Today we’d like to introduce you to Pierre Jennings.
Hi Pierre, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve had the creative gene for as long as I can remember.
Not just in skill, but in how I think and see the world. I grew up in Nashville, Tennessee, and my mom loves telling the story of how she would hand me blank sheets of paper and watch me draw for hours, usually my favorite cartoon characters. What started as Looney Tunes drawings turned into my intricate, more detailed drawings of anime characters from Dragon Ball Z. My Aunt Jeanette, aka Auntie Muff, who first introduced me to art, tells the same stories. Creativity was always part of me.
That love for art followed me through my childhood and eventually led me to attend Nashville School of the Arts for high school. Those years were huge for me. I learned about art history, painting, mixed media, and how to really develop my technique.
By the time graduation came around, I had a high GPA and big dreams. I applied to the Savannah College of Art and Design, and barely got in because of finances. But I got in. And let me say, SCAD was awesome. Maybe a little too awesome, honestly. It was my first time away from home, surrounded by creativity, freedom, and new experiences. I loved the classes and the environment, but I also had a little too much fun, and my grades took a hit. After some honest reflection, I realized I needed to come back home and refocus.
So I returned to Nashville and enrolled at Tennessee State University, planning to study architecture. I was drawn to the idea of designing buildings and bringing big visions to life. But I quickly discovered something important about myself—I loved the creative side of architecture way more than the math behind it.
And that left me stuck.
Here I was, years invested in a dream, suddenly unsure of what direction to go next. Like I’ve done many times in life, I turned to family. I went to see my Auntie Muff—my personal oracle of all things creative. She encouraged me to look into the graphic design program at TSU.
That advice changed everything.
The moment I got into the department, I felt like I had found my tribe. Learning the basics of Adobe programs was exciting, and everything just clicked. Design combined the creativity I loved with real-world problem-solving. From that point on, the rest has been history in the making.
As my skills grew, so did my curiosity about the business side of creativity. I started taking on small freelance projects—logos for friends, flyers for local businesses, design work for anyone who needed help. Those small projects eventually grew into what is now PJJ Designs, my creative brand and design consultant studio.
Through PJJ Designs, I’ve consulted and worked with entrepreneurs, organizations, and brands across industries—helping them turn ideas into visual stories. From branding and web design to photography, videography, and digital marketing, I’ve learned how powerful good design can be when it’s done with purpose.
Every project has taught me something new:
-How to really listen to a client’s vision
-How to translate ideas into strong visuals
-How to balance creativity with strategy
-How to communicate through design
What started as “side work” slowly became a major part of my professional journey. So whether it’s designing the brand logo for Ginger Yums, flyers for Howard University, social media graphics for Orange, or a logo for a healthcare group, I’ve had the opportunity to support major brands, collaborate on meaningful campaigns, and help businesses present themselves to the world in a way they can be proud of.
Looking back, my journey hasn’t been a straight line at all. It’s been full of pivots, lessons, and moments where I had to figure things out as I went. But every step—from those childhood drawings in Nashville to building PJJ Designs—has shaped who I am today as a designer and creative professional.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not at all—it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road.
From the outside, creative journeys can look like a straight path, but mine has been full of twists, doubts, and moments where I had to rethink my direction completely. Growing up in a single-parent home meant my brother, Kevin, and I didn’t always have the resources or advantages that others did. I was blessed with a hardworking mother and a strong support system, but there were still financial and personal challenges that made pursuing art feel uncertain at times.
One of my struggles came when I was accepted into the Savannah College of Art and Design. Getting in was a dream, but affording it was a whole different story. Even after making it there, I had to adjust to being away from home for the first time. I loved the creative environment—maybe a little too much—and balancing freedom with responsibility became a harsh lesson. Eventually, I had to make the difficult decision to leave and come home to reset.
That period felt like a setback at the time, but looking back, it was a critical turning point.
