Sultan 'GEO' Jumataev
Q What do you do?
“I’m Sultan ‘GEO’ Jumataev, a multidisciplinary graphic designer specializing in branding, motion graphics, and typography.”
I bring brands to life through visually striking designs, whether it’s creating engaging animations, crafting unique typographic solutions, or building cohesive brand identities. My work combines storytelling with bold visuals to leave a lasting impression, catering to both digital and print mediums.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I started my journey in design after discovering my passion for visual storytelling during a 3D animation elective in university. I transitioned to studying graphic design, where I honed my skills and earned recognition in competitions like pARTicipate. Post-graduation, I gained industry experience working with agencies such as Jelly Marketing, West49, Urban Planet, and Gladstone Media focusing on branding and motion graphics.
Over time, I collaborated with global brands and creatives, including Adobe and international musicians, to expand my expertise. My love for travel and culture shaped my typographic style and fuelled my freelance career, enabling me to work on diverse projects across the globe.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
I stand out because I’ve always pushed creative boundaries. Early on, my Instagram gained recognition for its hypnotic text animations—morphing typography in ways that hadn’t been widely explored at the time. The combination of fluid motion and engaging storytelling captivated audiences and set my work apart.
This unique approach led to exciting opportunities, including being hired by UnderConsideration to design for the 2022 Brand New Conference. I brought my signature style to the project, creating visually striking animations that left a lasting impression on a global audience. My ability to innovate and create experiences people can’t look away from is what truly sets me apart.
Q What are you working on right now?
Right now, I’m working on several exciting freelance projects, including branding and motion design for global clients. I’m also in the process of developing a custom font that blends my signature typographic style with elements of my recent travels.
In addition, I’m exploring new ways to push the boundaries of typography and animation, experimenting with interactive designs and immersive experiences. These projects are allowing me to further refine my craft while continuing to collaborate with musicians, agencies, and brands to create visually dynamic content.
Q What’s your style?
My style is defined by bold typography, dynamic motion, and a strong narrative element. I focus on creating designs that are not just visually striking but also immersive and emotionally engaging. I blend contemporary design with influences from my travels, bringing a unique cultural perspective to every project. My work often features fluid, hypnotic animations that push the boundaries of typography, adding depth and energy to the designs.
A project that truly represents this is the Brand New Conference 2022 design, where I combined my signature text animations with a modern, sleek aesthetic to create an engaging visual experience for the audience. It captures my ability to mix storytelling with bold design elements, resulting in something that’s both visually captivating and memorable.
You can explore my design evolution further through these links:
Name Designs – A collection showcasing my diverse typographic work across various styles, from clean minimalism to expressive letterforms.
Design Chef – An exploration of my design journey throughout 2 years of typography and animation, reflecting the evolution of my creative experimentation.
36 Days of Type 2023 – One of the final forms of my type designs, where my experimentation led to the creation of a full font, showcasing my commitment to refining and pushing typographic boundaries.
These projects collectively represent my journey and ongoing passion for transforming typography into a dynamic visual language.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
I wish I could focus more on 3D so I can bring my imagination to life in new and exciting ways. There's something incredibly freeing about working in 3D, where you can push the boundaries of space, texture, and movement. But, I’ll admit, I’m a bit stuck in my comfort zone of typography. It’s a space where I feel confident and in control, so it’s hard to step away from it, even though I know expanding into 3D would open up a whole new world of creative possibilities for me.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
What’s frustrating me right now is the constant tug-of-war between staying in my comfort zone and pushing myself to explore new creative avenues. For example, while I’m excited about venturing into 3D, it feels overwhelming at times, and I struggle to find the time to fully dive into it.
What’s making my freelance projects harder to move forward is the need to juggle multiple responsibilities—design, client communication, marketing, and self-promotion. It’s easy to get lost in the day-to-day grind and let certain tasks, like updating my portfolio or working on personal projects, slip down the To-Do list. Finding a balance and carving out space to work on my passions is something I’m constantly working on.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
If I could hire someone for $20/hour, I’d have them handle the mundane tasks like managing emails, sorting through administrative work, and keeping track of invoices and payments. Taking care of communication with clients and following up on contracts would also help ease my workload.
