Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin Velasquez

Hi Justin, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?

I was around 14 or 15 when I discovered what Graphic Design was. Originally in my youth, I wanted to be a game developer but I ended up going down the Graphic Design route and I never turned back. I originally got into it so I could make memes but I ended up really learning skills such as photoshop and illustrator and then fully committing to this. I’ve never regretted this decision because it’s truly felt like fate for me. As if it were my DESTINY to make beautiful illustrations, graphics, and more for everyone to see and enjoy!

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?

Unfortunately no, it’s been extremely difficult to even get into the field to begin with. Graphic Design is a difficult field to get into just because a lot of it comes from “knowing someone who knows someone” that could potentially get you a connection to get some work. I have found more success in freelancing and working from project to project rather then working at a studio. Consistent work from studios can be a little difficult due to how it’s all connection based but growing your network of connections is a MAJOR thing in Graphic Design.

In my opinion, Graphic Designers should be hired on the strength of their portfolio and the knowledge of the software used to make whatever is needed. It’s problems like that which prevent more novice designers with good portfolios from shining above the rest. It’s a pretty hard field to get into but once you’re in, you grind until you go far. That’s always been a goal for me.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?

Well, I am a Freelance Graphic Designer that has been in the field for about 7 years now. I’ve worked on a variety of projects with a diverse line up of companies including PepsiCo and Shein just to name a few. I’ve had my hand in a few pretty big projects whether it be in the Motion Graphics department, Art direction, or creating assets for videos. I’ve also created business cards, logos, letterheads, promotional work, social media marketing, and many more different

A lot of my work recently has mainly been focused on print design. Basically “what can look good on a tote bag or a t-shirt? Maybe something on pajamas?” that sort of stuff. One of my projects that I’m still very proud of to this day has to be my own personal character, “Pink Bear”. He’s a cute and cuddly teddy bear who loves everyone! A lot of his design elements stem from my own passion for my career and the love I share for the people that support me so in a way, this character reflects my personal feelings towards the people that continue to support me and my journey into this career. He is my most proud creation and continues to be a driving force in my creativity as a designer.

I think what sets me apart from other designers shines brightest on my portfolio. I have big names backing up my work, I have amazing illustrative pieces that have been printed globally for thousands to purchase, and I’ve worked with many brands big or small to build them up from the ground up and watch them thrive due to the work that I’ve put in. To me, making sure the client is happy and content with the work they’ve received on my end has been a big driving point for me as a designer. I’m forever grateful for every person that gives me the opportunities to work with them to make amazing things for them!

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?

I tend to practice my illustrative style either in Adobe Illustrator or Procreate. I usually use Procreate to nail down a style I’d want, refine it, fine tune it, then put it into illustrator to finalize it. There’s a ton of Adobe alternatives to design like GIMP for Photoshop or Davinci Resolve for Adobe Premiere so I’d recommend those to help out with future efforts! I do most of my video editing in Adobe After Effects or my VOs (voiceovers) in Adobe Audition. I’m actually very well refined in the Adobe Suite.

Pricing:

• Logos – $300-350 (comes with B&W versions)
• Business Cards – $300 per card
• Letterheads – $350
• Animated Motion Graphics – Reach out for pricing (it varies depending on length, deadlines, project complexity, etc.)
• Graphics for Printing (such as shirts, bags, stickers, etc.) – Prices may vary depending on complexity but usually range around the $350 range

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jvdesigns.myportfolio.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jv_designs_01/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jvdesigns01
• Other: https://www.behance.net/jvdesigns_01?isa0=1&log_shim_removal=1#

Image Credits

All credit goes to me so just put my instagram tag

@jv_designs_01