We recently connected with Rachel Jung and have shared our conversation below.

Rachel, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Parents can play a significant role in affecting how our lives and careers turn out – and so we think it’s important to look back and have conversations about what our parents did that affected us positive (or negatively) so that we can learn from the billions of experiences in each generation. What’s something you feel your parents did right that impacted you positively.

My parents played a huge part in the success I’ve had. As a young child, they instilled hard work and dedication. They lead by example. My dad has successfully run his own architecture business for 43 years and my mom homeschooled my brothers and I. Their entrepreneur characteristics always inspired me, and though I didn’t always know I wanted to pursue my own business, I know later in life their example greatly impacted my choice.

I was always taught to work for the things I wanted, and I’m extremely grateful for that. I worked for the fish tank I wanted, I saved up and bought my first car, I paid my way through college: All of these things gave me the foundation to working hard.

Not only this, but coming from an artistic family, I was always encouraged to follow my passions, despite the stigmas of artists at the time. They believed I could start my own business and succeed through hard work, and having that support from your parents is everything.

Rachel, 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?

I’m Rachel, illustrator, designer, adventure addict, dog mom, and the face behind Rayco Design.

Art and design have always caught my attention since a child. You could find me drawing dogs at all hours of the day and running around barefoot in the dirt for the remaining hours; not much has changed to this day. My art is inspired by my greatest passions, the outdoor culture, adventure world, and of course, dogs. When I’m not creating, you can find me somewhere in the dirt camping, mountain biking, off-roading, or hiking.

I finished my undergrad for Graphic Design/Fine Arts in 2018 and a few months later decided to follow my heart and jumped full time into this design business. In March of 2019, I became Rayco Design, and I have never looked back since!

The journey has not been easy, but with lots of hard work and dedication I have slowly worked my way up. I have been full time illustrating for 4 years now where I create designs for brands to use on apparel, snowboards, puzzles and so much more.

I love enjoying the outdoors with my family more than anything. We travel and trail blaze in our 4runners, we camp in no man’s land, and we are always on the search for the next adventure. This outdoor/adventure culture is such a huge part of my life, and the inspiration behind every piece of art I create.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

After college, I had it all planned out in my mind. I would get a job at a design firm, work 9-5, and have a stable income job. I never planned on pursuing my own business full time. I did start while I was in college as a passion project, but did not intend for that to be my future.

Well, my plans after college did not go as I expected. I interviewed for many jobs, each one feeling more hopeless and myself less confident than the last. This went on for 6 months, and at this point I would take any design job.

I got a call one day, a man on the phone said, “You got the job. Our recent hire quit and you were our second choice, so it’s yours.” Overjoyed, but also terrified, I agreed to the job and stated just days later. It was for a vehicle wrap company, I was titled head designer (also their only one), but that label made me feel like a somebody. I had finally succeeded in my career, I was no longer a failure.

It turns out, I should have been warned when the previous hire quit so quickly, because the job was not what I expected. I was spending my days measuring vehicles, expected to learn a complex printing system on day 2, and told to steal designs I found on google. It completely sucked every bit of creativity and passion out of me. I felt like all the color in my life was gone.

Despite my absolute terror to quit, on the third day, I made the awkward conversation with my boss that the job was not a fit for me. I left the three day journey of the 9-5 big girl job, and started the journey of self employment. It was the hardest journey to start, I was told I should have kept the stable job, I was doubted and looked down upon, at least thats how it felt. But despite it all, I was determined to make it work, I had to.

My whole life changed at that point, I would from then on be my own boss, have freedom, and in turn later on, have a better income than I would at any company. I had to completely pivot my life plans, but because of my open mind and ability to adapt, I was able to dive in head first and make it work. It is never too late to follow your passions or to change your life path.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Good, honest, and quality work; that simple. Obviously, that took time to grow, but I cannot exaggerate enough how important this is. I always thought professionalism would get a designer a good reputation, but for me, it has truly been the honest good work. I never leave a client unhappy, no matter what it takes, I make sure they leave absolutely overjoyed with their designs.

I create authentic and unique designs that speak to my outdoor market. I don’t take advantage of people, I listen to their requests, I genuinely care about them. I always say, once you become my client, you become my friend, because that is just how I work. I care about people and I care about the quality of goods I produce. That has given me a reputation that people and brands want to support.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.raycodesign.com
• Instagram: rayco.design
• Facebook: Rayco Design
• Linkedin: Rachel Jung

Image Credits
Main Photo: Holding iPad smiling – Soul Collaborative Photo 2: Drawing on iPad – Soul Collaborative