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

Joseph, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today In our experience, overnight success is usually the result of years of hard work laying the foundation for success, but unfortunately, it’s exactly this part of the story that most of the media ignores. So, we’d appreciate if you could open up about your growth story and the nitty, gritty details that went into scaling up.

The idea of overnight success is a nice myth, but High Craft Creative is the result of years of hustle, grit, and a relentless drive to create something meaningful. When I started, it was just me and a single client, working late nights and weekends to make it happen. But scaling up was anything but glamorous—it was a grind, filled with trial and error, and plenty of lessons learned the hard way.

One of the key turning points was realizing I couldn’t do it all. I honed in on what I loved—crafting custom illustrations, packaging, branding, and merch graphics—and focused on the industries I was passionate about, like cannabis and craft beer. This niche focus allowed me to build a reputation and connect with clients who value quality and creativity as much as I do.

Fast forward to today, and I’ve gone from that single client to over 30+ consistent clients, including multiple retainers. The journey wasn’t easy—there were mistakes, late nights, and a lot of coffee—but staying true to my vision and pushing the creative boundaries has made High Craft Creative what it is today. It’s been a wild ride, and we’ve been through a lot but all along the way we made sure to keep that edge and authenticity at the core of what we do.

Joseph, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Yeah, I’m Joseph Kinstler, the founder of High Craft Creative, based in Madison, WI. My journey into the design world started in the fine arts, where I spent years honing my skills—drawing, painting, and mastering the foundational techniques that now shape everything I do. Those early experiences taught me the importance of detail, craftsmanship, and the power of visual storytelling, all of which have become the backbone of High Craft Creative.

As I transitioned from fine arts to graphic design and illustration, I realized that the same principles apply: creating something that looks great and connects with people on a deeper level. That’s what drives me every day—taking those foundational skills and applying them to create unique, custom work for my clients.

What sets us apart is our raw, unfiltered approach—we’re not just about making things look pretty (although we are really good at that); we’re about making them unforgettable. We’re here to help our clients stand out in crowded markets, capturing the essence of their brand in a way that’s bold, impactful, and uniquely theirs.

What I’m most proud of is how far we’ve come in just 9 short years, from starting with just one client to now partnering with leaders and innovators in the industry. The fact that we’ve grown while staying true to our roots in fine art and craftsmanship means a lot to me. I want potential clients and followers to know that when you work with High Craft Creative, you’re getting more than just design—you’re getting a piece of the passion and artistry that’s been a part of my life since the beginning. We’re here to make sure your brand isn’t just seen—it’s remembered, with a little bit of that Madison grit and creativity.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was the idea that bigger is always better, especially when it comes to agency life. After spending over four years working in traditional agencies, I quickly saw the downside of that mindset—extended turnaround times, sky-high pricing for minimal work, and a process so bloated that clients were left jumping through hoops just to get templated creative.

When I started High Craft Creative, I knew I wanted to be the opposite of that. I wanted to create what I now think of as an “anti-agency”—a lean, agile, and client-focused operation where the emphasis is on delivering top-tier creative work without all the unnecessary fluff.

I unlearned the notion that creativity needs a massive team and months of back-and-forth to be great. Instead, I’ve embraced a model where quick turnarounds and high-quality work go hand in hand. By offering flat-rate creative retainers, I make sure my clients don’t get nickel-and-dimed or run out of hours before the job is done. It’s about being transparent, fair, and focused on what really matters—creating something impactful that the client loves.

Being quick and present to respond to emails and the ever-changing industry landscape is part of the DNA at High Craft Creative. My clients know they can count on me to be there when they need me, without all the layers of bureaucracy. That’s something I’m really proud of, and it’s what keeps me passionate about doing things differently. It’s not just about the work; it’s about the relationship and trust you build along the way.

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

The best source of new clients for me has always been simple: do great work, consistently with the clients or opportunity you currently have, no matter who they are or what that opportunity is. I’ve found that when you pour your creativity and effort into every project—even the small ones—it naturally leads to bigger and better opportunities. Most of my clients have come through referrals, and that’s something that’s kind of cool to look back on and say.

When you deliver quality work, are responsive, and genuinely care about your clients, they’re likely to refer you to their peers and other business owners. And in my experience, referral clients tend to be the best clients—they already trust you, they understand your value, and they’re often in it for the long haul.

At the end of the day, I’ve learned that just being a good human goes a long way in this business. It’s the meaningful relationships you build with your clients that really make a difference, not just the bottom line. Relationships are what build businesses, and that’s something I always keep at the forefront of how I operate High Craft Creative.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.highcraftcreative.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/highcraftcreative/