By freeing me from these day-to-day operations, I’d be able to focus more on the creative side of my work—designing, experimenting with new techniques, and refining my craft—without getting bogged down by the less exciting but necessary parts of running a business.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
I wish I could have told myself to explore graphic design sooner. I stumbled upon it later in my journey, but I don’t have regrets because every decision I made was from the heart. I trusted my instincts and took the path that felt right at the time.
Looking back, finding design earlier might have shaped my career differently, but I’m proud of how I got here. The twists and turns led me to discover what truly excites me, and those experiences are part of what makes my journey unique. I’d tell myself not to be afraid of taking risks, embracing failure, and understanding that growth often comes from the doing, not just the planning.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
If I could talk to an expert, I’d want to gain more insight on overcoming creative block and how to keep moving forward when I feel stuck. I’d ask them about strategies for finding inspiration and maintaining motivation, especially in a field that’s constantly evolving.
It’s easy to get overwhelmed when the ideas aren’t flowing, and sometimes the pressure to constantly create can feel stifling. I’d love to learn how seasoned experts stay inspired, stay productive, and keep pushing through the tough moments when creativity feels elusive.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I’m currently looking for opportunities to work on projects related to titles for movies and video games. I’m passionate about creating dynamic, visually captivating designs that enhance storytelling through typography, motion, and branding. Whether it’s crafting title sequences or designing key visuals, I’m eager to collaborate on projects that push the boundaries of design and immerse audiences in the world of the film or game.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
My ideal client or collaboration is one where there’s clear, open communication, trust, and the freedom to express creativity. One of the best experiences I’ve had was working with Armin Vit on Brand New Conference projects. His communication is incredible—he’s direct and transparent, which makes working together smooth and efficient. What really stood out was the trust he placed in me to deliver quality work and the independence he gave me to approach the project in my own way. That kind of creative freedom, paired with mutual respect, makes for an incredibly positive and productive working relationship.
Q: What is your rate?
My services typically start at $1000 for smaller branding and motion graphics projects, with rates scaling based on the complexity and scope of the work. For more detailed, large-scale projects—like custom typefaces, full brand identities, or comprehensive animations—the price can range from $3000 to $10,000+, depending on the requirements and deadlines.
For hourly rates, I usually charge around $75-$150 per hour, depending on the task. I’m also open to working with small businesses or non-profits at a discounted rate, as I value contributing to projects that make a positive impact. However, for more complex and high-demand projects, my rates reflect the level of expertise and the quality I aim to deliver.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
You can reach out to me directly at designerjum@gmail.com or sending me a message on Instagram. I’m always open to collaborations, and the best way to approach me is just by being nice and reaching out! No need for a formal pitch—just a quick introduction with a bit about your project and what you’re looking for. I’m happy to chat and see where things go!
Q Who is a creative you admire?
I highly recommend these talented creatives:
Ram - Ram is an expert in typography and design, bringing a fresh, bold approach to every project. His eye for detail and innovative use of type makes him stand out in the design world. You can find his work on @oversettext and explore more on his website oversettext.com.
Elliot – Elliot’s creative work blends illustration, motion, and typography in unique ways. He’s got an incredible ability to capture emotion and energy in his designs, which makes his projects stand out. You can check out his work on @elliotisacoolguy and visit his site elliothasacoolstore.com.
Mat Voyce – Mat is a designer and animator with an exceptional eye for creating dynamic, engaging motion graphics. His work has a distinct style that merges creative typography with fluid motion, making his animations stand out. Follow him on @matvoyce and check out his portfolio at matvoyce.tv.
These creatives are all highly skilled and continually push the boundaries of design in their respective fields.
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Living life fully fuels my creativity
This member profile was originally published in January 2025.