About
I have always been known to open up a can of whoop-ass on things. Some say it's a blessing, some say it's a curse. I don't really pay attention to what people say though, I just like opening up cans of whoop-ass on things.
g'd up
from the
feet up
Besides opening up cans of whoop-ass, I had always loved to draw. The idea that you could design and create whatever you wanted on this little piece of paper, was an astonishing concept to me. I was probably about 8 years old, so it was right up there alongside PB & J sandwiches and catching bugs. I had no idea that the journey to find and do what you love, is fraught with cluelessness, self-doubt, and many ups-and-downs. No one, not even your awesome imaginary friend Craig, can prepare you for.
I stumbled my way through jobs and relationships, like many do, just trying to find my place in the world. A few short years after high school though, I found a design program that rekindled my long-lost childhood passion of drawing, designing, and creating. I was hopeful, ecstatic and fired up.
I had no idea that the journey to find and do what you love, is fraught with cluelessness, self-doubt, and many ups-and-downs. No one, not even your awesome imaginary friend Craig, can prepare you for.
I started out as an optimistic graphic and web design student, then a determined intern, and finally as a bewildered and despondent freelancer. Despite my years of education, deep dedication and the long hours I toiled away, I felt like I wasn’t making any progress in my career. Exhaustion, frustration and self-doubt caused me to burn out. I decided to step back and re-evaluate what I was doing with my life.
During this time I was working at a restaurant to keep myself afloat. Not knowing what direction to go in, I decided to go with the flow and became a restaurant manager. The company was growing and the job ended up turning into a career. The industry taught me a lot, and for a while, I was satisfied, but I knew not-so-deep down that it wasn’t my passion. The longer I was away from it, the more I longed for it. I had to pursue my dreams and return to design.
Time spent learning is never time wasted—my years in the hospitality industry have given me the drive, tenacity, and maturity I was missing before. Fast-forward a few years later and here we are! Chasing the dream and helping people with their branding and marketing.
It's been challenging at times, but I have learned a few invaluable lessons along the way:
- Running your own business is more than just a business plan and some business cards—it's about understanding who your competitors are, understanding your market, and fighting for the right position within it.
- Branding is more than just a slick logo and some pretty colours. It's about finding your tribe and learning how to connect with them.
- Marketing is more than just a colour-coordinated instagram page. It's about providing real value to your customers, in an honest and authentic way.
Last, but not least, I've learned that opening up a can of whoop-ass on whatever it is you're doing, is never a bad idea.
I've learned that opening up a can of whoop-ass on whatever it is you're doing, is never a bad idea.
Ethos
Obsessed
I am obsessed with details. They are important. They are what make a story more gripping. They make colours more vivid. They paint a clearer picture. One could almost say they are...precious.
keep it Real
Keeping it real requires one to tell uncomfortable truths and ask the tough questions. We lean into that discomfort because that's where all the good stuff lies—it's where the magic happens.
don't beat a dead horse
It's a waste of time. It's all fine and dandy to keep bashing your head against a wall, but sometimes it's best to rethink your approach, and come at the problem from a different angle.
best Joe.
best Joe.
make friends
I like working with great brands, but more importantly, I like working with great people. And then making those great people my good friends. Whether they like it or not.
Have Fun
Bears, Beets, Battlestar Galactica. They all go hand-in-hand-in-hand. I think the same can be said for the office, work, and having fun. It's the secret ingredient for being extraordinary.
Give a Damn
Giving a damn is as important as having a heart in your chest or blood in your veins. It's a part of living a life with purpose. And when you give a damn, it inspires others to do the same.
The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.