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Call me JOJO. Digital designer, illustrator, and all-around explorer of the creative world. As a digital artist, I specialize in image making and brand design across a range of varied aesthetics, from the corporate to the quirky. Although I strive for versatility across my work, my visual styles of choice primarily reside in contemporary and brutalist design.
My journey began with a knack for illustration, fueled by dreams of creating for the big screen and gaming industry. But it was in my final year of high school that my passion for design truly ignited. At VCUarts, I honed my craft under some of the industry's brightest minds, laying the groundwork for a career dedicated to innovation.
Design isn’t just what I do – it’s who I am. I thrive on collaborating with agencies and fellow enthusiasts, transforming ideas into stunning visuals and experiences that solve real-world problems. While design takes center stage, illustration remains my faithful sidekick, adding depth and charm to my creative arsenal.
My mission is to concept, create, and deliver best-in-class designs and illustrations that captivate and inspire, constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in our ever-evolving industry. From providing creative direction to delivering top-notch imagery for clients big and small, I’m all about fostering long-term relationships and creating truly impactful work.
In my spare time, you'll find me enjoying art and science via local museums, enjoying the company of friends over a game of Helldivers 2, obsessing over archery, planning my next travel destination, or even doing some self-development work. My hunger and curiosity for life drive me to experience everything and document all that it has to offer.
Overview
Visual Identity Design
Crafting a brand's visual identity is like giving it a vibrant voice in the global conversation. As a designer, I specialize in unlocking the full potential of this visual language, ensuring it resonates seamlessly across every interaction point. It's not just about creating something enduring; it's about crafting something dynamic and adaptable in our fast-evolving landscape.
UI/UX Design
I'm all about crafting experiences that stick with you, blending beauty with brains to make something truly unforgettable. Whether I'm designing captivating marketing websites, sleek ecommerce platforms, or apps that genuinely enrich people's lives, my goal remains the same: to leave a lasting impression that resonates long after the screen fades to black.
Illustration
Though illustration may no longer sit within my core career focus, it still sits at the core of my creative heart. From painting high-quality standalone pieces, crafting works with branching storylines, and even reaching into the realm of fanart, illustration feeds my creative flame and allows me to go all out in ways that can't be done through traditional design methods.
What I Do
( A ) Direction
In my book, getting to the heart of the brief and understanding the client inside out is an absolute must. It's not just about scratching the surface; it's about diving deep into the essence of the brand. I absorb every detail of the brand story, tune into its unique voice, and explore its landscape from every angle. From dissecting industry challenges to sizing up the competition and getting inside the heads of your audience, I leave no stone unturned. This isn't just about setting goals; it's about setting the stage for success. Because to me, this meticulous process isn't just about designing; it's about problem-solving, paving the way for the perfect design to emerge and propel your business forward.
( B ) Conceptualization
Once I've wrapped up my research in the initial phase, I transition into conducting a selection of references and composing a mood board based on your preferences if one hasn't been supplied initially. More often than not, there will be certain words in the brief that stick out from the rest. For me word mapping is a monumental way to take these key words and expand on them finding related words or ways to express them visually. This process will immediately spark ideas and further build on my understanding of your brand from the direction stage. My mission at this point is connecting the dots and sketching out an exhaustive array of concepts to single out key designs.
( C ) Design
After brainstorming, I'll choose 5-10 strong ideas and refine them through multiple sketches, exploring different executions before moving to a digital canvas. From there, I'll vectorize a few refined drafts, eventually focusing on one standout idea to develop further with colors, typography, and patterns. Once the design aligns with the project's goals, I'll create industry-specific mock-ups to visualize your brand in real-world scenarios. Finally, I'll craft a detailed presentation, walking you through each step of my process and the reasoning behind my decisions.
( D ) Feedback & Finalization
Once I gather all your feedback, I'll polish the design to perfection, making any necessary tweaks or, in rare instances, whipping up a fresh option. If there's a major overhaul, I'll package it up in another presentation for your consideration. Once you give the green light, I'll dive into crafting any additional elements we discussed earlier in our journey together, like brand guidelines, branded assets, or eye-catching packaging.
Approach
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