Check Out Jordan Pridgeon’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jordan Pridgeon.

Jordan, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Growing up, my family always pushed me to try new hobbies and step out of my comfort zone. I loved drawing, taking photos, and just generally creating. My grandmother noticed how much I enjoyed these activities and brought me to the high school where she taught. I started sitting in on her journalism class and watching her students come together to produce the school newspaper and yearbook.

They showed me how to work a camera, use adobe programs, and even how to write and to create content for publications. I quickly became infatuated with photography and design. I started helping with the yearbook and my family’s small business. By the time I was 13, I finally had a camera. I started taking photos of my friends and coming up with themed photoshoots. I also started posting and sharing my photos online with my friends and family.

This quickly grew into working with many people in my community taking photos of weddings, events, and more. At the same time, I was starting high school and starting to craft an idea of what I wanted to do with my life. I joined the Journalism program at my school and started learning the ins and outs of what it takes to create a publication. I volunteered for every event I could and quickly moved up within our newspaper, The Prowler. I had roles like the Sports Editor, Feature, and Co-Chief Editor.

When I went to college, I continued doing photoshoots and working with other creative young adults. After a year and a half at Georgia State University, I transferred to Middle Georgia State University and changed my degree to New Media and Communications. This broadened my area of study from just journalism to all types of media. Since this was a smaller school at the time, I became very involved with not only my studies but the programs at my college. I met with the newspaper advisor, Dr. Andre Nicholson, who helped me all through the rest of my college career.

After a semester in his class, I joined the newspaper, The Statement. As the graphics editor, I was in charge of laying out and designing the newspaper. During this time, I was also working as the graphics editor for a local newspaper creating their ads. This helped me double down on my skills as a graphic designer. I eventually also took on the role of Co-Chief Editor of The Statement. I also worked with other publications like The Fall Line Review, as their graphics editor.

I wanted to branch out and learn more about social media and creating content, so I applied for a job as a social media specialist for Next Level Community Development Center and started creating content and running their social media. Here I did all the things I loved: photography, videography, design, writing, and social media. I finally felt like I found my niche. This grew to work with other companies and programs at school.

Nearing graduation, I felt like I wanted to learn more about this on a bigger scale in a bigger city. I ended my lease of almost three years and quickly began applying for jobs in Denver. After a few months, I found my dream position as the Social Media Specialist at Sam The Concrete Man. I packed up my life, my dogs, and my spouse and made the 24 trips from Macon, Georgia to Denver, Colorado and It was the best decision I ever made.

8 months later, I manage and create content for a franchise with over 60 locations while also branching out to start my social media and content creation business. I’m not where I want to be as a creative but I’m growing to be that person. I think my “story” really started with just wanting to grow and learn as much as possible.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not at all. I made so many mistakes and had many failures along the way. I think that it’s a part of the learning process. For instance, I once left a job that I thought was my ticket into the media world because I felt I was treated poorly. Along the way, you’ll learn that everything will work out if you continue to work towards a bigger goal.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I think one advantage you have when working with me, is that I am versatile. I have been writing, doing photography, designing, and working on different publications/teams for almost ten years. There isn’t a role I haven’t tried or done.

I also adapt quickly to new subjects. I like to research, prep, plan, and present you with as many options for your project as possible. I am probably most proud of my work as a content creator & designer. I love to learn someone’s vision and make that into something they can be proud of. If you want to rebrand your small business and create content, I’m your girl.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
A bad day doesn’t mean a bad life (or career). There are going to set backs along the way, it’s all about how you tackle them. I used to think negative feedback or mistakes, were world-ending and I didn’t realize they were meant to happen to teach me.

Pricing:

• Graphic Design starts at $35/hour
• Branding starts at $250/per package
• Social Media Management starts at $400/monthly
• Photography starts at $150/hour

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jpridgeonprowler.wixsite.com/jordanpridgeon/services-6
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jpridgecreations/?next=%2F
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JPridgephotography/