Meet Jennifer Carles | Product Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jennifer Carles and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jennifer, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I’ve always love drawing and doing crafts since I was a kid, but never really thought about making a career out of it. Even till this day, I can’t believe that I bring things to life and draw for a living! After I graduated college with a degree in Visual Effects and Motion Graphics, I still had no idea what I wanted to do as a career. It wasn’t until after working in customer service for over a decade, that I decided I wanted to create a business doing something that would allow me to help other businesses with my creativity. Advertising my design business to create marketing material and provide professional photo services for businesses in Miami, I eventually booked an opportunity with a brand in San Diego, California that got me into the product design world. Four years later, I now specialize in sourcing, digital illustrations and creating products and apparel for brands.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am extremely grateful that I get to be creative and do what I love everyday, but it most definitely had its challenges. One of my biggest stresses as an adult in the creative industry is I never having a steady income. You have to be ok with hustling to find the next client, and going through emotional rollercoasters of having to stay driven, resilient and inspired during the bad days. I overcome my challenges by working on my craft, and approaching people about opportunities that don’t even exist yet. I’m constantly going above and beyond for my clients so that they see my passion, willingness to learn and reliability. The trust I build brings in more work then originally presented to me, as well as opportunities to dip my toes and learn about multiple areas of my field.

What is Pixelated Graphics, and what sets me apart from other artists?
Not only can I create one of a kind illustrations, but I also know how to set up my drawings to print on multiple products. I have also become skilled in sourcing and communicating with manufactures to mass produce products from scratch. From conception, final approval, cohesive packaging, and production with the manufacturers, I work with your teams in curating collections of products and apparel. I assist in researching trends and customization of products for your collections, as well as I work with and collaborate with your other artists on creating the look and theme for every collection. I also assist in creating systems for the organization of graphics and tasks at hand and working with 3rd party companies such as non-profits, manufactures and collaboration projects.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take them canoeing at Oleta River State Park on Biscayne Bay, a boxing session at Stay Ready in Hollywood, mudding in Homestead, Jet Skying in the Keys and then we’d probably eat one of my favorite restaurants like Don Burrito, La Nona or Cheesecake Factory.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
If you’re not afraid to put yourself out there and ask for an opportunity, all it takes is one YES from the right person to change your life. Everything I’ve learned in my career is thanks to multiple people entrusting me with big responsibilities and allowing me to use my creativity to the fullest. I’ve been extremely lucky to have worked and learned with some of the most hardworking and passionate people, and I can only hope to continue meeting and working with amazing people from all over the world.

Instagram: @pixelatedgraphics and @jennifer_carles

Facebook: Pixelated Graphics

Image Credits
@CoreyWolfenbarger @ShellyCove @SandCloud @VinnyGotHeat