We were lucky to catch up with Jonathan Irving recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jonathan, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s kick things off with a hypothetical question – if it were up to you, what would you change about the school or education system to better prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career?

For me, there are many things we can do to help prepare students. There are about 5 things that come to mind such as focusing on critical thinking and problem-solving, personalized learning, practical life skills, early career exploration, and digital literacy. Personally, I did not know what I wanted to do until my senior year of high school. And I know I would have benefited from having the resources and access to get an early career exploration.

Focus on Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Shift the emphasis from rote memorization and standardized testing to developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. Encourage students to ask questions, analyze information, and solve real-world problems.

Personalized Learning: Recognize that every student is unique and should have an education tailored to their individual needs and interests. Utilize technology and data to personalize learning experiences, pacing, and content.

Practical Life Skills: Introduce practical life skills into the curriculum, such as financial literacy, time management, communication, and interpersonal skills. These skills are crucial for success in both personal and professional life.

Career Exploration: Start career exploration and guidance at an early age to help students identify their interests and strengths. Provide internships, apprenticeships, and mentorship programs to give students real-world exposure.

Digital Literacy: Teach students how to navigate the digital world, including critical evaluation of online information, cybersecurity, and responsible use of technology. These skills are essential in the modern workplace.

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

Hi, my name is Jonathan Irving. Currently, I am an award-winning graphic designer living in St. Louis, MO. Ever since I can remember, I have had an expansive imagination for art and design. My design philosophy is about eliminating all distractions and bringing attention to the most important subject. I enjoy combining bold text with expressive colors and textures into compelling compositions.

I began my professional design career working for a local in-house newspaper in 2017 (The St. Louis American). I transitioned in late 2019 to Shaker Recruitment Marketing a marketing/ad agency based in Chicago, IL. Next, in April 2022 I became the lead graphic designer for Webster University. In addition, I have also worked as a freelance design professional for myself since mid-2020, and I am currently pursuing my master’s degree in business administration. In the last decade, I have accumulated many projects. My design philosophy leans towards a minimal design aesthetic.

I strongly believe design can be used as an instrument to bring clarity to those navigating through a seemingly chaotic world. As a young creative, I seek to build spaces and platforms for myself and other creatives to further push our culture further as minorities. I believe in the power of working together to create a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts.

I am most proud of my perseverance and the lessons I’ve learned along my professional journey. Early on in my career, I was very timid and at times doubted my abilities because I lacked the experience I felt I needed. However, I have come to understand that everyone was once a novice at some point in their career. Therefore, what is most important is that you continually put yourself in positions to learn and network.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

Something I needed to unlearn was the false belief that I couldn’t demand higher prices for services. I used to feel like I didn’t have enough experience to offer higher prices. However, I was able to unlearn that belief when I connected with other creatives. They were able to affirm that I have strong work and the necessary communication skills. Therefore, my services would always be in demand. One of the most important things I have learned since then is how key client communication and management are. Interacting with clients, understanding their needs, and managing expectations are vital skills. Effective communication helps designers build strong relationships with clients and ensures that the final design aligns with the client’s vision.

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

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is utilizing my innovation and problem-solving skills. I get a major rush of joy from assisting clients in solving their problems. The process of creating something new can be intellectually stimulating and satisfying. In addition, many projects push me to think outside the box and contribute to innovation in various fields. Being a creative gives me opportunities to express myself in unique ways. I truly thrive on finding new solutions to problems.

Contact Info:

• Website: jonathanirving.com
• Instagram: @jidesigns_
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/jidesigns/

Image Credits
All of the image credits go to Mena Darré. You can find her work at brandwithmena.com.