Jessica Graham
Jessica Graham
Graphic Designer / Creative Strategist
Los Angeles, CA
jessgraham.co
instagram @_.jessgraham
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I am a graphic designer, with a specialty on branding, creative and visual strategy, and pitch deck development. ”
My day job is at an entertainment partnerships sales company, as a member of the creative team, and my "night job" is working as a freelance graphic designer with individuals and small businesses on everything from pitch design, logo and identity design, web design, illustration — if something sounds cool enough to spend my free time doing it, I do it!
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
I graduated from the New England School of Art and Design in 2010 with a BFA in Graphic Design, with an internship at a family food magazine under my belt. From there, I started working with friends and small business clients in the area to build up a strong portfolio and a client base. I moved to LA in 2017 to pursue working as a designer full time, and haven't looked back since!
HOW DO YOU STAND OUT IN YOUR FIELD?
I am passionate, dedicated, and detail-oriented. I take on projects I am already excited about (having a FT job gives me the ability to choose passion projects). I am a fast worker, an active communicator, and a good listener. I value all my clients, listen to their needs or concerns, and don't stop until we've created something together that they are happy with.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
Currently in-between projects, as it is the holidays, but looking forward to the return of my freelance clients in the new year for new and exciting projects.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
I'd love to develop my skills in animation and illustration, in a formal capacity - so take a class or a workshop. There's not enough time in the day!
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
I think what's frustrating me the most is the same thing that is frustrating the global community of artists — the pandemic. My client base has gone dramatically down, as the clients I work with are struggling to keep their businesses alive and can't afford to contact out design work at this time.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
Ohh good question. I'd hire an assistant because these days (in a global pandemic landscape), I can't seem to remember to do the small things like input things into my calendar, schedule meetings, and send invoices.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
I wish I could have told myself when I was applying to universities to follow that tiny "maybe I could be a designer" spark. I ended up abandoning that goal then picking it up years later, and I would have liked to have attended a "real" arts school with more resources and specialties to have been able to explore parts of the industry and develop skill sets that were not available to me at the time.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
Finding new clients! I'm so lucky to have a rotating Rolodex of clients, but they've all come from word-of-mouth, referrals, or just sheer luck. I'd love to learn how other experts develop a sustainable and long-term client list.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
I'm looking for any and all freelance design projects, especially passion-led projects.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
My ideal client would be working with a brand that wants to collaborate with me and create something together. My best clients have been the ones that want to share their vision with me, want to take me along on their journey, and keep a long-term working relationship with them.
WHO IS A CREATIVE WHO HELPED ELEVATE YOUR WORK?
Honestly, I don't have many creative friends who've helped me elevate my work - through platforms like this, I'm hoping to make connections like that!
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
Just send a short bio. I prefer for my intro to not include budget, as it usually ends up being flexible based on project and timing.
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Never stop learning!
This member profile was originally published in October 2021.