We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Justin Cook a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Justin, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
I’m on a mission to help entrepreneurs serve people and solve real problems through technology. It’s no secret that technology is advancing the world forward at a pace never seen before and will continue to do so. Through a lack of exposure, resources and education a lot of startup founder’s brilliant ideas never make it to market. I want to empower all startup founders regardless of background or education to create + launch native apps or software products that continue to move our technology powered society forward.
Justin, 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?
Creativity is in my soul. I’ve been drawing and painting since i could hold a pencil so having a vision and creating it out of thin air is my speciality. I was born and raised in Metro Detroit, into a creative family. I was introduced to graphic design in high school and knew creativity had to be at the core of whatever I chose to do with my life. After graduating from Eastern Michigan University with a Fine Arts Degree I moved to Atlanta. A few years later, I launched Creative Oxidation as a web and graphic design agency. I loved it but I wanted more. I wanted to solve bigger problems using design and technology.
Being from the Motor City, I identify with our homegrown philosophy of being able to reinvent ourselves and persevere through adversity. With that shift in focus, Creative Oxidation 2.0 was born.
We are a Product Strategy + Design Agency that creates beautiful & intuitive digital experiences for apps and web products. As a boutique agency, we are very hands on with our clients. We partner with start-ups and enterprise product teams to launch new products, jumpstart discovery, design new experiences, and build lasting relationships with their communities.
Working closely with early stage startup companies gave me some strategic insight. Most startups fail because they are launching products no one wants or needs. Second, they waste a lot of money in the process, essentially shortening their runaway and their lifespan.
I noticed a void where non-technical early stage founders don’t have access to the tools, resources and coaching needed to get them from idea to launch. To combat these issues I created App Launch BootcampTM. App Launch Bootcamp transforms your app idea into a scalable startup. It’s perfect for founders looking for a clear step by step process, time saving resources and expert advice and mentorship. We’re powered to supercharge startups and take you to the next level!
I love sitting at the intersection of design, business and technology. Whether it’s consulting and leading the design of a new mobile app or coaching startup founders through their startup journey I have found the balance of creativity and problem solving that gives me joy.
Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.
I majored in Graphic Design and Illustration in college so my side hustle to make a few extra dollars was to design party flyers, logos and CD covers for people on campus. I wasn’t charging much but I loved the idea of building a business and word of mouth was spreading about my designs. I knew I had to do something to get higher paying clients though because college students didn’t have much money.
I had a part time job at the YMCA and noticed a few of the managers talking about some flyers they needed for an upcoming event and I knew this was my opportunity. I approached them, told them what I was studying and volunteered my services. They accepted, I designed the flyers, they paid me and I was proud to have them as my first official client to add to my portfolio.
After moving to Atlanta, I needed a website to advertise my services so I taught myself how to code. After building my company website, I decided to add web design/development as a service and began getting web design clients in addition to graphic design clients. A good friend of mine has an older brother who owns a successful design agency and he was kind enough to mentor me. After a few years of mentorship, doing project based contract work to build my portfolio and web design on the side, I decided to go all in. I saved my money and after my last contract expired I told the recruiters I was off the market and from there I never looked back.
Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?
I lead with empathy and gratitude. I’m grateful for everyone who chooses to work with me. Without them I wouldn’t be able to serve as many clients and have the impact we have. I’m big on work life balance and prefer not to micromanage therefore and give my team a lot of latitude when it comes to managing their day. The flexible schedule, consistent expressions of gratitude and public praise keeps morale pretty high. I find that people just want to be treated fairly and appreciated for the work they do. Lastly, as a leader accountability is huge. Putting aside your ego and being accountable for mistakes you make builds trust and trickles down to your team.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://creativeoxidation.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/applaunch.justin/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CreativeOxidation
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinlcook/
- Other: http://applaunchbootcamp.com/ https://www.facebook.com/AppLaunchBootcamp
Image Credits
https://www.instagram.com/capturedbydrew/
Suggest a Story: CanvasRebel is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.