Jordan Vouga
Creative Director / Photographer / Graphic Designer / Founder of Well Advised Studio
Silver Lake, Los Angeles, CA
welladvisedstudio.com
instagram @jordanvouga / @welladvisedstudio
Q What do you do?
“I’ve always approached creativity in a holistic way.”
What makes a good brand isn’t just good design or good photography or good brand strategy. Successful brands understand when all of these elements work together in a seamless way, their brand is able to tell a true and compelling story of itself to the world. It’s this mode of thinking that set me on a course of learning every part of the brand puzzle from Creative Direction, Art Direction, and Design, to Photography, Strategy, and Positioning. When all of these work in unison, I know I’m doing my job well.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I went to art school in Chicago for Graphic Design and Photography, as I have always been interested in the relationship between the two. Out of school I started freelancing for brands and studios in both worlds. 15 years and hundreds of brands later I run a small creative studio focusing on Creative Direction, Design, & Photography.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
In a world driven by aesthetics and trends, I pride myself on slowing down and taking time to understand who the brand is and what they are trying to say. This approach ensures that the final product of our work feels authentic to the brand and their voice. Sadly, not many creatives do the research upfront these days. We like to say that our work is both timeless and timely, meaning that the focus is to create a solution that feels timeless and has a long life to it while keeping an eye on “the now” to make sure it feels relevant to what’s currently happening.
Q What are you working on right now?
Currently, I’m working on a book which will be published by Well Advised on artists in their studios in Los Angeles. The book is meant to showcase some of the up-and-coming artists out of LA and give the viewer an insight into their world.
Q What’s your style?
I’ve always thought the best creative work is timeless with small touches of modernity to it. This goes for design as well as photography, creative direction, and art direction. I’m drawn to work that doesn’t overcomplicate things with styles and trends. My work with Mysticopia does a good job at striking this balance.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
One of my favorite non-screen forms of art is ceramics. I’ve been focusing on this aspect of my life more and more as I try to find the balance between work and passion and where that overlap lies. Ceramics happen to be very beautiful objects to photograph so I’m able to exercise my photography as well by documenting my work for my ceramic shop.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
I feel like I was good about this when I was younger, but reinforcing the idea of doing what you want to do with your career and not being afraid to go after it. Having reassurance from someone who has gone through it would have saved me a boat load of anxiety and sleepless nights. Also, don’t be afraid to say no to projects that don’t serve you.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I’m looking for Photography, Creative Direction, and Design work both as a studio and as an individual. Preferably in the art, fashion, beauty, and wellness space, but am open to hear about any project!
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
The best clients are the ones that have a clear idea of what they want but come to me or my studio with the intention of collaboration. Egoless projects are always the most successful. When trust is established, the process of creation is smooth and seamless with an end product that feels true to the brand while communicating the thing they need to have communicated.
Q What is your rate?
Pricing all depends on the scope of the project but there are some base jump points we will use to get started.
Project minimum fee of $2,000, depending on scope.
Creative retainers start at $4,000 per month, depending on scope.
Brand strategy and identity start at $10,000, depending on various factors.
Working with non-profit organizations will always come with a discounted rate!
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
The best way to get in touch about a project is to shoot me an email with a short introduction about your brand and the project. From there we can schedule a call to go through all the details and get to know each other!
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Ciara Petruna Website Extremely talented art director and creative producer!
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Don’t look at computer screens.
This member profile was originally created January of 2018 and updated in January 2023.