TL;DR:Discover the story of a creative individual who defied traditional expectations, embraced real-life experiences, and found success through entrepreneurship.
Embarking on the path of creativity, I recount the pivotal moments that led me from choosing art as my major to venturing into entrepreneurship. The journey unfolds with unexpected opportunities, personal reflections, and the evolution of my creative pursuits.
Art Major to Ad Agency Star
When I chose art as my major, my parents had mixed reactions. My dad thought it was a joke and was in denial about it. At that time, I had developed an unhealthy obsession with emblems and logos without even realizing it was a thing. I was going through a rough patch, feeling disillusioned with school. I had one semester left, but I felt like I wasn’t gaining any real value from it. So, I made the decision to take a semester off and apply for a job. Within months, I was moving up the ladder quickly, feeling like a superstar as I worked in an Ad Agency.
Then, my uncle called me and offered to start a design company together. He handed me a check for $100,000 as a good faith gesture to show his interest in running the business with me. This opportunity set me on a new path, away from traditional education.
Reflecting on my school experience, I realized that while a degree is important, it doesn’t fully represent a person’s knowledge and skills. I believe it’s essential to do something with your life before pursuing formal education, as real-life experiences shape your perspective and creativity.
In my experience, it was like a 3% magnification or something along those lines that she used to do. At the time, I didn’t realize it, but I had an unhealthy obsession with emblems and logos. I was drawn to fashion brands that had crests. I remember wanting to attend Yale or Harvard because of their cool shield emblems, unlike other schools that didn’t have such distinctive logos. Later on, I discovered the term heraldry and learned that these crests held significant meanings. I found myself deeply intrigued by them.
I was into skateboarding, and the companies I felt the strongest connection with were the ones with the best graphics. I admired brands like Powell Peralta, Santa Cruz Skateboards, Dogtown, and Santa Monica Airlines because of their cool designs. It’s not uncommon for artists to be drawn to art through skateboarding due to its design aspect. Artists like Mark Gonzalez and Ed Templeton found their way to art through skateboarding as well.
As my curiosity about branding and design continued, I decided to reapply to different schools during my time at Community College. After being rejected by every school in my last year of high school, I started working at a screening shop. My boss, Brad Shabuya, a rugged rugby player with a broken nose and a deep voice, asked me about my plans after school. I wasn’t sure, but he suggested that I consider Art Center in LA. Despite my initial skepticism about the generic name, I decided to apply after my mom did some research and found out about the school’s reputation and tuition costs.
I remember the excitement of receiving acceptance to Art Center and the realization that it was one of the top schools in the country. It was a stroke of luck that I was recommended to attend that school. Following this, a business opportunity unexpectedly presented itself. A friend who had landed a job at a design agency in Seattle needed a partner, and I was recommended for the position. Despite my doubts about being an advertising major, I applied with a minimal portfolio and was surprised to be offered the job at $40,000 a year.
In January 1995, I began working in Seattle while still needing to complete my last semester of school. My boss offered to fly me back and forth, allowing me to continue working while finishing my degree. Eventually, I was offered a higher-paying job at $85,000 a year, but I made the decision to leave the agency after feeling disconnected from my classes and the corporate environment.
After a brief stint at a punk rock music label, I found myself freelancing in LA. That’s when my uncle approached me with a business proposition to start a design company for boutique hotels. With a spontaneous gesture, his business partner wrote me a check for $5,000 as a sign of commitment to our business venture. Despite starting with minimal funds, I embarked on the journey of entrepreneurship, eventually leading to the establishment of my own design company called Blind.
Over the years, Blind evolved and thrived, becoming a successful venture that lasted until 2019. Despite facing financial challenges and uncertainties, I navigated the business landscape with determination and resilience. Reflecting on my experiences, I realized that my entrepreneurial spirit and independent mindset made me unsuitable for traditional employment. My interactions in the corporate world, including a memorable encounter with a boss who underestimated my skills, reinforced my belief in pursuing my path as an entrepreneur.
