Crafting Josh Jones Studio: A Personal Journey from Graduation to Brand Design Entrepreneurship
Introduction
Stepping into the post-graduation world with a Product Design Degree felt great. The path I thought was clear turned into a maze of questions. Five months later, I established Josh Jones Studio, a space where my design journey has evolved and recently welcomed its first client. Today, I invite you to delve into the deeper layers of this journey – from my academic roots to the foundation of my own brand design studio.
Ways of Working
From early on, my drive to express creative flair clashed with a reluctance to adopt others' ideas. It became a balancing act – a blessing as it positioned me as a creative problem solver, but also a challenge as mentors often cautioned against reinventing the wheel. Recently, a delicate equilibrium has emerged, shaping my work into three distinct segments: Creative Problem Solving, Visual Communication, and Thoughtful Design.
My time at the University of the West of England, Bristol (UWE), played a pivotal role in refining these segments. Focusing on the visual communication aspect of product design allowed design thinking to seamlessly weave into each project.
Origins of Josh Jones Studio
Now, let’s rewind to my second year at university – a moment when the structured path of Product Design left me wanting more depth in my creative pursuits. This realisation led me to take a gap year, a decision that unexpectedly aligned with the global challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.
During this hiatus, I stumbled upon a charity project. Collaborating with Jay Sheppard, the head of fundraising, was a fantastic opportunity. As the project unfolded, I discovered a dormant passion for brand visual identity and direct collaboration with clients. Seven months later, the charity sported a refreshed identity, and I emerged with a profound understanding of my way of work. Designing for clients became a genuine pleasure, shaping my trajectory.
Returning to university for a placement year, mostly in graphics, and concluding my final academic chapter marked the inception of Josh Jones Studio. It wasn't just a business venture; it was a culmination of experiences, challenges, and a burning passion for crafting visual stories.
Concept To Studio
The decision to establish my own studio wasn't rushed; it was a natural progression nurtured during my time with the charity. Job offers often failed to align with my vision. The idea of fast-paced demands of marketing companies left me desiring for a space where thoughtful, creative work could flourish.
The genesis of my dream branding studio began unconventionally – with the creation of a logo. It wasn't just a symbol; it was the spark that ignited the flame of inspiration to bring my vision to life. The journey was not without its challenges. Seventeen hours were dedicated to logo concepting, nine hours to deciding on a brand name, and hundreds more to crafting a website that would serve as the digital space to showcase my studio and attract potential clients.
Research and development played a crucial role in shaping my brand strategy. Podcasts, videos, and blogs became my companions, guiding me through the intricate process. I hadn't fully understood my ideal clients or my target market initially. Through mapping, however, my brand's DNA began to take shape – purpose, vision, mission, and values. From there, I could narrow my target audience and explore my brand's personality and positioning strategy.
With a locked-in brand identity and strategy, the next logical step was marketing. Social media platforms became my canvases, each post, reel, and video strategically unfolding the tale of Josh Jones Studio. Yet, for my first client, I relied on a different approach. I turned to my trusted network, realising the importance of personal connections in the preliminary stages.
This journey, marked by small victories, reached its zenith with the rewarding onboarding of my first client. It wasn't just a transaction; it was a testament to the careful cultivation of my brand, the dedication to thoughtful design, and the genuine connection fostered through direct collaboration.
Thank You!
As I wrap up this narrative, I extend my heartfelt gratitude for investing your time in my journey. My hope is that these shared experiences offer not just insight but also inspiration. For those contemplating their path in freelance design or business owners seeking a designer aligned with their unique branding needs, this journey is a testament to possibilities.
The story of Josh Jones Studio is just beginning so keep a keen eye on this space for more chapters unfolding in the ongoing journey of establishing a branding studio in Cardiff.
