We recently connected with Johnny and Dorothy Chau and have shared our conversation below.

Johnny and Dorothy , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you recount a story of an unexpected problem you’ve faced along the way?

A few years back, we were working on an annual report. While creating a file, designing and layout, a section was accidentally left off. Despite going through two rounds with the client’s proofreaders, the report went to print, not catching the oversight. After the report went to print, the client then realized the section was missing. Even though the proofing stages fell on the client’s responsibility, we decided to absorb the cost of the reprinting of the report. Have to admit, when this unexpected issue arose, there was a little bit a of panic. It was a huge cost to reprint this report – but it was the right thing to do.

re:creative prioritizes client satisfaction and upholding a strong reputation for integrity. While it’s unfortunate that a section was accidentally omitted in the annual report despite multiple proofreading rounds, our decision to absorb the cost of the reprint demonstrates a commitment to making things right, even if the oversight was not entirely our responsibility.

This kind of approach is indeed a key factor in maintaining long-term success in the design industry. Mistakes are inevitable, but it’s how a company responds to them that can set them apart. Taking responsibility and rectifying errors, especially when it comes to maintaining client trust and delivering quality work, can leave a lasting positive impression and build a strong and loyal client base. Our focus on doing right by the client is a commendable approach that can contribute to the longevity and reputation of re:creative in our industry.

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.

re:creative is a graphic design studio founded in 1998. It was started by Johnny, who had previous experience as an art director at Time, Inc. His expertise in direct marketing and the science of marketing provided a strong foundation for the studio’s work. Initially, re:creative focused on brand/identity, print collateral, and environmental graphics. As technology evolved, they expanded their services to include digital design. re:creative has had the opportunity to work with prestigious clients such as Carnegie Corporation of NY, New York University, Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, and Brooklyn Museum. The mention of working on the Ai Weiwei Exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum is a significant highlight.

re:creative prides itself on offering high-quality work that is rooted in a solid design foundation. Our years of experience enable us to find the right design solutions efficiently. Being a small studio allows us to keep overhead costs low, which we pass on as cost savings to our clients. The philosophy of “Good. Fast. Cheap. Any two, but never all three” is a guiding principle for re:creative. We aim to provide a balance of quality work, efficient delivery, and cost-effectiveness.

re:creative has continued to thrive and evolve over the past 13 years since relocating to Austin, Texas. This expansion of our client base and diverse range of projects demonstrates our studio’s adaptability and continued commitment to providing design excellence. Austin is known for its vibrant creative community, so it seemed like a fitting place for our design studio to grow and flourish.

Have you ever had to pivot?

In the late ’90s, re:creative embarked on its business journey exclusively focused on non-digital, print-based services. However, with the rapid advancement of technology and the widespread shift of businesses to the online realm, we found it imperative to undergo a transformation. This transition prompted us to diversify our service offerings into the digital sphere, requiring us to acquire a new skill set, including expertise in website and social media design.

This journey demanded a dynamic adaptation to the intricacies of digital design and a deep understanding of its principles.

Our experience underscores the timeless importance of business flexibility. Being prepared to pivot and adjust to the ever-evolving needs of our clients is paramount. While staying on the absolute cutting edge of technology may not be necessary, we do emphasize the value of being well-informed and ‘in the know’ about industry trends. This approach ensures our continual relevance and readiness to meet the evolving demands of our clients.

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

As a full-time Art Director at Time, Inc., Johnny regularly accepted freelance projects that demanded his commitment late into the night, working diligently. Over the course of three years, what started as a side hustle began to yield profits. It was at this time that Johnny took a bold leap of faith and embarked on the journey of opening his own design studio with his best friend.

Once he had established his studio, Johnny quickly realized that entrepreneurship required donning many hats. In addition to his role as a designer, he found himself stepping into the shoes of a bookkeeper, an IT specialist, a marketer, and more. Of all these accomplishments, Johnny takes the most pride in the successful setup of the office’s entire internet, server, and network.

Running a business demands an inherent comfort with learning new skills beyond one’s current expertise. Johnny’s journey exemplifies the multifaceted nature of entrepreneurship, where adaptability and versatility become key to success.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://recreative.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recreative
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/recreative

Image Credits
Professional shot of Johnny and Dorothy Chau – Divina Stennfeld Photography