Today we’d like to introduce you to Janell Baldwin.
Hi Janell, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I graduated from The University of Kansas with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Design in 2011 and have been freelancing ever since. Two weeks after college graduation, I married my husband, Brian. He was an active-duty F-18 pilot in the Marine Corps and his career moved us to San Diego shortly after we got married. In 2013, while my husband’s squadron was on deployment, I connected with a fellow squadron spouse, Erin Schurtz.
She started a prenatal supplement company called Mommi and hired me to help her with online marketing, print deliverables, photo edits, and package design. It was Erin and her web of connections that catapulted my business to where it is today. One of the great contacts I made was Peter Callister, who has also been instrumental in helping grow my business. Most of my clients are from referrals, so that is why a large portion of them are in the Salt Lake City area. Referrals are the highest form of compliment, so that is why I am thankful when clients share my information.
I have lived all over the world, including Kansas, South Texas, San Diego, Okinawa, Japan, San Francisco, and Hong Kong, and I am currently in Memphis, Tennessee. No matter where I live or where I am traveling, I always have my laptop with me so I can meet the needs of my clients in short order. My clients won’t notice when I am on the road because nothing will change on their end. I always make sure to keep up with their requests, no matter my physical location.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Early in my career, I did a large project for a gentleman in San Diego and was unable to collect my compensation. I am thankful for this experience because it taught me to create a structured pay system requiring a 50% deposit before working with a new client. As is true with any business, there are small hurdles, but I sure am grateful to be in a field that I really love.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I design it all! I love designing logos and improving a business’ brand. I love real estate and I enjoy working with my real estate clients on their brochures, mailers, and signage. I also really enjoy packaging and label design. Designing wedding invites, menus, signage, etc. is always fun. The bulk of my work usually entails making one-pagers, deck presentations, flyers, banners, and ads for social media. I honestly enjoy it all.
The thing that set me apart from others is my honesty and being as transparent as possible. I treat people how I want to be treated and that has worked well for my business. If I wouldn’t personally pay for something to be created, I am not going to charge my clients for it. My goal is to always treat my clients like they are a priority and offer quick turnaround times.
I work quickly and efficiently. We live in a fast-paced world and if someone needs something from me, no matter if it’s on a weekend or at an odd hour, I am going to do everything I can to make it work. I am proud of my work, and I am so thankful for my repeat clients. The fact that someone chooses to work with me and continues to love my designs makes my heart happy.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I am thankful to Erin Schurtz for inviting me into her circle of friends and continued business over the past decade. Additionally, Peter Callister opened so many doors for me with his many contacts and referrals. His endorsement of my work means so much to me. I am more than grateful to the many friends and clients that have recommended me to others over the years.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.behance.net/janell
- Instagram: @janellbaldwindesign
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/janellmbaldwin
Image Credits
Anson @aw.007, Bow and Arrow Studio (@mariaejohns), Benjamin Edwards (@benjaminedwards), Natalie Barrett (@nbarrettphoto), and @samhardyportraits
