May 28, 2013

Jen Clark, Jen Clark Design

Creative | North Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia

At a Glance

Jen owns Jen Clark Design a branding, graphic and web design studio established in 2011.

Bio The path that led her to this point

After leaving secondary school, I attempted both Architecture and Arts degrees before being offered a communications role with a local council towards the end of second year and ultimately deciding to defer uni.

It turned out to be the best decision I ever made as, despite being a pretty conservative environment, it really fuelled a passion I already had for design and the creative arts!

18 years later, I've worked as a Graphic Designer, Design Manager and Creative Director for a diversity of employers, and am pleased to say recently completed a Grad.Dip in Graphic Design with Distinction at RMIT.

In 2005, having done a four year stint in the corporate world, I made the decision to publish a book, 'Designation: Success through the eyes of fifty Australian Creatives', which led to the establishment of my first successful business, Ripe Off The Press.

In partnership with a very talented Marketing and SEO Manager (and also coincidentally one of my best friends!) Libby Rule, ROTP was in existence for five years, and over that time earned many feathers in its cap, including the successful publication of over 11 books, several Australian Web Design Awards and the privilege of being named a finalist in the 2008 Telstra Business Awards.

In 2009 however, after a reasonable amount of deliberation and soul searching, Lib and I mutually decided to wind up ROTP and pursue other personal, creative and professional endeavours that had previously gone on the backburner.

It was an extremely tough decision, but I am pleased to say we left while the business was flying high, and were able to handover many of our valued clients to a very skilled and reliable freelancer.

Flash forward to 2011 and having spent another two years back in the world of the full time employed, my love of small business was once again ignited and my current business, Jen Clark Design, was born.

Initially based at home, I started off with less than five clients and two years later, now have over 100 clients on my books from all manner of industry sectors.

After relocating in October 2012, I currently work from a huge, lofty warehouse in Northcote, right by Merri Creek and an easy 20 minute walk from my apartment, which I am fortunate to share with a group of like-minded, creative business owners.

The future for JCD is looking bright!

Q&A Insider advice & tips

What's been your greatest achievement to date?

Being named a Finalist in the 2008 Telstra Business Awards was undoubtedly pretty special, but I'd have to say my greatest achievement to date has been developing a real sense of confidence in my own decision making and creative capabilities - because this takes real persistence, time and effort.

What's been your biggest challenge so far?

Definitely knowing how to effectively manage the administrative side of running a business. This includes knowing how to protect your own interests, especially relating to matters such as intellectual property and copyright etc, communicating regularly and effectively with clients, managing time and ensuring you are adequately compensated for the work you do.

Because design is such an open-ended term and doesn't really have an easily definable monetary value, it can sometimes prove challenging to educate clients about how worthwhile investing in good design can be.

I am absolutely convinced that design is one of the major factors that contributes to a business or organisation's success and, by implication, longevity. Just take a look at some of the world's most successful businesses - IKEA, Apple, Coca-Cola, Virgin etc - and you'll clearly see the integral role that design plays.

Getting those who haven't been exposed to design to believe this and come on board can be very difficult, but once they do and can see tangible results and an impact on their own bottom line, there really is nothing more rewarding.

Best lesson you've learned along the way?

To stress less and accept that business is a rollercoaster ride!

I tend to take on board (and take home) a lot of the day to day stress of running a business, but over the years I've learned that no matter how hard you work or how many hours you put in, or how nice you are to clients or try to please, you simply cannot please all of the people all of the time! And you also have to be kind to yourself.

You will have highs and lows and days where everything seems to happen / days where nothing much at all seems to happen, but that's all part of the package. You've just got to take it in your stride and learn to expect the unexpected.

A website, book or resource that has helped you in your business or inspired you and why?

I have consulted so many books and websites and other resources over the years it's an almost impossible task to cull them down!

Flying Solo is a fantastic online resource for small, 1-2 person businesses, with loads of useful, real-life stories, forums and information.

The Small Business, Big Marketing podcast is really good and, despite occasionally being a bit cheesy, offers some really fantastic insights into how to market a new or existing small business effectively. I used to combine a daily walk with listening to this podcast on my iPod!

For all things creative, you can't really go past The Design Files, which also allows me to indulge my love of interior design, furniture and architecture.

I also love Grain Edit, Under Consideration, Site Inspire and Branding Served for all things branding, graphic design and web/digital design related.

Which person or brand do you most admire and why?

As much as I admire any person courageous and bold enough to attempt to set up their own business or establish their own brand, I do hold those who are able to combine this with a venture that has a strong social, environmental or cultural purpose in particularly high esteem.

People like Rick Chen and Alan Crabbe, founders of crowdfunding platform Pozible and Rebecca Scott and Kate Barrelle, founders of social enterprise Streat are really inspiring.

Coincidentally, you'll also notice design is an absolutely pivotal part of each of these businesses!

What advice would you give someone starting an independent business in your industry?

Be tenacious, clearly know what you want to achieve and why, educate yourself as much as possible, be receptive to advice, don't be afraid to admit mistakes, pat yourself on the back when you've done something good or well, learn from those who have come before you and play to your strengths.

Be creative and passionate about what you do. Make time to work on your business as well as 'in' it. Remember to have a life outside of work. Have a social and environmental conscience.

The moment you stop enjoying working for yourself and it becomes way too stressful or onerous is most likely the moment you should look at doing something else.