We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jesse Abbott a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jesse, thanks for joining us today. Let’s jump right into how you came up with the idea?

It’s interesting, I never really imagined working in the art and design world until I actually found myself there. I began in studio art early and floated between mediums for years before discovering my passion for well branded products and businesses.

The premise for O, Unknown! Studio, the design studio I own and run, was birthed from a variety of experiences. I spent many years of my life traveling the world documenting a variety of projects, mostly humanitarian, through a collection of digital mediums in a journalistic fashion. I wanted, and still want, my art to tell a story, to convey complex ideas and contribute something to the human experience in new ways or perhaps, revitalizing elements of the past to produce something truly unique. Later, as I found myself in corporate marketing in the city (and hated it), ultimately by accident, I knew I wanted to do the opposite; I wanted to create primarily for “the hole-in-the-wall”, the small business, and the entrepreneur. I wanted to tell the stories of grassroots businesses doing grassroots work with shared values (sustainability, quality, and equity) through the use of digital marketing tools.

Also a major inspiration for my work was drawn from my work at Wander North Georgia, a small well-branded business based in Clayton, Georgia USA with an amazing design team and socio-environmental stance. It was through my interactions with the owners and team members, who have extensive creative and design backgrounds, that I decided to pull the trigger on launching something of my own. I was in over my head from day one and I honestly thought the studio, a little LLC in rural Georgia, would be nothing beyond a side job and wouldn’t move past my local community. To my surprise, I have been met with like minded creators and entrepreneurs who were willing to take a chance on my infant studio. I now (after only a year of establishment) represent small businesses domestically (in the US) and internationally in several locations. Thankful for the process.

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 name is Jesse Abbott and I own a small design studio in rural northeast Georgia, USA called O, Unknown! Studio LLC. I have worked in the creative world in a variety of ways over the past 10 years and beyond. I began in studio art, branched into documentary photography and eventually landed (primarily) in graphic design (though I still do those other things). O, Unknown! Studio works primarily with small businesses and entrepreneurs to deliver high quality branding, art and design services to honestly represent the passion and work ethic of “the hole-in-the-wall” start up. I want small businesses and small business owners to succeed in an aesthetic way and a practical way, plain and simple. I think those things go hand in hand.

I’m proud of the studio’s ability to keep things small and personal while still delivering market quality design goods. I always want people, their passions, and the pursuit of long term sustainability to be the driving force behind everything I make. I also want to be as community driven as possible and work with other studios to create a network or cooperative of talented folks working together for common goals and collaborating on as many projects as possible. We all want to make a living, why not do that together.

My art and design goals are based primarily on a Zen proverb summarized, “one perfects things not by adding, but by subtracting”. I want to pursue simplicity in my visual work as well as my life. That’s the defining element of my aesthetic and philosophical outlook on things.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Absolutely. Small businesses and their owners who are working to do good in the world and craft something beautiful in small places is my mission and goal. Small businesses in small towns need a voice and a direction. I ultimately want to see small independent concepts work so I try to bring the tools I’ve picked up internationally and domestically to the table to pull it off.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Honestly, organic community engagement. Be at the places, talk to the people, do the things. Most of us know people who are small business owners or work for small businesses. I generally try and meet those people either at the local winery or restaurant. I don’t really emphasis any sort of paid promotional material (physically or on social media) and try to keep things on a personal level. Clients who become friends and friends who become clients are, for me and my business, the way things should be. Community, for my studio, is the backbone of everything we do.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ounknownstudio.com
• Instagram: @ounknownstudio

Image Credits
Logan Bolton and Jesse Abbott