Design Company Venture
When I chose art as my major, my parents had mixed reactions. My dad thought it was a joke and was in denial about it. At that time, I had developed an unhealthy obsession with emblems and logos without even realizing it was a thing. I was going through a rough patch, feeling disillusioned with school. I had one semester left, but I felt like I wasn’t gaining any real value from it. So, I made the decision to take a semester off and apply for a job. Within months, I was moving up the ladder quickly, feeling like a superstar as I worked in an Ad Agency.
Then, my uncle called me and offered to start a design company together. He handed me a check for $100,000 as a good faith gesture to show his interest in running the business with me. This opportunity set me on a new path, away from traditional education.
Reflecting on my school experience, I realized that while a degree is important, it doesn’t fully represent a person’s knowledge and skills. I believe it’s essential to do something with your life before pursuing formal education, as real-life experiences shape your perspective and creativity.
In a recent podcast episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Chris Doe. He shared his journey from growing up in Northern California to moving to Los Angeles for school. We even discussed the age-old debate of NorCal versus SoCal, with Chris leaning towards the latter due to its vibrant vibes and pleasant weather.
Chris opened up about his childhood, growing up in a suburban neighborhood in San Jose. His family had moved around to better their lives, transitioning from rough areas to upper-middle-class neighborhoods. Despite initially feeling poor, Chris was surprised to learn the truth about his family’s income when filling out school paperwork.
As a first-generation immigrant, education played a significant role in Chris’s upbringing. His parents instilled high expectations when it came to academic performance, emphasizing the importance of excelling in school. Chris shared a humorous anecdote about forging his report card to avoid disappointing his parents over a less-than-perfect grade.
Interestingly, Chris’s family dynamic showcased a stark contrast between his parents’ backgrounds. His father’s side was rooted in technical fields like engineering, while his mother’s side was filled with artistic individuals. Chris found himself in the middle, with an older brother excelling in computer science and a younger brother pursuing a creative path.
When Chris decided to major in art, his father initially thought it was a joke and struggled to accept his choice. Despite facing rejection from several universities, Chris eventually found his way to a design program through his older brother’s guidance. His interest in graphic design stemmed from a specific attraction to logos and screen printing.
Chris’s journey from Community College to pursuing design programs in San Diego was shaped by his older brother’s mentorship and support. He delved into courses related to commercial art and graphic design, following his passion for visual communication.
Overall, Chris’s story highlights the importance of following your creative instincts and finding your path, even if it deviates from traditional expectations. His experiences with education, family dynamics, and personal growth have shaped his unique perspective as a designer and entrepreneur.
As my curiosity about branding and design continued, I decided to reapply to different schools during my time at Community College. After being rejected by every school in my last year of high school, I started working at a screening shop. My boss, Brad Shabuya, a rugged rugby player with a broken nose and a deep voice, asked me about my plans after school. I wasn’t sure, but he suggested that I consider Art Center in LA. Despite my initial skepticism about the generic name, I decided to apply after my mom did some research and found out about the school’s reputation and tuition costs.
I remember the excitement of receiving acceptance to Art Center and the realization that it was one of the top schools in the country. It was a stroke of luck that I was recommended to attend that school. Following this, a business opportunity unexpectedly presented itself. A friend who had landed a job at a design agency in Seattle needed a partner, and I was recommended for the position. Despite my doubts about being an advertising major, I applied with a minimal portfolio and was surprised to be offered the job at $40,000 a year.
In January 1995, I began working in Seattle while still needing to complete my last semester of school. My boss offered to fly me back and forth, allowing me to continue working while finishing my degree. Eventually, I was offered a higher-paying job at $85,000 a year, but I made the decision to leave the agency after feeling disconnected from my classes and the corporate environment.
After a brief stint at a punk rock music label, I found myself freelancing in LA. That’s when my uncle approached me with a business proposition to start a design company for boutique hotels. With a spontaneous gesture, his business partner wrote me a check for $5,000 as a sign of commitment to our business venture. Despite starting with minimal funds, I embarked on the journey of entrepreneurship, eventually leading to the establishment of my own design company called Blind.
