You jump, I jump, Jack.
Points to all who recognize the above title as a Gilmore Girls episode - you are my people! It’s also a fitting title for this post. I want to touch base on the importance of what you can provide in your role and on your team, and the immense influence of the people you choose to surround yourself with professionally. Even if you are a one (wo)man show you are dealing with people, whether they are colleagues in another department, clients, or your audience. One of the greatest bits of advice I have received is it is not the person with the idea that creates a movement, it is the first person to believe them. They are the person who let go of whatever fears or preconceived notions and jumped.
If you ask anyone that has worked with me they will tell you I love to instigate. Think it’s a silly idea? I don’t - you’ll hear me exclaim “Do it!!!” loudly, from across the room with a big smile. Then I’ll walk over to ask you more about what you’re working on so you can noodle it out. Learning through doing and being open to collaborate provides the best solutions. The funny thing is people just need to hear that someone believes in them. A confident designer will encourage others to be the best versions of themselves. If they are unwilling they are unsure of themselves and their skills.
I can best sum up my current day job as a Visual Jack-of-All-Trades. I am a Seasonal Expert, a Vitality Coach, and a Shop Designer. A Master of Layout, a Dimensional & Spatial Planner. A Creative Consultant (even when you’re too scared to try something new - I’m not, and I’ll convince you why you should try) Forever a Problem Solver (I’ll solve problems you don’t even know you have yet). An Event Specialist (why is off-site so different than your home turf, I can tell you!), Graphic Artist, Engagement Driver, Project Manager, Timeline Keeper, Resource Co-Ordinator, Master Communicator, Brand Ambassador, Micro-Decision Maker (x100 to keep any project moving), and a Skilled Carpenter. I am skilled at what I do and why I do it - a verified Jack-of-All-Trades.
There’s one more role on that list that I love to be - a teacher. I will talk to anyone who will listen because I would rather surround myself with individuals who desire to be a part of the solution and a team. What a beautiful thing when we all bring our backgrounds, ideals, and expertise to accomplish one goal. Please believe me when I offer my expertise, even if it’s seemingly an opinion. Ask me why, and you will always be met with a valid reason based on logic (often balanced with intuition).
A creative job is unlike any other. The parameters you have to set for yourself produce the best solutions. But the burnout is real and if you are not surrounded by the best of the best, it hurts. My community has shifted and grown, and the crème de la crème continues to show up and support me in my times of need and I am here to pick you up when you need it, too.
To put it simply, if you jump, I jump. Be the believer. Let’s make this world a most colorful, creative place - and do it together!
If you’ve got a project in mind you’d love to collaborate on, reach out and let me know!
