We recently connected with Jessica Aldridge and have shared our conversation below.
Jessica, so happy to have you with us today. You are such a creative person, but have you ever head any sort of creativity block along the way? If so, can you talk to us about how you overcame or beat it?
Something that helps me when I am experiencing a creative block is not focusing on the work that has been assigned and taking a moment to design whatever I like. I go into my software and just make things that I enjoy until I’m back in my “flow” and I have found that to be the most helpful when trying to come out of a block.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am a freelance graphic designer, I have been in design for 3 years. I have worked with corporate clients and small businesses primarily. Last year I completed a 6 month contract for Global Payments My specialty is websites and all things small business.
I am also the founder of a non-profit in Columbus, GA. It’s called Black Businesses United, we are a group of minority entrepreneurs who help the community and each other through the struggles and highlights of entrepreneurship.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
I think the 3 most impactful skills have been my communication skills, my sales skills, and the ability to be personable. For example, people don’t purchase a product or service as much as they purchase from a person, if a big brand uses a friendly likable face to advertise their product they will likely get more sales.
The same applies here for my small business, being personable makes people want to utilize my services so I use that skill as an asset. Sales skills are important as an entrepreneur so you know how to sell value to your clients without seeming desperate. And communication is key! I am big on speaking with each client throughout their whole design process with me.
The best way to develop or improve these skills is through learning and executing. Read books, watch YouTube videos on it, tune in on clubhouse and then take whatever you learn and apply it.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
Honestly first things first… I cry! Then after about 60 seconds of tears I figure it out. When I’m truly overwhelmed I take a step back from my computer or whatever work I have and I take a walk or go to the gym, some days I will just take a nap. But I don’t let the feeling stay because then it turns into dread and self-sabotage. I never dwell in negativity, even when overwhelmed. My advice is do whatever you need to calm down, take a moment, and pace yourself. Every problem has a solution.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: instagram.com/technicallyjess
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jess-aldridge
