We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Aru Gibson-Thomas a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Aru, thanks for joining us today. One of our favorite things to brainstorm about with friends who’ve built something entrepreneurial is what they would do differently if they were to start over today. Surely, there are things you’ve learned that would allow you to do it over faster, more efficiently. We’d love to hear how you would go about setting things up if you were starting over today, knowing everything that you already know.

The hardest thing as a creative is having the courage necessary to be one out loud; beyond the sneers, jeers and mumbles under breaths of getting a “real job”, If I had the chance to start over, I would have started my true journey into creative design a decade prior. Technology advancements have made it easier to go from hobbyism to professional much more simply these days, but the trust in your talent is the greatest gift you’ll ever give to yourself.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My design career has been an incredible journey, shaped by my unique perspective as a proudly weird, autistic kid from Camden, NJ. My skill set is just as varied as my work, as I began my true artistic works as a chef first!

Embracing individuality has been key, allowing me to tap into my creativity and produce captivating works for businesses like Krazy Essentials and music artists. From marketing campaigns, to food photography to promotional flyers, I love to do it all.

My attention to detail and love for eccentric thinking have become my guiding forces, infusing my creations with a touch of oddness and originality that sets them apart.

I’ve learned that channeling my inner weirdness is my greatest asset, helping me see the world differently and creating designs that deeply resonate with my clients and audiences.

My story can be an inspiration to others, showing that embracing our quirks can lead to extraordinary success in the realm of creative endeavors. I’m committed to keeping my imagination soaring and bringing my distinctive vision to life through my art!

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I think the main lesson every designer learns in due time is that like the former Sorceror Supreme said: “Its not ABOUT you.” Yes, yes, you might be this avant garde creative genius, but you’re working to bring life to what the clients are trying to convey. Much earlier in my career I missed out on a big promotional campaign due to what I can only attribute to arrogance. Too many of us get wrapped up in the mantra of “Well, EYE am the professional, so I have final say”, when that couldn’t be much further from the truth.

Artwork is a partnership, a collaboration, and a meeting of the minds to bring greatness forth, not a vehicle to display your ego. Center the client always.

Any advice for managing a team?

There are plenty of books you can read about management styles and the like, but after 20+ heads of leading people in a myriad of industries, I can tell you there’s nothing absolutely foolproof. That being said, meeting people where they are has been the most successful. Nothing will ever be “by the numbers” as it pertains to the groups of people you work with, and their backgrounds, skills, biases and the like are all a grab bag of sorts. Learning who they are and being intentional about understanding them, encouraging them, and fostering a relationship is paramount. Doing it for every single member of your team seems a daunting task, but I promise the cohesion will be unrivaled.

Do not force people into boxes of your design. Let them help design a space they feel comfortable in and trust will be built.

Contact Info:

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