We were lucky to catch up with Dylan Jones recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Dylan, thanks for joining us today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

Being successful can be measured in so many different ways, but ultimately it comes down to doing something you’re passionate about and working with people you care about. Of course you need to pay the bills and keep projects coming, but I have found that if you are selective with the type of work you do, and you do a good job, then more of that type of works finds its way to you.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

After many years working in various design studios and agencies, I took a job as the in-house creative director at Ballast Point Brewing Co, and helped build out the internal marketing team from 2015-2019. In 2020 I started my own business where I specialize in brand development and packaging work. I have worked with numerous clients in the beverage space from beer and wine to ready-to-drink (as well as non-alc) cocktails. Whether it’s a startup, or an existing brand, I help them navigate and develop a strong shelf presence that is not only eye-stopping, but has longevity. The most gratifying part of what I do is to help my clients carve out a unique voice and visual language that sets them apart in their space.

We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.

Throughout my entire career I have always taken on freelance work on the side. I think as a young designer trying to make their mark, this is important. Not only does it keep you sharp from a design standpoint, but it allows you develop other skills that are critical in our business – things like selling your work, dealing with client feedback, setting a defined scope, and invoicing, etc. Aside from gaining experience, you also begin to develop a network. Do good work, and one project leads you to the next one. In our business, word of mouth goes a long way, and before you know it, you have. steady base of clients with return business.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Whether it is taking an existing brand and evolving it in a new direction, or building something from the ground up, the process can be really gratifying. When you take the time to learn about your clients’ business, and help them figure out a strategy, a voice, and a visual expression, it’s a really satisfying feeling when you get to a final solution that solves a problem and produces results.

Contact Info:

• Website: dylanjonesdesignco.com
• Instagram: @dylanjonesdesignco
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylan-jones-4a8a142/

Image Credits
John Schulz @studioschulz