Today we’d like to introduce you to Jadarien Sanders.
Jadarien, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’ve always been interested in computers at an early age. I got my start in design in middle school nearly 17 years ago designing brochures and greeting cards in Microsoft Publisher. Wanting to hone my new found interest in design, in addition to working with the yearbook committee, I begin creating church programs and graduation invitations. My junior and senior years of high school, I worked alongside my classmates designing the yearbook. After being introduced to Adobe Creative Suite, I really allowed my imagination and creativity to flow. I started designing all kind of things as I worked to sharpen my skill set. While attending Morehouse College, I launched J. Designs – Branding, Graphic & Web Design Firm. My skillset coupled with my business acumen afforded me both present & past opportunities to brand, market, and manage websites for several ministries, churches, and influential leaders. Just to name a few, some of my clientele included: Judge Glenda Hatchett (TV’s Judge Hatchett 2000 – 2008; The Verdict with Judge Hatchett 2016 – present); VaShawn Mitchell (national recording & award winning Gospel Artist & Worship Leader); Bishop William Murphy, III (Pastor & national recording & award winning Gospel Artist); Alfred Street Baptist Church (Alexandria, VA); Marcus Harvey (Co-Owner The Musa Lair & Ghost Brothers 2017-present) and several other entities.
Upon graduating college, I worked full-time as a Program Administrator for DeKalb County Superior & Juvenile court. In the evenings, I would burn the midnight oil while growing my design company. Amid the demands of my day job & dedication to my business in the evenings, I married the love of my life, Charmaine Sanders. More now than ever, I was determined to sharpen my skillset, and strategically engage in growing my business portfolio. In time, my clientele picked up. J Designs started doing very well. I knew that if I wanted to continue growing my business, that I would have to make some faith-filled decisions. The idea of leaving security to chase a dream really forced me to confront my reality. At the time, I had my wife and two boys to care for, and I did not want to create financial hardships for my family. In spite of my then prevailing reservations, my wife was extremely supportive and encouraged me to take the leap. And that is just what I did! So because of the growing success and demand for J. Designs’ products and services, I took a leap of faith and went into full-time employment as Creative Director & CEO of J. Designs on April 4, 2016.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
With any new adventure or business endeavor, at some point, there is going to be an unavoidable level of challenge. My time management is an area of struggle I have intentionally strengthened. Over the years, I have had to learn how to balance being the creative while also managing the business. I focused on putting together processes, contracts, policy & procedures to better present my services and meet the demands of my clients.
Another challenge has been balancing life as a husband, father of three boys (Cameron – 4yo, Carter – 3yo & Chandler – 1yo), and one daughter on the way! (Yeah, I know, we clearly believed in being fruitful and multiplying – but this is it! LOL!) Knowing when to put the computer away and spend quality time with my family has been essential to the success of my family life. While my clients are my most precious asset, I have to remember that I have a responsibility to be an exceptional husband and father to my children.
Consequently, I have set healthy boundaries to ensure my family gets quality time and attention. Balancing being a creative, brother, friend, son and so much more, also can present challenges & struggles…because it means I cannot be present for everything. As much as I desire to be supportive, I’ve had to learn that it is okay to in seasons to prioritize my responsibility as a business owner over an event. Another thing I’ve learned is that community is essential to my success. Having a supportive wife, family and a network of other designers & entrepreneurs have been quintessential in helping me navigate seasons and spaces when struggle of balance seem to prevail.
J. Designs – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
J. Designs offers web design, logos, branding, CD packaging, apparel, book covers, banners, and many other products & services. Not only do we design but we provide consultations for business development & marketing strategies.
At J.Designs, our mantra is “less is more.” This does not imply that design is lacking detail or originality. Rather, it speaks to the focus area of the client’s brand and our deliberate pursuit in ensuring the client’s brand stands out. We accomplish this by using bold, colorful, and eye-catching custom designs with each clients wants and needs in mind. Our desire to enhance and maintain the integrity of our client’s brands.
J. Designs understands there are thousands of other graphics & web design firms. We know that competition is looming and that the market may appear oversaturated. But, we believe that our exceptional customer service, ability to meet and exceed clients wants and needs, the quality of our services products and lines, and ultimately the production of designs keep our clients happy. We not only give our clients what they desire, but we educate them by exposing them to elements in the creative process that helps them produce their one of a kind design
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success is finding joy in what you do. It is the satisfaction that comes from setting and achieving goals. It is learning from failure along the journey and bouncing back. Success is a journey that requires consistency coupled with persistency. I believe that success is not defined by your financial status or social status, but it can definitely be a byproduct of living a successful life.
Pricing:
- Logo Development ($500+)
- Web Development ($1,000-7,000+)
- Book Cover ($250+)
- Album Artwork ($300+)
- Promo Flyers ($150+)
- Branding & Marketing Consultations ($100/hr)
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jdesignsonline.com
- Phone: 404-919-9475
- Email: info@jdesignsonline.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/jdesignsonline
- Facebook: facebook.com/jdesignsonline
Image Credit:
Digital by Dash, Mel B. Elder, Jr.
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
