We are so excited to introduce you to the driving force behind JAW Design. Get to know a little more about Jeni-Anne below!
A brief rundown of your career history: After studying Information Design at Pretoria University, I started my career out in events. In my interview, the company owner suggested I go take a peek at the prep they were doing for a huge year-end party for a corporate client. My 21 year old eyes were widened and my mind blown. I never realised the vast potential in designing spaces and experiences.
That catapulted me into a world of creativity that pushed further that what my lecturers had me believe possible. With no lead creative or senior designers to guide me, I had to learn quickly. I strongly feel this pushed me further as I only had my previous job to compare my work to. I had to constantly push to be better, without knowing what the yardstick was.
After years of growing the design studio there, I ventured into advertising.
Working for a small agency allowed me to be involved from conception to implementation. After successfully running the studio for a few years, this birdy needed to fly – so I went off on my own.
JAW grew quickly and organically, with various partners working remotely for the brand. Our relationships and client base grew and we now boast an awesome list of clients (many of which were there from the start). While running JAW I started D2C (Designed To Change), a social movement that develops marketing solutions for small non-profits. A love project that enjoys the support of all who work at JAW.
Tell us about yourself in 300 characters: I’m a perfectionist – or let’s say, rather, I’m a “betterist”.
I believe in constantly pushing and reinventing. I try hard every day and expect the same from anyone I work with.
I love the challenge of the unknown. I love that I still get nervous to receive feedback from a client or to do a pitch, as it shows that after all these years I still give a shit.
I love growing people. If I see an opportunity to support someone in reaching their professional potential and I know I can help, I see it as my calling to do so. I learn every day and I teach every day.
Breakfast or dinner: Both
Favourite book: I don’t read. Now don’t judge me. I research and learn, but I’ve truly never read an entire book. I get too distracted (I used to read the cheat sheets to schoolbooks for exams)
Favourite emoji’s: 🍆 😂 🙈
Favourite social media platform: Instagram
Favourite project you’ve ever worked on: D2C Workshop where we hosted NPOS for a day and had top speakers in their fields give insights and talks on how to build charity brands.
If you were a pair of shoes, what would you be: Slippers
Thoughts on pineapple on pizza: Gross, unless you’re eating leftover cold pizza
Celebrity crush: Ryan Reynolds and Margot Robbie
Favourite TV show: Atypical, Goldbergs, Superstore, Brooklyn 99
Savoury or Sweet: Sweet, then savoury, then sweet and so forth
Favourite place you’ve ever travelled: I did a month long road trip through the States with my hubby. A small bag and just the road. Ever-changing landscapes (from snow storms to tumble-weeds, from swamps to red desert, from seascapes to cities of hills). Made more excited by dodgy motels, driving 10 hours some days working in the car while drinking Valoid for motion sickness… experience of a lifetime I tell you. Or maybe it was camping in Spitzkoppe in Namibia, or snorkeling in the blue hole in Egypt. Or that New Years in Russia…. thanks for making me miss traveling even more.
Cat or dog person: Dog
Morning or evening person: All day person. I’m sickeningly happy (says my husband who is NOT a morning person)
Coffee or tea: Why is hot chocolate never on the list?