Jessica Matterson-Jones
Q What do you do?
“I help ambitious businesses (companies, studios, solopreneurs, freelancers, etc.)”
(1) Stand out in their industry
(2) Appeal to their ideal audience
I do this by designing unique brands and fun websites that go against the grain in the ⋆✦smoothest✦⋆ way.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
The super short version: I grew up drawing, painting and experimenting with art, then I found out I could do it digitally as a job?!?! Yes pls.
The slightly longer version: My love for websites began in the days of MySpace where I started learning HTML and CSS, then I nerded out HARD on Tumblr with code and cute customisations. During my time in the “creative and edgy” parts of the internet, I stumbled across Kel Lauren’s design videos on YouTube (love her) and was like holy shiiieet, yep, this is what I wanna do. So I started and completed a digital design degree, worked in a variety of different design roles, and found that what I really wanted was the freedom to choose who I work with and how I work with them, and to be my own boss. I started The Kinder Creative as a side hustle in 2020 to express my creativity more authentically as a freelancer, and after burning myself out almost completely, I finally got the guts to leave my agency job to go into full time self employment. It was f***ing scary but so fulfilling - completely and utterly the best thing I’ve done for myself.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
When you work with a range of different clients, you naturally develop a fluid design style that is adaptable and project-specific, but I always go for a ‘twist’ in my designs that makes it stand out and adds interest. It’s super freaking cool when new clients say they chose me for my unique style, even though it can be so varied, ya know?
The other main point of difference is my customer experience. I called my business ‘The Kinder Creative’ because I prioritise kindness, respect, and rapport with my clients. I’m always here for them, and we develop really good relationships where they feel comfortable giving me a ring to ask a quick question or to let me know about a recent business win. It’s pretty cute ◡̈
Q What are you working on right now?
Outside of my client projects (which at this very moment in time is a Shopify website, a Squarespace website, and a brand/packaging design project), I’m currently kind of obsessed with deepening the customer experience with things like Loom videos, ManyChat, video-based contact forms, etc. Once I’m invested in something, I go pretty hard.
Otherwise, I’m streamlining my own marketing and *lowwwwwwkey* developing some resources, guides and templates for all the DIYers who perhaps don’t yet have the budget for working with a designer.
Q What’s your style?
I can throw style adjectives around easy peasy when it’s clients or other businesses, but when it comes to me… it’s too hard! Don’t make me choose! But okay, okay, I guess if I really hone in on my personal, preferred style, it’s a little retro, energetic, definitely bold. In general, I love playing with custom typography, textures, collage, GIFs, and adding ✧personality✧ to as many touch points of a brand or website as possible.
My website and my Instagram are the best examples of my style because they showcase not only my brand and personal passion projects, but also a range of different client projects.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
Honestly when I first started freelancing circa 2020, I was offering “graphic design and copywriting” which, to clients, meant I did everything to do with visuals and words. But now? Heeeelll nah! Over the last couple of years, I have really honed in my skills and niched into brand design and websites (Shopify and Squarespace only - Wordpress makes me feel ill). This is really what fills my cup, and what I’m actually pretty bloody good at ✼
Since I’m also a drawer and a painter in my free time, I do have a little pipedream where I sell my illustrations and paintings, but I’m also conscious of keeping some of my creative things as just hobbies.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Social freaking media. Controversial (but I think secretly widely-shared) opinion, but I feel overwhelmed by social media and I do not enjoy content planning or designing for social media. The notion that every business has to show up on socials consistently and post several times a week across multiple platforms (or even just one) in order to be successful and reach their clients is, for me, a bit of a headache. I try to keep up with it, but often it falls to the bottom of the pile, because designing for socials just doesn’t light me up like designing brands and websites does.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
See above lol. Social media! Just take it off my plate, I beg you!
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
So I know it’s all a learning curve, but I offered my first brand design package for $150 AUD and I was scared that people would think even that’s too much. Because of that pesky imposter syndrome, I really sold myself short and as a result, wasn't able to offer as high quality work or put as much passion in as I wanted to.
As well as that, I thought that I had to say yes to everything because I wanted the work and I wanted to be helpful. So, I’d encourage my 2020-self to know my worth and do more of what I love - the hottest tip I can give past me is that niching actually helps you connect better with your dream clients, offer a higher quality service, and price yourself appropriately.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
Ahh, marketinggg. Funnels, sales engines, traffic sources, all that fun stuff. I feel like I’m learning quite a lot via podcasts and workshops from Boss Babe, The Futur, and Authentic Audience, but self-marketing is one of those things that just doesn’t come naturally to me and, prior to having my own business, I wasn’t interested in the slightest. So yeah, I have a lot to learn from the experts.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I’m here for custom Shopify website builds, fun and fresh Squarespace websites, and designing/renovating brands for those ambitious, youngblood business owners who want something 𓆩different𓆪.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
You’re ambitious, you want to be different from the other brands in your industry, and you’re okay with me using <3 and *lol* in my emails.
Q What is your rate?
Since each project can vary so much in complexity, deliverables, and research requirements, I quote each one individually. But, as a ballpark: 𓆸 Brand packages start from $1200 𖤓 Squarespace websites start from $2800 ✿ Shopify websites start from $3500
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Go to my website, book a call or fill out the contact form :)
Q Who is a creative you admire?
I’ve got so many, but top 3 that come to mind are:
♡ Olivia from Olive St Studio is so heckin’ good at what she does and just COOL. Find her at @olivest_studio or oliveststudio.com
♡ Victoria aka @itsvictoriastefania ─ such a sweet sweet soul and an amazingly creative designer (victoriastefania.com)
♡ Shan at Wild Spark Copy (@wildspark.co) is an outrageously funny AND talented copywriter, she is doing truly GOOD work and inspires me errday. Website: wildsparkcopy.com ✧
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Observing different forms of creativity in all things: people, games, anime, artwork etc ꩜
This member profile was originally published in April 2024