Another significant struggle was figuring out what direction I truly wanted to go into next. I spent years thinking I wanted to be an architect, only to realize I loved the creative vision more than the technical side. As I stated earlier, challenges of high-level mathematics are real. Coming to that realization left me feeling stuck and unsure of myself. I had invested so much time chasing one dream that I didn’t know what the next move should be.
Likewise, none of my SCAD credits transferred, so attending Tennessee State University was basically like starting over from scratch. Learning this was devastating at the time. It was humbling to admit I needed to pivot.
Finding graphic design at Tennessee State University was a breakthrough, but even then, the road wasn’t easy. Building my skills, learning new software, and figuring out how to turn creativity into a real career took time and patience. When I started freelancing to develop my skills and earn some cash, there were plenty of late nights, small budgets, and projects that didn’t go as planned. Loop this in with no design job offers after graduation and no place to go, my stress levels were high to say the least.
And yes, I mean no place to go. My mom had left to tend to my grandmother with Alzheimer’s. After graduation, you have to move out the same weekend. I literally sat on my luggage outside of my campus apartment thinking, “Wow, all this hard work to be practically homeless”. I called my best friend, Anthony Moore, hoping he would pray with me, and he did. Then he went above and beyond. He called his mom, whom I proclaim as my second mother, and she let me move in. When I say I love these two, I mean it.
I took jobs to keep moving forward and pay bills. One job included an assistant position at a staffing company, which helped me get my first place. But I couldn’t abandon my creative dreams.
When I moved to Atlanta, it was more of the same—doing jobs to keep the lights on while PJJ Designs was a side thing. The difference was that I was able to obtain actual design employment when I moved here. These roles helped keep my skills sharp, build new skills, and provided a training ground for developing project management skills, working with stakeholders, and understanding corporate structures up close.
Growing PJJ Designs from side projects into a real design studio was its own challenge—learning how to manage clients, balance creativity with business, and believe in the value of my own work. Every new opportunity came with a learning curve.
But those struggles shaped me.
They taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of staying committed even when the path isn’t clear. Still, I wasted none of the bumps in the road—they all pushed me to grow into the designer and entrepreneur I am today.
So no, it hasn’t been smooth. But it’s been worth every step.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At my core, I’m a visual storyteller and creative problem solver. Being a dreamer and having accomplished many of them, I confidently believe that nothing is impossible. I aim to inspire this in those I meet and work with.
Through PJJ Designs, I specialize in helping brands, entrepreneurs, and businesses alike bring their ideas to life through thoughtful, purpose-driven design. My work spans multiple areas—branding, graphic design, web design, photography, videography, and digital marketing. Whether I’m creating a new logo, building a website, or developing a complete visual identity, my focus is always the same: helping clients communicate who they are in a way that connects with real people.
What I’m most known for is my ability to translate vision into visuals.
Many of the clients I work with come to me with big ideas but aren’t quite sure how to express them. I’ve learned over the years that good design starts with listening. Every project I take on is built around understanding a client’s story, their goals, and their audience first—then using creativity to bring it all together.
Some of the work I’ve had the privilege to do includes designing the brand logo for Ginger Yums, creating marketing materials for Howard University initiatives, developing social media graphics for Orange, and building visual identities for healthcare groups and small businesses. Each project is different, but they all have one thing in common: helping organizations present themselves to the world in a professional, authentic, and impactful way.
For example, when I met Ginger Yums, they were a vendor invited attend “The Culture Festival”. A festival I had assisted a friend in developing. I even created the logo for it. While there, I sampled some of their product and instantly understood why they should be the number 1 natural juice brand in Georgia. Their brand design needed to match their product. I expressed this vision to them on the spot, and the rest is history. I was able to redesign their branding and create branding for other ventures they branched into, such as their Tea Room. Or when I made a logo for my brother’s travel DJ company, “The Hype Men,” by far the best reaction I’ve ever received from a logo creation.
