Jennelle Gordon
Jennelle Gordon
Photographer • Designer • Strategist
New York, New York
jennellegordon.co
instagram: @jennellegordon
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I am a multi-media artist and strategist currently offering services across photography, marketing, and digital design spanning web and branding needs. ”
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
Aside from trying to be very intentional in the way I navigate life, the biggest contributor to where I am now has been learning how to extract value from diversions outside my control in ways that can still help me on the path to my ultimate goals.
How do you stand out in your field?
I think my multi-disciplinary background tends to help me stand out in my field. I studied behavioral science, cultural anthropology and fine arts at Cornell. After graduation, I went on to work in marketing/advertising on the client and agency side across various industries in NYC. My point of view is heavily informed by a special interest in the insights that lie at the intersection of culture and human behavior which is especially relevant in branding strategy, digital design and the world of content.
I'm also really inquisitive and love learning so at the root of all my work is a desire for deeper understanding, whether that be the brand, the product, the narrative, or the problem to be solved through my services. Furthermore, while I'm naturally inclined to assess things through the lens of culture & science, I also possess the business acumen and artistic skill to execute.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
I've recently decided to pursue entrepreneurship full-time so a priority for me is business development and growing my client base. I've also been taking the time to act on more of my creative ideas through personal projects. Lastly, continuously working to evolve my knowledge and skills within the mediums I offer services in is really important to me as well.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
I'm generally drawn to work that’s emotionally evocative, gives voice to untold narratives in culture, or sheds light on universal truths through a unique lens. I admire minimalism, richness, and boldness in work with a special appreciation for moments in which they can all co-exist. I'm also fond of the harmony between organic and structured often reflected in organic architecture.
WE ALL HAVE MULTIPLE SKILLS OR WORK IN VARIOUS INDUSTRIES, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD FOCUS ON MORE?
While I love digital design and photography, other mediums that I'm interested in reconnecting with are apparel design and music. I grew up sewing/tailoring a lot of my clothes because my mom didn’t believe in paying for anything you could make/do yourself (humble beginnings). I was also in the band for around 6 years pre-college and played the clarinet and piano. Would be nice to indulge those sides of my creative self again.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
Not frustrating per say, but the challenge I'm tackling at the moment is streamlining/automating the processes associated with each of the services I provide to ensure a smooth experience for my clients and improve efficiencies. Strong believer in "work smarter, not harder".
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
I'm an avid weighted pros and cons list-enthusiast and like to make informed decisions. Sometimes the research required to do so is as simple as typing a question into Google and other times it's not. I'd hire someone to do the more tedious extensive research when needed with ongoing support of the businesses' admin needs.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
If I could go back in time I would tell my younger self to internalize the below:
• Don’t practice until you get it right. Practice until you can’t get it wrong.
• There can be no evolution without elimination.
• What you’re supposed to do when you don’t like a thing is change it. If you can’t change it, change the way you think about it. Don’t complain.
• Don’t ever feel bad for making a decision about your own life that upsets other people. You are not responsible for their happiness. You’re responsible for your own happiness.
• You must be able to listen to yourself and be okay even when no one else understands.
• No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
I'm a huge fan of Shark Tank and have entertained the idea of being an investor down the road when I'm a billionaire and have achieved world domination. However, I'm not there yet. I'd love to gain more insight into the world of finance and investing to prepare me for my destiny…and be better equipped to make the best financial decisions for my current business as it grows.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
Branding, web design or photography projects with passionate people who are open to trying new things.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
I have a soft spot for fashion or music related projects given my background and am especially interested in ongoing/long-term arrangements.
My ideal client is someone who prioritizes quality in design and photography with sufficient budget, appreciates my aesthetic, is a good communicator and has a clear understanding of their business and where they would like it to go.
WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE?
Really depends on the project but always happy to chat through client needs to assess scope and provide a corresponding estimate.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
The best way to get things started would be filling out the contact form on my website or sending an email to hello@jennellegordon.co with project needs and corresponding budget.
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Research. Reflection. Exploration.
This member profile was originally published in May 2019.