Jamis Jackson
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I am a graphic and web designer originally based out of Los Angeles but now recently relocated in Indianapolis, IN. ”
I work mostly with churches and non profit organizations, helping them with branding and content creation as well as web design and social media marketing and management. I partner with my clients to create designs & aesthetics that our innovative and out of the box.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
I moved to L.A. with the goal of becoming an actress / influencer of all things (I know). Growing up in the church I was always involved with audio/visuals and media which gave me a passion for the arts & technology. I took those skills with me to LA initially to use them for my own personal pages and blogs/vlogs.
Two years into living in LA I realized I didn’t actually like acting that much. But I LOVED how they were able to make the industry look which is what drew me to it in the first place. It was an epiphany moment I guess you could say. I wanted to be the one creating the billboards you would see while driving down sunset or the ads you would see on social media announcing the next event, episode, or whatever that brand or business was putting out. So I started working for my parents church again, right back where I started, as their graphic designer and social media manager. In additions I began researching online schools to further my education in the field.
How do you stand out in your field?
Besides being gifted in digital arts I'm also versed in the physical / classical arts as well. I try to bring a personal touch to all of my clients projects, that others might not be doing.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
Aside from my recent endeavors with my church and a few non-profits in LA, I’ve started a new project that will fuse my love for the gospel and anime with my love for fashion and apparel. So I’m working on building a new line with original artwork that will incorporate hand paintings and digital design.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
I honestly don't think I know my true style yet. I am a pretty firm believer of less is more, which is actually what the acronyms of my business logo stand for. But I think styles change and evolve throughout your lifetime just as the industries around us change. I'm only in the beginning stages of my career so there are definitely things that I like but I'm still figuring it out.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
I reeeeeally really wish i could focus more on painting and animation more. I know your like yeah those are to completely different things. But I’m a big fan of fine arts and at the same time a huge fan of what’s happening with animation in VR. In whatever way i can, i want to play a major role in those industries.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
It may sound crazy... but the business side of being your own boss, setting your own pace and rates has been a bit of a challenge for me. Don’t get me wrong, I’m extremely organized but I’m currently in a self taught / learn as I go phase. This is why I’m seeking that further education.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
Probably a personal assistant for...THE BUSINESS SIDE! Someone to keep track of schedules, deadlines, emails, etc.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
Education, education, education. I definitely would have told myself to go to school for graphic design rather than acting for sure! I would have told myself that what you are gifted and good at and that what you have been called to do has been right in front of you the whole time. You have been doing this since childhood and mainly for free just because you enjoy it and it comes naturally. And the goal is to do something you love that will sustain you financially but also doesn’t feel like work at all.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
I would ask them about the keys to making a successful business and what will help me to have longevity in this industry.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
I'm available for freelance graphic design and web design opportunities including branding, print, web design, and social media management. I’m really looking for those reoccurring clients! I'd love to hear from you :)
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
I still love the film and music industry as a consumer so I would love to work with a network or artist / industry worker on their personal brands. But I would also like to work with some small business, designing branding material for their physical products.
Who is a creative that has helped you elevate your work?
Man! I mean literally it was this man that I had been talking to. We won’t get into the details of that. But one day he came over with his laptop and all his work for whatever reason. So I decided to just watch him as he edited a few videos for one of his clients. I kid you not I’ve never seen someone edit as fast as this man was editing these videos. And I’ve always wondered how he, with no employees, was able to put out so much content for not just one but two businesses. He also has a food vlog that is doing very well on social media. But his work ethic, commitment, and efficiency alone really ignited something in me. Anything I put my mind to I can do and it’s okay if it’s not easy at first because it gets better. Check him out: @milesinthecut & his food blog/vlog @stayeatinbruh.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
Email me at limed.agency@gmail.com. Website currently being renovated but coming back soon.
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Prioritize solitude and seek out new places that may entice new ideas.
This member profile was originally published in February 2021.