Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Jacobs.
Hi Sarah, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Since childhood, I’ve always noticed some crayon box packaging styles looked better than others. Some birthday cards were more whimsical and fun. The bold, italic-type style on the ketchup label looked exciting.
It wasn’t until high school, when my art teacher asked if I was planning to be a graphic designer, that I replied, “You can do that!?” I started with a senior co-op, where I designed embroidered patches (and was allowed to leave high school early to go work) – and from then on, I always had a design job.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Now that I’m over twenty years into working professionally, I can (thankfully) look back and say it was pretty smooth. It’s the tiny pesky “stuck” moments that were the worst struggles. Which software to use, or why doesn’t this design look right?
Though few and far between – the moments that stood out the most were when a professor or manager took the time to review my work and provide honest direction and feedback. It was a memorable learning experience. It makes me wish that I had a mentor or someone experienced to consult when I was stuck on a design or coding project. For this reason, I do accept mentor requests!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Nowadays, I offer agency-level design to small businesses who want a “big” look and a strong online presence. From complete brand design to a single postcard design, no project is too big or small as it relates to a small business. It keeps it interesting for me.
I have a unique approach that starts with a conversation in person or by phone. Most business owners are thrilled that they don’t have to fill out any questionnaires or write down their graphic design dreams – because they don’t have any graphic design dreams! After all, that’s MY job. I listen to their goals and design a brand, website, or set of graphics to match that goal and feeling.
Life is rough when you don’t get what you ask for, even after explaining it well and providing examples. I understand that, and I solve that problem with clear notes and milestones so that my clients always know what I’m working on.
My goal is not only to “wow” each client but to get the look and design right the first time. Usually, I can design an entire website and the client comes back with only a few text changes! These are my best moments, not only because it saves a ton of time and budget (and don’t forget frustration), but because I turned their ideas into something concrete, exciting, and respectable. Many clients say something like, “This is exactly what I wanted but I didn’t know how to ask for it!”
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson is this: “Don’t forget to listen.” Sometimes meetings need to be scheduled back-to-back. Sometimes there’s a team of three clients speaking at once. It’s really easy to hear what you want when you’re a little tired or overwhelmed.
Words often have multiple meanings. “Trendy” is a vague term. Which trend? When my purpose for existing in your life is to turn your words into graphics, I need to know what you mean by words like “fancy.” Pretty in Pink Princess? Black with gold sparkle? “White space” can mean space that’s blank with a white background, or just negative space with any color background.
This is the weakest part of the design process, no matter who you are and how much experience you have. My goal is to be sure of the design direction before even sketching a wireframe.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sw33t.com
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sw33t/
- Other: https://www.alignable.com/arvada-co/sw33t-graphic-design-service
