Meet Jennifer Mead

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jennifer Mead. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jennifer below.

Jennifer, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

Imposter Syndrome is something I continually face, but I’ve found ways to manage it. As a designer and artist, I’m always exploring new techniques and ideas, which often brings that imposter feeling. Here’s what helps me:

1. Reflecting on Past Successes: Whenever I doubt myself, I remind myself of my past achievements. Seeing how far I’ve come boosts my confidence and helps me tackle new challenges.
2. Seeking Feedback: I actively seek feedback and support from trusted friends and colleagues. Their honest opinions and encouragement are invaluable. It’s crucial to have people who believe in you and provide constructive criticism.
3. Sharing My Work: Sharing my designs and ideas, even when they’re not perfect, has been a game-changer. It takes the pressure off and turns my ideas into tangible realities. Early in my career, this was scary, but now I see it as an opportunity to make my work better.
4. Embracing Constructive Criticism: Not all feedback is positive, and that’s okay. Constructive criticism helps me improve and refine my work. It shifts my focus from questioning my worth to enhancing my skills or from questioning the worth of the whole design to focusing on the pieces that still need work.
5. Believing that Everyone is Creative: I believe everyone has a creative spark and valuable ideas to contribute. This mindset encourages me to keep pushing forward, knowing that everyone feels like an imposter at times. The key is to keep going until you don’t.

I also believe feeling like an imposter can be a sign you’re challenging yourself and growing. Embrace it, seek feedback, and keep sharing your work.

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

I’m an art director and designer with over 12 years of experience crafting print and digital brand experiences to drive customer engagement. But what truly excites me about my work goes beyond that formal description.

I specialize in connecting with clients to understand their unique goals and challenges, helping them solve problems and visually communicate their brand and messages. Currently, my professional focus is on building brand systems, designing custom responsive websites, and mentoring designers. I’ve also worked on print and motion graphics, tailoring my skills to fit various industries, from destination marketing to local businesses and national product lines.

Favorite Aspects of My Work:

1. Client Connections: I love getting to know my clients and their industries, helping them communicate effectively with their audiences.
2. Mentorship: Guiding and mentoring designers is incredibly fulfilling. Watching them grow in their skills and careers is a highlight of my work.
3. Creative Community: Supporting and planning events like AIGA or CreativeMornings fosters a vibrant creative community. When creative minds come together, amazing things happen!
4. Attention to Detail: I thrive on the details, whether it’s finding the perfect font or fine-tuning a layout.
5. Tech Savvy: Staying up-to-date with technology keeps my work fresh. Recently, I’ve embraced Figma and am now incorporating AI into my workflow.
6. Diverse Experiences: Design has connected me with a variety of industries and locations, from musicians and local businesses to travels across the country.

As my role has evolved to focus more on art direction and mentorship, I’ve found time for creative side projects. I occasionally take on freelance work that piques my interest, like designing wine labels or album covers. Additionally, I’ve expanded into physical and hands-on creations with collage and mixed media.

To share this new work, I’ve added a section to my website and regularly post progress on Instagram. This July, I’m excited to participate in a virtual photography and collage artist residency with the Kolaj Institute, further expanding my creative horizons.

If you’re curious to see what I’m up to or want to collaborate, feel free to connect with me on social media or through my website. Let’s create something awesome together!

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

Looking back on my journey as an art director and designer so far, three qualities and skills have been particularly impactful.

1. Self-Reliance
One of the most important skills I’ve developed is self-reliance—the ability to figure things out on my own. Whether it was getting through art school, landing my first couple of design jobs, or tackling new challenges in my current role, being resourceful and self-sufficient has been crucial. This includes everything from effective googling to having the drive to solve problems independently, and then knowing when to ask for help.

Advice: Embrace the mindset of taking ownership of your learning and growth. School or mentors can’t give you every piece of the puzzle. It’s up to you to take what you are given, build on it, make it your own, and ultimately own the result. Remember, this doesn’t mean you have to go it alone—knowing when to ask for help is equally important.

2. Effective Communication and Building Connections
Communicating effectively and building connections has been essential throughout my career. I would not be where I am today without the support and guidance of many people along the way.

Advice: Focus on improving your communication skills by practicing empathy and active listening. When reaching out to others, especially busy professionals, be strategic and respectful of their time. Most people, even those in executive roles, are willing to help if approached considerately. Connect with people in your field and beyond. Genuine connections and a supportive community are invaluable. Help others, and they will be willing to help you too.

3. Attention to Detail
Attention to detail has been a cornerstone of my success. Whether it’s remembering a client’s name, ensuring accuracy in my designs, or double-checking work for errors, these small details build trust and demonstrate professionalism. As a freelancer, managing every aspect of a project requires meticulous attention to detail, which has continued to serve me well in all my roles.

Advice: Cultivate a keen eye for detail in all aspects of your work. In design, typos and inaccuracies can erode trust with clients and audiences, while precision can leave a lasting impression. The little things matter, so make sure to pay attention to them.

Embrace self-reliance, prioritize effective communication and building genuine connections, and pay attention to details. These foundational skills will not only help you navigate challenges but also set you apart in your career. Building on these qualities will create a strong foundation for your professional growth and success.

We’ve all got limited resources, time, energy, focus etc – so if you had to choose between going all in on your strengths or working on areas where you aren’t as strong, what would you choose?

I believe it’s important to strike a balance between leaning into your strengths and working on areas where you can improve. Your strengths are what make you unique and can open doors for you, but being aware of and improving your weaker areas can lead to significant growth and new opportunities.

When I first left my full-time design job to become a freelancer, my main strengths were in print design and email marketing, skills I had honed in that first job. Additionally, I was good at connecting with people and had a strong “I can figure it out” mentality. These strengths helped me land a part-time contract with a business owner who needed design and marketing assistance.

While my strengths got me in the door, my willingness to tackle new challenges helped me grow. I was asked to build websites for this client, a task I wasn’t an expert in at the time. By embracing this opportunity, I improved a weaker skill and changed my career trajectory. This experience led to more website projects, a job as an interactive designer, and eventually my current role as an art director managing multiple major web projects at a time.

If I had only focused on my original strengths, I wouldn’t be where I am today. My advice is to know and use your strengths but also remain open to new opportunities that challenge your weaker areas. You never know where these experiences might lead!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jennifermeadcreative.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennnmead/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferlmead
• Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/FadingVintage

Image Credits

Nicci Radhe, Kathleen Dreier, Desi Aragon