What I’m most proud of is how far PJJ Designs has come.
What started as small freelance projects—logos for friends, flyers for local businesses, random design requests—slowly grew into a genuine creative brand and studio. My brother, Kevin, always told me I could accomplish anything I imagined if I stayed with it and focused. Seeing something that began as “side work” turn into meaningful partnerships and long-term client relationships has been incredibly rewarding. I’m proud to have built a career doing what I love while helping others realize their own dreams.
I’m also proud of the trust my clients place in me. Design can be very personal, and knowing people feel confident putting their brand in my hands means a lot.
As for what sets me apart, I think it’s a combination of creativity, empathy, and versatility.
I don’t just focus on making things look good—I focus on making them work. My background in fine art, mixed media, photography, and digital design allows me to approach projects from multiple angles. But just as important is the way I work with people. I genuinely care about my clients’ success, and I try to bring patience, collaboration, and genuine partnership to every project.
Over the years, my work has taught me some key lessons that guide everything I do:
-Really listen before you design
-Understand the “why” behind every project
-Balance creativity with strategy
-Communicate clearly and honestly
Those principles have shaped the way I approach my craft and my business.
At the end of the day, what I do is simple: I help ideas look as good as they feel. And I’m grateful every day that I get to do that for a living.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I think the most essential quality for success in this field is **curiosity**.
Design is constantly evolving—new tools, new platforms, new trends—so you have to want to learn and grow genuinely. The moment you think you know everything is the moment you start falling behind. Staying curious has allowed me to keep developing my skills, whether that’s learning new software, experimenting with different styles, or exploring new creative directions.
Another major quality is **adaptability**.
My own journey hasn’t been a straight line. I started out thinking I wanted to be an architect, then pivoted into graphic design, and eventually built PJJ Designs through freelance work. Being willing to change direction, reassess your goals, and pivot when something isn’t working is critical—especially in a creative career.
**Resilience** is also tremendous.
There will be rejection, slow seasons, demanding clients, creative blocks, and moments of self-doubt. Growing up with limited resources taught me early on how to keep going even when things aren’t easy. Every challenge I’ve faced—financial struggles, career uncertainty, building a business from scratch—has required patience and persistence.
I’d also say **strong communication and empathy** are essential.
Design isn’t just about visuals—it’s about people. You have to know how to listen, understand a client’s vision, and communicate ideas clearly. Some of the best work I’ve done came from taking the time to truly understand what someone is trying to say and translating that into design.
Community is also important. A community of like-minded creatives, encouraging and supportive friends, and people who can serve as a place of peace to rest your mind. A community of people who believe in you. Mentors are on this list as well. The elements of these individuals can help shape you and provide wisdom to avoid pitfalls and learn from hearing rather than experience.
Finally, **discipline and consistency** separate hobbyists from professionals.
Talent alone isn’t enough. You have to show up, meet deadlines, refine your craft, and treat your creativity like a real business. Building PJJ Designs taught me that success comes from doing the work—even on the days you don’t feel inspired. Remember, undersell and overdeliver!
If I had to sum it up, the key qualities for success are:
* Curiosity
* Adaptability
* Resilience
* Strong communication
* Discipline and consistency
Those traits have carried me through every stage of my journey—from childhood sketches to building a creative consultant studio—and they continue to shape how I grow as a designer and entrepreneur today.
Pricing:
- Logo design only: Freelancers often charge $300 – $2,500+ for a custom professional logo. While, and agency or studio may charge $5,000 – $25,000+ depending on strategy and deliverables.
- Full branding packages: These may cost anyway between 5,000 to 100,000 depending on the deliverable and the size of your businessany
- Website designs may cost from 10K to 3k. Possible even less if its just a landing page.
- Social Media Graphics may cost from 50 to 500 per asset pending the style, animation, etc.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pjjdesigns.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pjjdesigns/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pierre-jennings
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/designerlife86/
