Hello and welcome to design and business conversations for creatives, I'm Cheyney and
today I'm chatting with Jo from Simply Whyte Design. Find all the timestamps to
the questions below. So I met Jo through Instagram. I really
crushed on your visual style, um, which you know, we've spoken about heaps but
um, just approached her directly and since then, in the last, however long it's been, six
months to a year I guess? Yeah I think so, yeah. We have become really good friends. Before we get
into it it would be really great if you can just tell us a little bit more
about your brand and your business and your style, and yeah. So I'm a designer,
like Cheyney, and I specialize in Squarespace websites and also the
digital collages, and digital collages, I mean everyone knows what a Squarespace
website is, that's know, but digital collages are basically, I would describe
them as, the more modern version of what you realize a collage is. So it's a
mish/mash of different elements to create a visual representation of a
theme. For example a theme could be like happy or sad or something like that
and then you mix it in with a brand's elements. Yes, and they're really cool.
They're really effective, and they're really fun, and yeah. Yeah, so they're
basically, the the great thing about them is that instead of using like a stock
standard stock image or if you don't have any brand images or something like
that, it's a really great way to be able to get something that's like really rad, and totally
different. Yeah, yeah, yeah. I get what you're saying, yeah. So brands h ave to be
kind of open to that experimentation, I guess, but they're really cool.
So that's kind of what I do. And you're based in Auckland as well, so yes, both based in
Auckland. Basically down the road. Yeah, down the road, which is awesome and that
was really great when I was like "wanna meet for a coffee? You're 20mins down the road.
Which don't think it really happens very often, well not to me. It's
not very often. No, no, no it's cool. Yeah. So I've put together a few
questions. Yes, sweet! Alright so question number one is: What inspires you? So what
inspires, mainly talking about design? That's actually a really tough question
because I think in design it can be anything. It can be the way I'm feeling,
it can be like sometimes I look on Pinterest, and I think with the digital
collages, in particular, I actually look at really bright colorful abstract,
strange things. So like different pieces of art, other designers, and other people
in different industries that actually don't have anything to do with design.
Because the thing with collages is that they are a bit of a mish/mash of
different, you know, things, I guess. So you kind of just take the inspiration from
anywhere. Yeah, yeah. I love your colleges and I think that's what initially drew
me to your style was your...Jo has these really cool Instagram puzzle feed things
that I noticed that a few years ago. I kept seeing you popping up on social
media. And that was what really drew me to you, and your style, is the consistency
and the vibrancy and the like, fun, playful, nature of it. Yeah. And I really
admire that. Pinterest, I mean I'm obsessed with Pinterest you know that.
Pinterest is good. They know it, anyone that watches my channel. I talk about
like every video. So yeah, cool. Is there anything else you want to say on that?
On that question? I think that for designers or other people who are looking for inspiration
yeah Pinterest is like a great place to start. Question number two: What does
your typical day look like? So a day in the life of Jo? Okay, so I love this
question. I've always wanted to say this because I feel like on YouTube and
Instagram, everyone's like I wake up in the morning and I have a shower and I get
dressed, and you're like, whatever you're in your pyjamas. Like mmm, okay, when you're
self-employed I think that lasts for honestly, like, I don't know
a couple of years and then after that you kind of design a life you really
want to live. So I used to go to the gym in the morning and used to go to the
horses and things like that. But at the moment, I have just gotten a little bit too busy so I
just start with my emails and my admin and stuff like that and basically I just
kick off the day. So I try and book stuff in my calendar, obviously the night
before, so I've got everything organized. On your automated software. We have these
discussions Jo's really, really good at automation, and scheduling, and using
tools. And it's something I really admire about you. I can just imagine you're very organised, ready to go. I think I only do
that though because I feel like sometimes work can get quite a lot, and
if I don't organize, then I feel like my brain is just like, "ahhh". Yeah, yeah! Yeah and
then obviously after that, I just get to work. I just work, and then I just do all
the booked in stuff. And then usually finish 4-5. Then every Friday we hang out. Yeah! Design
days on Fridays. The highlight of my week. It's great! And then ah, every, I try to,
at the end of the month, I guess, try book business days. Where I just do
admin stuff that doesn't necessarily need attention everyday. That's basically...What do you have for lunch? Asking all the important questions.
Honestly I don't even know? Mmm biscuits! Biscuits! That's good. I'm not healthy I
used to be healthy. I used to, honestly, I used to be like: "Oh you need to get up in the morning and go
to the gym..." but then you know, you kind of just...biscuits, sandwiches... So it's not the same every
day? You're not like rigid with your lunches? You don't have to stop at a
certain time and then have the same thing everyday? No, kind of, it depends on
what work I've got going on because sometimes I get so into a project and
the creative flow is just so going, and I'm like, I feel so good about it. But I'm
just like, I might have lunch at 1:00 or 11:00, or whatever. It just depends
on what's happening with the project because I just like, get so into it.
