We recently connected with Justice Strong and have shared our conversation below.

Justice, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Owning a business isn’t always glamorous and so most business owners we’ve connected with have shared that on tough days they sometimes wonder what it would have been like to have just had a regular job instead of all the responsibility of running a business. Have you ever felt that way?

Yes, I am definitely happier as a business owner. I’ve always envisioned a life where I have complete control over my own destiny. The freedom to travel when I want, work on projects that excite me, and set my own schedule without asking for permission is invaluable. For me, being a business owner is synonymous with freedom.

However, this freedom comes at a price. I vividly remember a time when I was working on a major project for an awards show during BET weekend. I was responsible for designing all of the graphics, including the red carpet, signage, on-screen animation graphics, banners, social media graphics, and all graphics for the honorees. It was a high-profile task that needed to be perfect. The day before the awards show, as soon as I got off of my flight in L.A., my computer completely crashed, taking all my progress with it. Panic set in, and I knew I had to act fast. Thankfully, I had saved my work to an external hard drive, so I didn’t have to recreate everything from scratch. I had no choice but to get a Lyft to the Apple store and purchase a brand new MacBook computer for over $3,000 to get the job done.

In addition to recovering the work for the awards show, I still had a mountain of other projects due at the same time for my other clients. In that moment, I couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like to have a regular 9-to-5 job, where the end of the workday means leaving all responsibilities behind. The idea of having a steady paycheck, job security, and a defined role felt incredibly appealing. I imagined the comfort of knowing that someone else was handling the big emergencies, allowing me to relax and enjoy my evenings.

But as I sat there, grappling with the technical failure, the expense of a new computer, and the stressful deadlines, I realized that there was no option but to push through. The reality of being a business owner is that I’m fully responsible for my income and my success. There’s no one else to lean on; the responsibility is entirely mine. That night, I worked through the frustration and exhaustion, transferring my work from the external hard drive and juggling the other projects. It was a sleepless night filled with stress, but I got everything done.

In retrospect, that experience reinforced why I chose this path. The challenges are intense, and the stakes are high, but the satisfaction of overcoming obstacles and delivering for my clients is unparalleled. While the security of a regular job might be comforting, the fulfillment I get from running my own business, facing challenges head-on, and having the freedom to create and innovate is worth every stressful moment.

Being a business owner is not just about the freedom; it’s about resilience and perseverance. It’s about knowing that, despite the sacrifices, I have built something that reflects my vision and passion. This journey isn’t easy, but it’s mine, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Justice Strong, and I’m originally from Huntsville, Alabama, but I now reside in Atlanta, Georgia. I am a graphic designer and creative director with a passion for creating visually compelling designs that tell a story and connect with audiences.

**How I Got Into the Industry:
My journey into the world of graphic design began unexpectedly. The day before my college graduation, I found myself in a hair store purchasing items for a hair appointment. I noticed that the store’s sale graphics were created using Microsoft Word, simply typed out on a white sheet of paper. Realizing that I could add value and improve the visual appeal of these graphics, I decided to teach myself graphic design. I had minimal prior knowledge, having only used Canva in a communication class during my undergraduate studies. After being hired as the store manager, I began experimenting with Canva and later taught myself Adobe Suites. As I honed my skills, I started creating logos for people at just $25 and flyers for $20.

My work quickly gained recognition, and one day, a friend sent me a social media post from a major haircare brand looking for a graphic designer. I decided to take a leap of faith and applied for the position. To my surprise, I was called in the next day and hired on the spot.

**Services
I offer a wide range of graphic design services, including logo design, branding and identity development, animation graphics, social media graphics, banners and signage, flyers and posters, billboards, video graphics, product label development, and full creative development from start to finish. My work spans various industries, and I strive to bring a unique and creative touch to each project, ensuring that every design aligns with the client’s vision and brand identity.

**What Sets Me Apart:
What sets me apart is my creativity and discipline. I approach each project with a prayerful mindset, believing that my creativity is a gift from God. This spiritual connection helps me stay focused and inspired, allowing me to push boundaries and explore new design possibilities. I’m also incredibly disciplined, often working late into the night—sometimes until 5 or 6 in the morning—to meet deadlines and deliver high-quality work. Many people may not have the discipline to work those hours, but my commitment to my craft and my clients drives me to go the extra mile.

**Proud Moments and Key Messages:
I’m proud to have many of my designs featured in major retailers like Walmart, Target, Walgreens, Kroger, and CVS. I’ve had the honor of designing for four major awards shows and working with countless celebrities. My portfolio also includes collaborations with numerous well-known brands. My success is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and blessings I’ve received. I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that I am passionate about what I do. My creativity and success are gifts from God, and I am grateful for every opportunity to use my talents to make a positive impact.

Whether you’re looking for a fresh logo, eye-catching social media graphics, or a complete brand overhaul, I’m here to bring your vision to life with creativity and passion.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Building my reputation has been all about creating real value and becoming an essential resource for my clients. I focused on becoming so skilled at what I do that my work consistently provides significant benefits and meets their needs. When clients see that my graphics are not just attractive but also highly effective, they recognize the value I bring and want to keep working with me.

This commitment to creating impactful designs leads to word-of-mouth referrals, as satisfied clients naturally recommend me to others. Over time, this has helped me build a strong reputation and attract new opportunities, all because my work speaks for itself and creates lasting value.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

One time I had to pivot was when a major company I did graphic design work for sold their business. Losing this client meant losing a significant source of income. Unlike a regular 9-5 job where you have a steady paycheck, as an entrepreneur, my income depends entirely on maintaining and finding new clients.

When I lost that contract, I had to quickly adjust and figure out how to replace the income. This involved reaching out to my network, exploring new opportunities, and actively seeking new clients. It was a valuable lesson in staying flexible and proactive. In entrepreneurship, change is constant, and you always need to be ready to adapt and find new ways to keep your business thriving.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.globaldigitalco.com
• Instagram: iamjusticestrong