We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jessica Adanich a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jessica, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?
I manage two companies: DesignPod Studio, which specializes in branding, graphic design, and marketing, and a division of DesignPod known as Fuzzy Sharks. Fuzzy Sharks is a purpose-driven organization focused on promoting awareness and education regarding the significance of sharks and their conservation through art. In my roles as CEO and founder of both entities, our core mission centers on utilizing creative talents, both my own and those of my team, to effect positive change in the world. I possess an innate creative gift and find profound fulfillment in using it to assist others in achieving their business objectives, which, in turn, have a direct impact on our communities and the economy. I wholeheartedly believe in the concept that all tides rise all ships. By collaborating with my clients, whom I consider partners, I assist them in reaching their business goals, thereby contributing to their success. With Fuzzy Sharks, my personal passion for the creatures inhabiting our salt and fresh waters is a driving force. Art has the power to educate and inspire people in various ways, and it serves as a vehicle to encourage them to take action and make a difference in their own unique manner.
Jessica, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
In the vast and captivating world of graphic design, there exists a visionary whose creativity knows no bounds. Enter Jessica Adanich, an extraordinary graphic designer whose passion and talent weave together to create awe-inspiring visual experiences.
Born with an innate curiosity and an unyielding desire to push the boundaries of design, Jessica’s journey began at the renowned Cleveland Institute of Art. Immersed in the realms of industrial design, graphic design, sculpture, and glass, she honed her artistic skills and nurtured her creative spirit. Armed with a diverse skill set and a boundless imagination, Jessica embarked on a path that would set her apart as a true design maven.
Before establishing her own design agency, Jessica’s creative prowess led her to collaborate with renowned brands such as Vitamix®, Hasbro NERF®, and Mace® Brand. As part of creative teams or in leadership roles, she brought her unique perspective and expertise to the table, shaping unforgettable brand experiences. Her innovative designs caught the attention of the design community, earning her accolades, including prestigious national and international awards, most notably for her exceptional packaging designs.
Driven by a burning passion to democratize high-end design, Jessica’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to create DesignPod Studio. Believing that impactful branding and marketing should be accessible to businesses of all sizes, she set out to offer top-notch design solutions without breaking the bank. DesignPod Studio became a haven for visionary entrepreneurs and businesses seeking to elevate their brand presence and create meaningful connections with their audiences.
What sets Jessica apart is her unwavering dedication to understanding her clients’ unique stories, aspirations, and visions. Her designs are more than just aesthetically pleasing; they are windows into the essence of a brand, invoking emotions, and captivating hearts. Collaborating with Jessica is an immersive experience, a creative journey fueled by open communication and a shared desire to bring dreams to life through design.
With DesignPod Studio, Jessica leads a 100% US-based team that embodies her passion and expertise. Every client receives the undivided attention and expertise of the talented professionals they meet, ensuring a personal and collaborative experience from start to finish. From diverse industries to specialized sectors like the firearm and weapons industry through DesignPod Tactical, Jessica’s studio embraces the challenge of bringing unique visions to life.
Jessica Adanich is more than a graphic designer; she is a purveyor of dreams and a catalyst for artistic transformation. Her unwavering dedication to innovation, her ability to blend imagination with strategic thinking, and her commitment to helping businesses succeed make her an invaluable asset to anyone seeking to redefine their brand presence.
Welcome to the world of Jessica Adanich, where imagination dances with design, and ordinary ideas are transformed into extraordinary visual narratives. Step into her realm, and together, let’s create a world where creativity knows no bounds.
In addition to her groundbreaking work in the field of graphic design, Jessica’s artistic talents extend to a unique endeavor called Fuzzy Sharks, which is a purpose-driven organization to educate and inspire individuals to care about sharks and promote shark conservation. The name Fuzzy Sharks (patent pending) comes from an original art installation that was created around the idea of biophilia. Biophilia, the innate connection between humans and nature, underscores the importance of sustaining biological evolution. Sharks, often misrepresented and feared, face a significant decline in populations due to human actions.
Fuzzy Sharks, an art installation and now company, aims to bridge the gap between conservation and public engagement, particularly for children who thrive on tactile and kinetic learning. The exhibit itself features soft-textured, lifelike shark sculptures, inviting viewers to challenge their perceptions and connect emotionally with these misunderstood creatures. By fostering an appreciation for sharks through a novel approach, Fuzzy Sharks raises awareness about the critical role of sharks in maintaining the ocean’s bal
ed team that embodies her passion and expertise. Every client receives the undivided attention and expertise of the talented professionals they meet, ensuring a personal and collaborative experience from start to finish. From diverse industries to specialized sectors like the firearm and weapons industry through DesignPod Tactical, Jessica’s studio embraces the challenge of bringing unique visions to life.
