“Since I was very little I’ve lived life marching to the beat of my own drum and my career as a graphic designer has been no different.  In my early years, I couldn’t understand why people worked so hard for “retirement”, a time in life that is not fully guaranteed.  I guess I never understood the concept that I should give up the best years of my life as a physically fit, mentally strong, and healthy person working ridiculously hard following the retirement carrot that is placed in front of me.  Then when it is all over my health, body, and mind are breaking down would I finally get to live out my life’s dreams… Anything can happen at any time in life, so why not make the best of the time that is guaranteed?

It wasn’t until the last few months of college before graduating that I really started to think about the direction I wanted my career to go.  On one hand I had the option of working at a great agency and starting my design resume and on the other hand… well I didn’t quite know.  I had visited several agencies in town and interviewed various levels of staff and what I found out is that while I did love design I didn’t love working for a design studio or ad agency. It didn’t feel like the right direction for me for many reasons. But what else was there?

We all have those moments, where somebody you don’t really know can give you the words you need to hear to help you find direction.  I had won an entry to a student conference from a design contest and I was sitting in on a session when this speakers words really spoke to me.  He talked about how he started his business directly out of college and while everybody told him it wouldn’t work, it did.  It was like a light bulb went off in my head… it was then, I remember thinking, if he could do it, so could I.

I made a leap of faith, without any career experience, and started working as an independent graphic designer.  At first the jobs were not very glamorous and I had to fight to gain credibility, but eventually I learned from my mistakes and moved on.  As my business grew I was able to live life how I wanted to on my own terms. I hand-pick my clients and work remotely from my laptop anywhere I can find an internet connection.  I’ve volunteered in Vanuatu for 6-weeks building health clinics, traveled to over half of the United States, backpacked for 5-months through South America, raced competitive motocross, sailed the South Pacific on a pirate ship, and cruised the Virgin Islands (just to name a few…).

Along the way, I’ve had everybody from my fellow students, teachers, career counselors, parents, ect. telling me everything from, “It can’t be done.” “You’ll never make it.” “You’re crazy!” “Why don’t you get a real job?” “You won’t succeed.” If I had of listened to them I wouldn’t have gotten to swim with sea lions in the Galapagos or find the Lost City in Colombia or any of the other amazing things I’ve done along with the pride I have working for myself for 7 years now.  The fact remains that A.  ‘Anything can happen’ and B. ‘It’s possible’.  If I hadn’t of believed that and followed my heart to do what was right for me, I wouldn’t be where I am today.  Lastly, always keep your ears open to those around you wherever you may be, you never know who’s words may inspire you”.

Just 7 years into her career, Jenny Leonard is the principal of Razviti Creative in downtown Houston, TX. It was founded on the principle that you don’t have to outspend your competition, only out think them. You can learn more about Jenny, her design and her passions at http://www.razviti.com

Tags: career, designer, inspiration

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