Over the years, Blind evolved and thrived, becoming a successful venture that lasted until 2019. Despite facing financial challenges and uncertainties, I navigated the business landscape with determination and resilience. Reflecting on my experiences, I realized that my entrepreneurial spirit and independent mindset made me unsuitable for traditional employment. My interactions in the corporate world, including a memorable encounter with a boss who underestimated my skills, reinforced my belief in pursuing my path as an entrepreneur.
Reflections on Education and Real-Life Experiences
As I reflect on my journey as an art major and entrepreneur, I can’t help but reevaluate the significance of formal education. When I chose art as my major, my parents had mixed reactions. My dad thought it was a joke, struggling to accept my choice. Despite facing rejection from universities, I found my path through real-life experiences and family dynamics.
Real-life experiences have played a crucial role in shaping my creativity and perspective. From working in an Ad Agency to starting a design company with my uncle, each opportunity set me on a new path away from traditional education. I realized that while a degree is important, it doesn’t fully represent one’s knowledge and skills.
Navigating family dynamics and career choices has been a defining factor in my journey. Growing up in a family with contrasting backgrounds – technical and artistic – I found myself in the middle, pursuing a creative path despite initial resistance. My family’s expectations and support influenced my decisions, leading me to major in art and pursue entrepreneurship.
My entrepreneurial journey taught me the importance of following my creative instincts and valuing real-life experiences. It’s essential to embrace personal growth, even if it means deviating from traditional expectations. By exploring diverse paths and learning from each experience, I’ve gained a unique perspective as a designer and entrepreneur.
Navigating the Corporate World and Entrepreneurship
As I reflect on my journey from pursuing an art major to venturing into entrepreneurship, I can’t help but acknowledge the challenges I faced in the corporate environment. Transitioning from a structured job in an Ad Agency to freelancing and eventually starting my own design company was a transformative experience that shaped my philosophy on pricing and business decisions.
One of the key challenges I encountered in the corporate world was the disconnect I felt between my creative instincts and the rigid expectations of traditional employment. Despite initially thriving in the agency setting, I soon realized that my true passion lay in exploring the realm of entrepreneurship.
The transition to freelancing marked a pivotal moment in my career. It allowed me the freedom to explore my creativity, set my own pricing standards, and choose projects that resonated with my expertise. Embracing a minimalist lifestyle enabled me to prioritize high-value projects and cultivate a reputation for delivering exceptional work.
My philosophy on pricing evolved as I gained confidence in my skills and recognized the value I brought to the table. By setting higher rates that reflected the quality of my services, I attracted clients who appreciated and respected my work. This shift in mindset empowered me to negotiate pricing effectively and establish myself as a respected professional in the industry.
When faced with the opportunity to merge my company with a larger entity for a substantial financial gain, I made a conscious decision to prioritize my passion over monetary rewards. This choice underscored the importance of staying true to my values and focusing on the intrinsic satisfaction derived from pursuing my craft.
Transitioning from running a successful company to focusing on education was a significant decision that stemmed from a deep reflection on my career trajectory. The shift towards education allowed me to fill gaps in the market, provide valuable learning experiences, and empower individuals to pursue their passions.
In conclusion, my journey through the corporate world and entrepreneurship has been a testament to the power of following one’s creative instincts, valuing expertise, and staying true to personal values. Navigating the business landscape requires resilience, adaptability, and a strong sense of self-belief. By embracing challenges, making bold decisions, and prioritizing passion over profit, I have been able to carve a unique path that aligns with my vision and values.
As the story of my artistic journey and entrepreneurial evolution unfolds, it underscores the importance of staying true to one’s creative passions, navigating challenges with resilience, and embracing the transformative power of real-life experiences. The narrative serves as a testament to the value of following unconventional paths, pursuing entrepreneurship, and continuously learning and adapting in the ever-evolving landscape of creativity and business.
