Spotlight: Jacob Cass | Just Creative Design

in blogging, connect, create, graphic design, spotlight, web design by faryl on November 17th, 20085 Comments

This week’s spotlight is on Jacob Cass, writer of Just Creative Design.

Why I chose Jacob’s blog

First, to celebrate his blog’s first birthday, Jacob recently put together a contest to raise money for the Blog Action Day Poverty Fund. You can enter the contest two ways, by writing an article about design and/or making a donation to the fund. Sixty six winners will be selected at random to each win one of $11,000 worth of prizes. The contest raised over $400 for the charity within its first week. Visit the blog for specifics on how to enter. (note: I’m not writing this to be included in the contest. I’ve donated and plan to submit a future article as my entry)

Second, Jacob’s blog was among the first blogs I discovered when I was trying to learn about graphic design and freelancing. , Jacob’s candid posts about blogging planted the early seeds in my mind about having my own blog one day. As an aspiring freelancer, Jacob’s article “Why Logo Design Does Not Cost $5″ proved an excellent reference as I was trying to get my arms around what my time and services are worth.

this is Jacob

Third, Just Creative Design covers a nice medley of topics; I think most people will find something of interest to make this blog a worthwhile vist. Topics include graphic design resources, social media, blogging, creativity boosters, and being a freelancer. One thing I think Jacob does especially well is provide insight to the design process itself; some of my favorite posts are the ones in which he walks us through how he designed a particular logo, poster, package or corporate identity.

Finally, Just Creative Design is not only Jacob’s blog, in a sense it’s his storefront. Anyone interested in hiring a graphic designer can take a peek at Jacob’s portfolio or contact him via the site as well.

Jacob on Jacob

another one of Jacob's favorite expressions

Favorite Websites
Work
Just Creative Design I love the feedback from the community, it really helps me as a designer (plus brings in work)!
Play
I mainly read design blogs and have no favourite!

Favorite Social Media Tool
Stumble Upon for the ease of use

Favorite Expression
“You only get out what you put in.”

Favorite blogging snack
Energy drinks & chips ‘n dip.

Night Owl or Early Bird
Definitely night owl.

Jacob on Just Creative Design

In three words
Design, Creative, Inspiration.

In three sentences
Just Creative Design was launched in November 2007 as my design business and also as a graphic design blog. The blog focuses on all areas of design and creativity, ranging from but not limited to; graphic design, logo design, web design, advertising, branding, typography, life, other graphic designers, blogging in general, resourceful material, my work at university, photography, colour, marketing and more. Quite varied I’ll say, however the underlying focus is design!

First three entries for first time visitors to read
My featured articles page.

Jacob on Blogging

Logo Design for Influential Blogger, by Jacob Cass

What made you decide to create a blog?
David Airey actually inspired me to start blogging.

What were your initial goals/objectives for having a blog?
To learn as a designer and get an income.

How have those goals/objectives changed?
They haven’t, it is working perfectly!

What is the average amount of time you spend on your blog each day?
Not every day, but usually a few hours.

What is the average amount of time you spend online each day?
Way too long.

What has been your most gratifying blog experience?
Learning about hosting issues.

What was your most peculiar blog experience?
Being hacked (weird popups were installed on the site).

Jacob on Social Media

save the earth (illustration by Jacob Cass)

How much of your work would you estimate is generated as a result of your Social Media networking?
That is a really hard thing to track but most people usually say they find me through Google or Stumble Upon. Twitter and Facebook are more keep-in-touch networking tools.

Do you maintain separate professional & social networks? Is what we see at “Just Creative Design” the same Jacob everyone sees?
I have two facebook accounts, a business and a personal account as I do lead two different lives so to speak…business and personal lives are two totally separate things. I do however post photos from my trips away on my blog at times.

(You can find links to Jacob’s social network profiles here.)

Fearless Blogger BONUS Exclusive

Random Jacob Fact

My father is a famous magician here in Australia.

A big THANK YOU to Jacob for being generous with his time and answering my questions! I strongly encourage you to spend a few minutes visiting and/or subscribing to Just Creative Design soon.

The $11,000 Prize Giveaway contest ends on November 22nd:
Be sure to make a donation this week to enter!