Conversations with Justus Keaton

Today we’d like to introduce you to Justus Keaton.

Hi Justus, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in Atlanta, GA. I started graphic designing at the age of 10. This was a time when it was rare for every household to have a laptop. We had a finicky old Toshiba that had to stay plugged in at all times to stay on. Even so, I was fortunate to have one in my house that allowed me to begin my design career. I remember sitting on the couch for HOURS, just making things, calendars, flyers, greeting cards you name it. I considered myself the queen of Microsoft Publisher, lol. Still to this day, I look back and think my work was quite advanced for such a limited software. Throughout the rest of my primary school years, I took on school projects and responsibilities that allowed me to make designs.

It was until late in my high school years did I learn about industry-standard software like Adobe Illustrator. Growing up, I’d always told myself I’d major or minor in graphic design, but by the time, I’d graduated and went off to college I had a new dream: to be a showrunner. I abandoned my graphic design pursuit and became a Business & Film major at the University of Southern California.

I enjoyed my time in Marshall School of Business and the School of Cinematic Arts. I learned a lot of skills and lessons that have been integral in launching my design business. But living in LA and pursuing Hollywood has a way of teaching you exactly what you’re cut out for and what you’re not. After a year and a half and a mild pre-life crisis, I decided to change my major. It was a hard decision but I often reference it as the second best decision I ever made (the 1st being going to USC).

In a way, majoring in Design was like coming full circle. I learned so much more than I thought possible. I’ve done typography, UI/UX, web design, woodworking, Comic book design and more. And after graduating in December 2021 I’m proud to say my passion for design has only gotten stronger.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely has not been smooth. Entrepreneurship and design are ever-changing industries and learning experiences. It has been a process not only developing  the business and brand but also establishing it as a legal entity. My biggest struggle has been trying to streamline the administrative component of the business. Creating the administration for a business can be tedious. There are so many steps and they operate as building blocks. From EINs to LLCs to Permits. There are a lot of behind the scenes tasks and paperwork

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Our company offers design services such as Web Design, Instruction Design (ID), Branding & Marketing, Design Course(s)  Graphic Design and Visual Resumes. We love working with small businesses. Our business model sets us apart from others. Because I we work with small businesses, we are more flexible with how we partner with others.

Take our Instructional Design services for example. E-learning is the future, and we encourage all businesses to tap into that market. Our Instructional Design service is unique because we have a deposit and royalty payment model. We understand that $10,000+ is an astronomical investment for some businesses. However, that is the low side of Instructional Design fees. We think of our ID services as investments and our clients as partners. We take a small deposit and deliver an E-learning experience, then we’re paid royalties on the course sales.

Because of this model we are extremely selective of our partners and only take a limited amount of ID contracts per year.

What makes you happy?
My one-year-old, Shiba Inu puppy, Kaiyah, makes me happy. She’s a menace, but I love her.

Pricing:

• $500+

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jkeatondesigns.godaddysites.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designedby_justus/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCT-D56vbdBDttvGaQfSkJ4g/videos
• Other: https://jkdesignacademy.thinkific.com/pages/coming_soon