Hey, I’m J.
👋
I graduated college right when the recession hit in 2008/09. I couldn’t find any work after applying for over a year to hundreds of roles. Eventually, I found a gig helping a business owner run rentals in a run-down town. I was scraping gum off the floor of laundromats, spraying poison in roach-infested apartments, and getting soaked by broken sprayers in car washes.
And after lots of struggling, a series of amazing people took a chance on me. One after another, they hired me, gave me opportunities, supported my work, and helped me grow into a career in design. I worked hard, leaned in, and pushed for my own growth. But I absolutely wouldn’t be where I am today without the handful of people who have done so much to support me.
I’m humbled and grateful and want to give back by helping create opportunities like this to others.
My Past
I’ve done work consulting in agencies, startups, and the corporate world for the last 20 years. I’ve learned how to work with people, lead teams, navigate the corporate mess, and be successful through it all. I’ve made plenty of mistakes, learned what works, and learned how to ‘learn’ and grow.
I don’t bullshit or pretend to know everything. I’ve mentored other designers, guided startup founders, and built my own products and businesses.
I don’t have a formal education in design, I’ve just learned by trial and error. I’ve always tinkered, explored new tools and tech, and challenged the rules.
My Experience
I have a six-year-old son who I’m trying to help become a good human. I want a better future for him. I want him to have more choices than work or college when he graduates. So I figured I have a little over ten years to help create a future he can explore.
I believe apprenticeship models and alternatives to higher education are a part of that future. I have enough experience in this space to share it with others so they can have more options too.