WHO IS JORDAN?
The simplest way for me to answer is to say I’m a natural-born creative. I was blessed to have access to technology at an extremely early age, creating my first website at the age of 8. Like most 90s babies, I was hooked on music, sports, movies, and video games - to the point that I always wanted to do something more than simply participate in being a fan or play. The act of creating something from nothing has been a thing for me for so long, and this influence that entertainment culture had on me at the time was the perfect launchpad for my creative endeavors. I mostly played around making random sites related to my favorite games or hobbies, but at 16 I realized what potential there was with my skill set and began to take it a lot more serious, leading me to help multiple well-known brands, create raving fanbases, increase their exposure, and generate more sales. I grew up a student of the design and marketing habits of the top brands in the world, has since gone on to consult, manage and provide creative direction for digital brands for top-level CEOs, professional athletes, musicians, and multi-million dollar brands.
BEING A DESIGNER OF MANY, WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU HAVE CHALLENGES WITH WHEN CREATING?
I think the biggest challenge comes in the form of the standard I set for myself and my work. I tend to be an overthinker, so there are always certain boxes I like to check off when completing a project, and if the quality isn’t up to par with all of that then I get real uneasy about delivering the creative to my client. I’ll often leave clients in suspense because I won’t give them any previews or teasers until it’s exactly how I want the final result to be. In the past, I’ve worked with people who wanted a specific idea rolled out, which I knew from the start wasn’t going to turn out too aesthetically pleasing but still completed to their specs after realizing I won’t win the battle of changing their mind. These usually end up being projects I don’t share publicly or avoid having my name attached to..safe to say this is usually the last project I’ll do with them because they’re trying to box in my creativity.
ARE THERE TIMES WHERE THE CLIENT DISAGREES WITH WHAT YOU PRESENTED CAUSING YOU TO GO BACK IN AND MAKE CHANGES?
Of course, that comes up every once in awhile, but I try my best to control the creative direction as much as possible. Though it’s not uncommon for me to send the first draft to someone and they drool over it and say that’s the one off the bat. If there is some sort of disagreement on the direction and I know they’re off base with what they think is right as compared best design practices, I make an effort to explain why the other way will result in a much better finished product.
OUT OF ALL THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF DESIGNS YOU CREATE SUCH AS WEBSITES, COVERS, ETC., WHICH ONE IS YOUR FAVORITE AND WHY?
Covers & my #fliptheswitch edits - hands down. I love taking a picture of someone and taking them to an entirely different place. The reaction I get from people when I play them one of my edits is always amazing. Then the covers are a lot of fun, especially when working with an artist who’s music I really rock with. I get inspired by their music while working which really helps me capture the whole vibe in whatever I’m working on.
IS THERE ANY ADVICE FOR OTHER CREATIVES?
Two words: seat time. Specifically to those who are just jumping into using creative tools and programs. The only reason I have even a remote idea as to what I’m doing is the years and countless hours spent playing, messing up, starting over, and learning. The more time you dedicate to honing your craft the more successful you’ll be.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR JORDAN?
A whole lot of bossing up. I’ve got some things in the works with the goal of establishing my legacy beyond being known solely as a designer/creative. I can’t speak too much as the details are still coming together, but it’s a lot bigger than the skills I have using Photoshop.
