We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Rubaie Jaffer a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Rubaie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you?

After college, I entered the graphic design industry, where I encountered the typical post-grad challenges applying for jobs and figuring out which new opportunity would be best for me. The first job I accepted was at an entertainment agency, which I quickly found to be quite challenging. With only one semester of entertainment design experience, I jumped right into projects for major film campaigns, working alongside production companies such as Paramount, 20th Century Fox, Lionsgate, and more.

Most designers here had so much more entertainment experience, which led to an even more intimidating transition and lots of self-doubt. In contrast to my confident and outspoken persona in school, I became more reserved in the workplace, especially when the spotlight was put on me in this new industry. I also struggled adapting to the demanding hours of the entertainment industry, taking a huge toll on my mental health.

I truly contemplated giving up on my design career, but my supportive parents constantly instilled their belief that with determination, I could achieve anything as long as I put my mind to it. They would always remind me that these hurdles I face in my career are lessons that will not only enhance my skills as a designer, but help me grow as person.

Another person that has played a pivotal role in my journey is my college professor, Nick Longo. The demands of the entertainment industry frequently made me feel inadequate and in over my head, but Nick always believed in me during this time. As a professor, he has always made it a point to go above and a beyond in mentorship for his students. His dedication to fostering a sense of community within the design world, encouraging self-expression in our work, and offering unwavering support has been so impactful in my career. Personally, he has provided me with invaluable career advice, introduced me to designers I’ve looked up to throughout my career, and shown me the supportive design community that is often hard to find in our industry. Regardless of how much time has passed since my days as his student, he remains a reliable lifelong mentor I can always turn to for guidance and reassurance. Without him, I don’t think I would be a designer today.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am a Los Angeles based Graphic Designer and Illustrator, with a little over five years of experience working at digital agencies and independently as a freelancer.

I am currently a full-time graphic designer (working remotely) for Jan Marini Skin Research, a skin care company based out of San Jose California. I work in our in-house marketing and design team to help contribute with the brand expansion, creation of marketing and social collateral, product packaging, and much more.

Outside of my full-time job, I dedicate my time to freelancing, focusing on collaborative projects with fellow creatives and assisting small businesses in enhancing their brand identity.

I have a genuine passion for collaborating with fellow creatives, particularly musicians, and take pleasure in bringing someone’s vision to life. This includes creating album/single artwork, designing apparel and merchandise, developing personal branding, crafting graphics for music videos, and more. Recently, I’ve also ventured into photography, capturing live performances, social content for brands, and product imagery for local small businesses.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of my role as an artist and creative is the opportunity to blend my personal interests and experiences into the work I create, all while helping bring a client’s vision to life. As a designer, it’s crucial to learn how to separate oneself from their work when receiving critiques, but freelancing on the side offers the chance to select projects that align with my personal interests which makes projects feel less like work and more enjoyable.

Being a creative professional entails a constant need to expand your knowledge and seek inspiration, which motivates me to explore and experience what the world has to offer. These experiences have brought me lasting friendships with clients, who I have been able to collaborate with and help bring their visions to life over the years. This journey not only allows me to expand my horizons on a personal level, but also grants me the privilege of breathing life into someone else’s vision, all while learning and enjoying the creative process.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Pinning down a single goal or mission for my creative journey is quite the challenge because my career vision keeps shifting. Some days, I’m all about aiming to be a Creative Director at a top record label. Other days, I lean toward leading a design team for a cool cosmetic or fashion brand. And hey, there are times I even daydream about starting my own design agency. Creative fields are a rollercoaster, always changing with the times, making it tough to nail down exactly what I want. In the end, what I really want is to keep growing and give it my all. I know one day I’ll find out my exact goal in the creative world, but for now, I’m taking it one day at a time and making sure I enjoy the ride every step of the way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/rubaiejaffer
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rubaiejaffer/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rubaiejaffer/