We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jean Picou a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Jean, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
The short answer is, I haven’t. What I’ve learned to do is to step out of that mindset quicker and not linger there too long. Imposter syndrome still likes to pop in, uninvited; it’s stubborn that way. But what helps is reminding myself that I have a place in this creative game. There is a strange comfort in knowing that I’m not alone in that feeling and that pretty much all creatives wrestle with this issue. We are often the only ones who truly understand where we’re coming from with how we approach work and life. So it’s ok to take a minute, but then get back to it.
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?
Hi, my name is Jean, and I’m a Navy Brat. Born in Spain, where I lived for a few years before moving to Italy for a few more years. Uncle Sam (and my Mom) decided it was time to live in the States, so in the early 80s, I moved to Virginia Beach and attended Princess Anne High School. Thanks to the guidance of a great art teacher, after graduation, I headed north to Baltimore, where I attended The Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA). I received my BFA in Visual Communication and began a career in Advertising and Graphic Design. I worked as a Designer and Art Director for several mid to large-sized agencies where my creative responsibilities included advertising campaigns, logo and package design, as well as some television and radio production. In 2003, after 12 years in Baltimore, I moved to St. Croix, the largest of the three U.S. Virgin Islands, where I started 620 Design, a solo-run creative studio based out of my condo. My client list ranged from government, hospitality, and construction, to non-profits, politics, and the shipping industry.
My dream life in the Caribbean came to an end in 2017 when I moved back to Virginia Beach. Along with a lot of great memories, I left the Caribbean with a wealth of knowledge from running my own business for 14 years. Back in the States, after so many years, I found it necessary to readjust. Not only my mindset and my wardrobe, but my work as well. I feel that is what good designers do best…we adapt. Things are always changing, and we need to be ready by being open to inspiration wherever we can find it. It helps that most of us have an innate sense of discovery. Constantly asking, “How can I solve that problem”? And how can I do it in the most creative way possible?
Art school definitely helped me to evolve into a well-rounded artist. I try to keep the creative juice flowing through a mix of abstract art, painting, collage, photography, and writing. Each of these provides a way to stay creative and step out of (or into) my comfort zone whenever necessary. My abstract pieces keep me loose. I love using recycled materials where I can to add an extra layer of meaning to the work. Photography has been a passion of mine since college, even though I never pursued it professionally, it’s stuck with me. My work will occasionally find its way into a photography exhibit. And then there’s writing, extremely freeing and the ultimate escape. Being able to create a world from scratch is a blast.
When I’m not working, I’m spending as much time as possible with my 15-year-old daughter Sophie. Born on St. Croix, she is my Caribbean gem and my biggest fan! I make sure whatever I do, it’s something she would be proud of and would want to show off. Her encouragement and endless positivity are my fuel some days. We spend a lot of time at garage sales, estate sales, and antique stores. Or the movies. There’s always something good playing, and we love the snacks.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Having a great mentor is invaluable. If you can find someone who knows the business or has the kind of proven track record you admire, soak up as much as you can from them. That guidance can be a game-changer. Second, I’d say that college or any formal education is definitely helpful. I’m a bit torn on whether it’s absolutely essential, but it certainly provides a great environment to practice, make mistakes, and learn the rules so you can break them later. It’s a place to grow and find opportunities you might not get otherwise. Most importantly, I’d say to always stay curious. The moment you think you know everything, you’re done. Especially in something like advertising or graphic design, the goal is to keep finding new ways to solve problems. Technology changes, trends change, but if you stay curious and open to learning, you’ll always find a fresh path forward.
Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
For me, the ideal client is someone who remembers why they hired me. They trust in what I know and what I do best. I’m not a big fan of the phrase “stay in your lane.” It’s a little snarky and dismissive, but that’s essentially the sentiment. In other words, I appreciate a client who understands that when it comes to the creative portion of the project, they can rely on my expertise.
Of course, I live in the real world, and I know that the creative part is just one piece of a larger puzzle. Collaboration is key, and I’m always willing to work with others to bring the whole project together. But the ideal client is the one who, when it’s my turn to contribute, trusts that I know what I’m talking about. If they’re going to pay for my expertise, they should trust in it. That trust makes for the best working relationships and the best outcome.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.620design.com
- Instagram: @620Design / @CapioJune
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/620design
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jpicou/
Image Credits
“Design Space” credit: S. E. Picou
All other images, credit: J. Picou – 620 Design
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
