We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Janell Baldwin. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Janell below.

Janell, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear your thoughts about making remote work effective.

I’ve successfully integrated remote work into my business by prioritizing a seamless experience for my clients, ensuring uninterrupted design services and a strong work ethic no matter where I’m located at the time of their request. My trusty laptop is always by my side, enabling me to respond promptly to their needs and maintain a consistently smooth workflow.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

In 2011, I graduated from The University of Kansas with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Design, and ever since, I’ve been on a journey as a freelance graphic designer. My husband served as an active-duty F/A-18 pilot in the Marine Corps, which led us to San Diego shortly after we got married. It was during his deployment that I had the opportunity to connect with Erin Schurtz, a fellow squadron spouse. Erin had ventured into the world of prenatal supplements with her company, Mommi, and she brought me on board to assist with various aspects of her business, including online marketing, print materials, photo editing, and package design. Erin and her expansive network played a pivotal role in propelling my business to its current success.

Most of my clients come to me through referrals, and I’m incredibly grateful when clients share my information, as referrals are the highest form of compliment.

My daily work routine is a dynamic journey, characterized by a diverse array of design projects. I’m deeply passionate about crafting logos and elevating the essence of business brands. The realm of real estate design fascinates me, and I relish the collaboration with my real estate clients, where we transform ideas into vibrant brochures, engaging mailers, and compelling signage.

I have had the pleasure of working with Powerhouse Events, a premier events company in Salt Lake City. I have really enjoyed working alongside their co-founders and being able to help bring their ideas to life.

Packaging and label design is yet another avenue that sparks my creative flair, and I take great joy in the art of creating wedding invitations, menus, signage, and more. The breadth of services I offer makes the world of freelance design an endlessly enjoyable adventure.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I believe that my reputation in the design field has been shaped by my commitment to honesty and unwavering transparency. From a young age, my parents imparted the importance of the golden rule, which is to treat others as I would want to be treated. This principle has been a guiding force throughout my life, and I consistently try to empathize with my clients by stepping into their shoes. If I wouldn’t personally be willing to invest in a particular design or service, I won’t charge my clients for it. My ultimate objective is to prioritize my clients and provide them with swift turnaround times, while ensuring they always receive the highest level of service.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

As an artist, one of the most fulfilling experiences is witnessing my creations come to life in the real world. Often, I design various pieces and send them off for printing, but I don’t always have the opportunity to observe the final result. It’s a true delight for me when I come across photos of my designs being utilized online or in various publications. Allow me to share a couple of recent examples from my freelance work with Wingman Med and Z NECTAR.

Wingman Med, founded by F/A-18 pilots who later became board-certified Aerospace Medicine physicians, plays a vital role in assisting private and commercial pilots in maintaining their flying status. I had the privilege of contributing to their branding and even had a hand in designing the paintwork for their Bonanza aircraft. The day I witnessed that aircraft take to the skies, adorned with my design, brought me immense joy.

Z NECTAR, an enterprise offering delectable premium craft beverages in the Salt Lake City area (with shipping options available), has sponsored the talented Lyndsie Peterson, a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. I had the opportunity to design and create a mockup for Lyndsie’s gi, incorporating Z NECTAR’s branding. It’s experiences like these that truly make being an artist incredibly gratifying.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.janellbaldwindesign.com
• Instagram: @janellbaldwindesign
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/janellmbaldwin
• Other: www.be.net/janell

Image Credits
100 Companies Championing Women photo credit: Julia Pappas, Kinect Capital WeROC credit: Julia Pappas, Cryptopia credit: Julia Pappas, Artwork image in Cryptopia credit: Brandon Bouck.