Meet Jade Harper

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jade Harper. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jade, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?

My confidence as both a designer and an individual has grown through a lot of trial and error and learning to be comfortable in my own skin. I wouldn’t be as confident as I am today if I hadn’t made mistakes along the way. Design wise whether you’re self-taught or have a formal education, the longer you design, the more you’ll learn. And as you learn more, you’ll naturally build confidence in your design work and in how you communicate with clients or future clients.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

My journey in graphic design began as a student at Prairie View A&M University, where I pursued a degree in Digital Media Arts with a minor in Marketing and Entrepreneurship. Upon completing my studies, I ventured to Atlanta, GA, where I joined a company as a Production Artist. A few months into my Atlanta journey, I took the leap of faith to establish Jade Monya Design Services LLC., extending my creative talents beyond the confines of my day job. Balancing both roles, I continued to serve existing clients while actively pursuing new projects each month. Being a freelance graphic designer brings a unique joy, especially when you’re part of your client’s business journey. Helping to create their dream look and seeing their ideas come to life is incredibly rewarding. Additionally, I embarked on the PV Merch Collection venture, crafting accessories and merchandise that paid homage to my Alma Mater, Prairie View A&M University. The items include croc charms, keychains, glass cups, lanyards, t-shirts, patches, and more.The upcoming launches feature one of my favorite items, we have PVAMU shoulder purse straps, perfect for customizing clear bags for stadium games.

Additionally, I’m expanding my graphic design services to include Shopify website designs, alongside existing offerings on Wix, Canva, and Squarespace. I also provide print materials such as pull-up banners, posters, door hangers, and the newest addition: tri-fold brochures.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Be Open to Critique and Criticism: In design, it’s essential to not take feedback personally. Everyone has a different perspective, and not everyone will see your vision. Be open to hearing their viewpoints and consider how you can make compromises without sacrificing the integrity of the design.

Embrace Learning New Things: Design software is constantly evolving, with new tools and elements being introduced regularly. Stay ready and willing to learn new techniques and skills to enhance your design capabilities continuously.

Master the Art of Communication: Gaining clients often hinges on how you communicate. Treat everyone with respect and make meaningful connections. You never know if you’re meeting a potential long-term client or someone who can refer you to many others. Always present yourself in a welcoming and inviting manner.

How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?

One of my biggest challenges is learning patience. As a designer and small business owner, I manage a lot and often have to wait on others to make final decisions before I can proceed. It’s important to remember that people see things differently and can’t always make design decisions quickly, especially when those decisions are foundational to their business.

Additionally, managing merchandise involves waiting on production, shipping items, and university decisions. Patience in these situations can be tough, but it’s crucial for maintaining smooth operations and delivering quality work.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Tyrese Green, Photos By Oso
Samantha Paige

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