening in the world.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
Working on some hardware or physical installations could be cool and also any company that cares about sustainability and the future.
WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE?
I usually work on an hourly rate but it varies project to project.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
Email — whatup@jahlherapath.com
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Look up!
This member profile was originally published in April 2020.