We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Justin Harris a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Justin, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Alright – so having the idea is one thing, but going from idea to execution is where countless people drop the ball. Can you talk to us about your journey from idea to execution?
I have always been involved with art and graphic design since high school. I wanted to revisit the dream of being a graphic designer later in life, a passion that never truly died. As I was switching career paths, I wanted to return to what I would genuinely love to wake up and do. Being creative has always been a significant part of my life, so I aimed to make a living out of it. My wife encouraged me to refine my skills and get certified during all the extra time on my hands during the unfortunate pandemic. So, I enrolled with the New York Institute of Art & Design and received my Graphic Design Certification. From there, it’s history. I began picking up freelance graphic design projects on the side of my full-time day job. The momentum really started picking up, and I would be up all night working on designs, then getting up early to work my 9 to 5. Basically, I was overwhelmed but gained the confidence that I was heading in the right direction with this venture. I reached a comfortable design workload where I was able to quit my day job and make that faithful leap into owning my own business as a graphic designer. From there, I really began to focus on the types of projects that brought me joy – which was helping new businesses bring their ideas to life with logo and brand design. I found my niche in the passion for branding these exciting new companies. I set up my website and tailored my services for those new businesses that are ready to hit the market and stand out with modern, strategic design.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I provide logo and brand design services for both new businesses and existing ones looking for a rebrand or refresh. My role is to address their challenges through design, focusing on the core objectives of establishing trust, standing out, and projecting a professional image to potential customers.
To achieve these objectives, I engage in thorough research and strategic planning. This ensures that every design I create is purposeful and tailored to resonate with the intended target audience. My aim is to assist my clients in attracting more customers to their own businesses.
The beauty of my brand designs lies not only in their aesthetics but also in their functionality. I strive to strike a harmonious balance between strategic thinking and visual appeal. My commitment goes beyond the surface, aiming to provide designs that are both strategic and captivating.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
Word of mouth has truly been the powerhouse driving new clients to my doorstep. It’s like a ripple effect – when someone is genuinely satisfied with the work I’ve done for them, they naturally share their positive experience with others.
The secret to this success lies in consistently delivering designs that exceed expectations. When clients see the careful thought, attention to detail, and strategic approach I put into every project, they can’t help but spread the word. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about results. When businesses see an increase in customer engagement, brand recognition, and overall growth due to my designs, they become enthusiastic advocates. It’s very humbling.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most fulfilling part of my job is witnessing the dreams of new business owners take shape. There’s an incredible sense of satisfaction in collaborating to transform their visions into tangible, impactful designs. Seeing their excitement as they connect with the design, recognizing its potential, and knowing that it’ll be a vital part of their journey – that’s what truly drives my passion. It’s the joy of making their aspirations come to life through design.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.justinharris.design
- Instagram: @justinharrisdesign
- Twitter: @justinhdesign