Meet Justin Mesteller: Graphic Designer

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

Hi Justin, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Being in the large format graphics industry, risk is a very integral part of our business. Often times we take on certain jobs that other companies pass on or that we have never attempted due to scale or difficulty ourselves. When you commit to take on these kind of jobs they tend to push you out of your comfort zone. Sure, We could stay complacent with the type of work everyday that we are comfortable in and have a proven track record with; but what really separates you from the crowd is your ability to do the work no one else is even willing to even attempt. That’s not to say that they all go perfectly or don’t carry with them an extreme amount of stress, especially when leading up to or when you’re right in the middle of one of these large scale installations. There have been many sleepless nights and challenges during these types of jobs, but when all the dust settles and the work is completed and the client is satisfied – these are the moments you look back on in your career and relish in – “the highlight reel “. 

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Being an creative person, I’m constantly looking for an outlet to express myself. It can be difficult in my industry ( commercial graphic arts – specifically vehicle wraps ) because the clients come in with this defined idea or lengthy guidelines that they are looking for within the design. It has to check all these boxes for them, so it can be a bit stagnant sometimes especially when there are so many restrictions. When I start to feel this way, I often times lean on some of my other artistic hobbies to refill my creative resevoir. These hobies ( painting, gardening, bonsai etc. ) reframe my creativity at work and refill my tank so I don’t get burnout by client expectations. Sometimes I’ll use these activities to inspire my commercial work and the results always satisfy because they are fueled by my passion and not out of obligation.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Definitely something beach or water related. We live in Florida so not taking advantage of the paradise we call home would be a shame. Recently I’ve taken up paddle boarding and it really helps connect you to your natural surroundings. Another favorite spot for me is the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens.. I love the art of bonsai and this place inspires me! I’m also a home-body so relaxing at home in the pool is my ideal down time activity.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There have been so many along my journey who have encouraged me into being. But my Family has always been my biggest support group. I lean on them when I need the extra push to stay on course. They are unconditional in their support and love. And for that, I owe who I have become to them.

Website: www.kauffs.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kauffs/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-mesteller-58124992?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BTd1FP2b%2FTve60JqrWw4vPg%3D%3D
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kauffs1