We recently connected with Joshua Lipka and have shared our conversation below.
Joshua, thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with us today. We’re excited to dive into your story and your work, but first let’s start with a broader topic that might be stopping many of our readers from pursuing their dreams – haters, nay-sayers, etc. How have you managed to persist despite haters and nay-sayers that inevitably follow folks who are doing something unique, special or off the beaten path?
“You will never be criticized by someone doing more than you.”
I have lived by this quote, which has been my guiding light in times of self-doubt and darkness. As a graphic designer, I’m constantly creating, designing, trying new ideas, developing new concepts, and developing merchandise. Back in 2016, I had a t-shirt design go viral within the LGBTQ community, and it opened me up to so much backlash and negativity online. I shut it down and stopped my success.
People in my community told me my design was a “knockoff of someone else’s work” and “How dare you use a silhouette of a bear.” Newsflash: I’m a gay bear—mamma bear, if you will—so yes, I can use a bear to outline my art. I had hundreds of people bashing my design, and I went into social media shut-down mode.
But being the woo-woo-crystal-witchy bear I am, I was doing a guided meditation when this quote showed up on my screen. I just happened to open my eyes during my meditation to see it and screenshot it. It reminded me that only I can get in my own way—no one else. So why did I let some internet trolls ruin my success?
Well, I packed up my belongings in Phoenix, AZ, and moved to Seattle, WA, to start fresh and get back in the saddle. I’ve seen a few successes since then and fallen down a few times, but this quote is always here to remind me to get back up again. Even after losing my full-time job back in 2020, I jumped into creating my own design agency, and I’ve been doing it since then!
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I create brand identities + websites that people root for and help LGBTQ+ brands thrive.
I’m launching a new Design Agency that caters mainly to LGBTQ Entrepreneurs, Startups, and Nonprofits in the coming months, with a goal of January 2025. This new agency will also have an academy where I will teach other new Designers how to develop visual brands and web design INCLUSIVELY.
In the meantime, www.joshualipka.com is still up and running and available for free consultation for your design needs!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Trust your gut – it will never let you down.
Never stop learning and leveling up yourself and your skills.
Find a mentor/business coach/best friend who is aligned with your values and lean in.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
Made by James: The Honest Guide to Creativity and Logo Design
James believes in not gate-keeping knowledge, and his no-nonsense approach to design and the business of design is relatable, easy to understand, and connect with.
DESIGN YOUR OWN WAY! There is no one way to do something, just do it, learn from it, adjust, carry on!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://joshualipka.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gafdesignco
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-lipka-design/
Image Credits
Joshua Lipka Design
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