Jessica Adanich is more than a graphic designer; she is a purveyor of dreams and a catalyst for artistic transformation. Her unwavering dedication to innovation, her ability to blend imagination with strategic thinking, and her commitment to helping businesses succeed make her an invaluable asset to anyone seeking to redefine their brand presence.
Welcome to the world of Jessica Adanich, where imagination dances with design, and ordinary ideas are transformed into extraordinary visual narratives. Step into her realm, and together, let’s create a world where creativity knows no bounds.
In addition to her groundbreaking work in the field of graphic design, Jessica’s artistic talents extend to a unique endeavor called Fuzzy Sharks, which is a purpose-driven organization to educate and inspire individuals to care about sharks and promote shark conservation. The name Fuzzy Sharks (patent pending) comes from an original art installation that was created around the idea of biophilia. Biophilia, the innate connection between humans and nature, underscores the importance of sustaining biological evolution. Sharks, often misrepresented and feared, face a significant decline in populations due to human actions.
Fuzzy Sharks, an art installation and now company, aims to bridge the gap between conservation and public engagement, particularly for children who thrive on tactile and kinetic learning. The exhibit itself features soft-textured, lifelike shark sculptures, inviting viewers to challenge their perceptions and connect emotionally with these misunderstood creatures. By fostering an appreciation for sharks through a novel approach, Fuzzy Sharks raises awareness about the critical role of sharks in maintaining the ocean’s balance and the need for their protection. This immersive educational experience is central to Fuzzy Sharks’ mission, using art and science to leave a lasting impact and inspire action.
Fuzzy Sharks is just one of many art pieces that Jessica has created to support this cause. This classic and popular installation has become Jessica’s campaign name for her work, reflecting her unwavering commitment to raising awareness about the importance of protecting these majestic creatures. Her dedication to artistry and advocacy embodies her belief in the transformative power of quality design and strategic marketing to create lasting impact in the hearts and minds of audiences.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
Throughout my life, I have undergone several pivots. One of the most defining was while attending the Cleveland Institute of Art, I redirected my academic focus from automotive and product design to sculpture, a pivotal moment that illuminated the importance of utilizing my creative talents for the greater good. While product design undoubtedly contributes positively to the world and I still love it, I yearned and was searching for a more profound sense of personal fulfillment. It was within the realm of sculpture that I rediscovered my deep-seated passion for the ocean and its inhabitants. Serendipitously, during this period, the documentary “Sharkwater” shed light on the harrowing shark finning industry. This revelation marked a turning point, defining my life’s artwork purpose. I resolved to harness my artistic prowess to effect change in the realm of shark conservation.
To this day, my “Stop Shark Finning” awareness logo has resonated globally and has even played a role in shaping legislation for shark conservation. As an artist and designer, one can only hope that their work will eventually leave a lasting impact. Speaking about it gives me goosebumps, which every time reaffirms to myself I’ve chosen the correct path.
Can you open up about a time when you had a really close call with the business?
Discussing these experiences holds importance because, as an entrepreneur, we all encounter such moments. The ability to navigate and overcome these challenges speaks to one’s resilience. While entrepreneurship naturally comes with its share of highs and lows, my journey had an especially challenging start. I ventured into establishing my company without a clear business plan after resigning from my position at Mace Brand, which presented significant hurdles. Approximately six months in, I grappled with difficulties securing clients, as my background in art school hadn’t equipped me with business or sales skills. The combination of a lack of clients, a mortgage to pay, and substantial student loan debt led to immense stress. In this trying period, I sought advice from a bankruptcy attorney, who suggested selling my house to ease my student loan burden.
At that crucial juncture, selling my house might have offered some relief from student loan payments, but it would have left me without a place to call home, making it an impractical solution. It was during this time that I had a different idea—moving closer to the ocean, something I’d always planned to do after college to continue my shark conservation work. In a nutshell, a few months later, I took a bold step by selecting a city, letting go of most of my possessions, and moving to Tampa Bay, a place completely new to me. This move provided not only a fresh start but also the perfect environment to breathe new life into my ocean-themed artwork. As we approach the four-year anniversary of that significant Halloween I arrived in Tampa, I can confidently say that this move has been one of the most rewarding decisions I’ve ever made, bringing fulfillment to both my personal life and my business. Through the challenging times I navigated, I found my own slice of paradise, and today, I’m leading a deeply satisfying life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.designpod.studio/ – https://www.fuzzysharks.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designpodstudio/ – https://www.instagram.com/fuzzy_sharks/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DesignPodStudio – https://www.facebook.com/FuzzySharks
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicaadanich/
- Other: https://www.fuzzysharks.com/
Image Credits
Jessica Adanich