Yeah, that zone aye? Yeah! Good place to be! Next question: Yeah. What has been
your favorite project? So my favourite project has actually been working with Off and
On. The creative flexibility they give me, and the types of jobs they give
me, and the trust that they have in me. Has honestly been fantastic! So I
think that's probably been my favourite, but also hard. You know what I mean? Yeah, would you say
that a lot of that is the relationship that you have with the client? Like say
if it was a different client and they weren't, you know, they were giving you
all the same creative freedom and stuff like that, but you weren't connecting with
them, would you have the same feeling? Well yeah, I mean typically I think it's just
them because they're just so fantastic. Yeah. They're so great to work with. That's
so cool. Little shout-out to Off and On. Yeah. Do you have any advice for a client? And
this is a hypothetical client, like, basically if you could have a sit-down
conversation with a client and say whatever you feel. What would be your
advice to ensure that that client gets the best work out of you, and you know,
have the best relationship? Honestly, I think when you're trying to get the best work
out of a designer, it can be anybody, if they set you some expectations of what
working with them is going to be like, all you have to do is basically, they're
not rules, but follow those guidelines to be a great client. If they ask you to do
something, you know, kind of just do it. Just really think about what you want as
well, and how you're going to get the best out of the job, and also the graphic
designer. If you treat them well, because creatives are, you know, we're creative. We
just, sensitive souls. Yeah! But we also, you know, we also want to do the best we can for our
clients too. So I think it's just about thinking about what you want, being
direct but in a in a positive manner, and also being just a good person to work
with. And treating that designer a little bit like that they're working with you,
rather than for you. Yeah absolutely! And also in terms of the project just make
sure you have all your ducks in a row in terms of getting everything you need
really for it. Because if you're, you know, really prepared and you give them all
the information you're just going to get such a great job back.
Whereas if you only give them 10% of the information, they're just going to be
guessing. Yeah. Trying to be psychic. You can get a kind of a sense, but yeah, the information is key. I
agree. So the client expressing their expectations. Yeah. And I guess as a
designer it's a part of our job as well to help, you know, funnel that
information out, and yeah, I agree with everything you say. Yeah I mean, also when you're
just you're matching up with a designer just to make sure that you align with
them too. It's all about the fit. Yeah. And be a kind person. Just be kind.
Like, both! So this is my second to last question: Do you have any advice for
newbie? So somebody who would be like us, starting, not necessarily a graphic
design business, but like a creative business? Do you have any solid advice
based on your experience? Yes! For you know? Yeah! If I was talking to myself back in the
day, or if I was talking to a newbie, I would just be like, just back yourself! Yeah! Get
started. Don't care what anyone else thinks, and like...love that! Yeah, just do
it! Because what have you got to lose? You just have to put it out there in the
universe and just, if you really want it, you just keep trying. And it doesn't matter
how many times you fail, or how many people say no. One person will always say
yes. Mm-hmm. And just believe in yourself. And also seek out information as
well because you know you don't know what you don't know. So if there's a
design agency that you think is amazing, go and learn from them. Mm-hmm-hmm. Get
their mojo. Mm-hmm. I think in most cases, people will be really willing to help
out somebody in that situation as well aye? What I've noticed and business
is not many people are actually as supportive, as fellow people in business.
Yes! And so if you're out there, and you're thinking of starting your own
business definitely tap some shoulders. If you don't have a portfolio or anything like
that, just make one. Go and do stuff. Just get started aye? Yes, just get started.
Like if you if you really, really want something and you really
want like to make something work. You just won't take no for an answer.
There's just no option. If you want to be a designer, or a photographer, or whatever
it is, if it's your dream, you just go for it, like guns blazing. Just go, just do it!
Solid advice. So, where can people find you? Everywhere. No, all over the Internet. My website
which is just simplywhitedesign.co.nz. Instagram, Pinterest, website,
You on Facebook? Facebook! Do you do Twitter? Nah. Nah, neither! Do you guys do Twitter? Comment below. Cool! Well thank you so much for coming
and imparting little nuggets of wisdom to these people watching. I hope it helped someone. Yeah
No, I think it's been really helpful. And check out Jo's work, she's amazing. I've
been crushing on it for ages. And yeah, thank you for chatting with me
[weird sounds] and thank you for watching. If you like this video, give it a thumbs up, subscribe
using the button below, and we'll see you next time. Bye.