"Balance" Looks Like This

As young creatives and entrepreneurs, thinking of what “success” looks like is often… uncomfortable, to say the least. We ruminate a lot on trying to figure out what we want.

‍

Do we want to be overbooked, or does that just mean we will be stressed all the time?

‍

Do we want affirmation for our work, or does that mean we are selfish?

‍

Do we want creative freedom, or does all that white space overwhelm us?

‍

Of any creative business owner I have spoken to, Jeremy seems to have found what the "middle of the venn diagram" is for all these ruminations. Read on to see the backstory of creativity, taking leaps of faith, and showing love in a creative business.

‍

"Put yourself out there. Talk to a few people who currently where you think you want to be and ask them- ask them for all the Pros and Cons. Then, have the humility to have faith in their opinions since they're right in it- not remembering or imagining." -Dan Gilbert

‍

Jeremy's Creative origin story

As a young graphic designer, I've always admired and looked up to the industry veterans who have left their mark on the world of design. In our recent podcast interview, Jeremy shared the remarkable journey that led him to where he is today. It's clear that his passion for design has deep roots. As a child, Jeremy's insatiable curiosity knew no bounds- he drew everything that crossed his path, and he openly notes that many people around him cultivated his creativity and fostered him to continue. His pastor, his family, and those in his school theater all saw his potential and gave him affirmation.

‍

"My youth pastor was this amazingly talented illustrator. And yet.. he would allow me, a middle schooler, to stand with him and help and create these banners for our church. Then to see them [on Sunday mornings] and hear other say.... 'You drew that?!'... really encouraged me to do what I do today." -Jeremy Slagle

‍

Jeremy's early interest in design and hands-on exploration set the stage for Jeremy's future success. I think this is the trajectory for a lot of creative careers. It was certainly true for me- seeing other people draw and create lead me to draw my own logos, portraits, and artwork. Over time, based on feedback and responses from others, I started turning those into brands and marketing collateral. I call this the "Creativity Feedback Loop", and it looks something kinda like this:

A Problem Solver from the Start

Throughout his life, Jeremy has been the go-to person for anyone in need of graphic design solutions. His ability to help individuals and organizations express their ideas graphically has made him an invaluable resource. From childhood to adulthood, Jeremy has consistently demonstrated his aptitude for problem-solving, and he's turned this talent into a thriving career as the owner of Slagle Design. Jeremy has ran his successful design studio since 2009 and has done branding and design for many well-known institutions in the Ohio-Midwest, such as Cedarville University, Capital University, Tiffin University, and Wooster College. (Just to name a few.. no big deal.)

‍

Family and Generosity

Jeremy values his family immensely. He's a proud husband and father of two children, Caleb and Faith. Both are accomplished creatives in their own right- doing impressive projects at a skillset far beyond what their ages may assume. His love for his family shines through in his work and is a driving force behind his dedication to creating meaningful brands. Jeremy is all about creating meaningful brands and building a body of work that shows love.

‍

In addition to his family, Jeremy also finds time to give back to the creative community. He conducts portfolio reviews for young creatives, helping them kickstart their careers, a testament to his generous spirit and commitment to nurturing the next generation of designers. He is a strong advocate for the Parables Group in Columbus Ohio- a group dedicated to telling stories, sharing fellowship time, and building a faith-based community of creatives.

‍

Being such a big fan of Jeremy's... It's refreshing to see someone be as genuine in-person as they are online. I probably smiled and nervous-laughed more than I have in any other interview... Check out the Youtube vid to see this cringe in full action.

Embracing the Uncomfortable and Spreading the Love

One of Jeremy's most profound lessons is the idea that if something feels uncomfortable, it's probably a sign that you should pursue it. This fearless approach has been a cornerstone of his creative journey. Whether it's delivering talks at universities and institutions, publishing a children's book, or engaging in speaking events and tutorials, Jeremy consistently steps out of his comfort zone to inspire and educate others. Moreover, his faith is deeply meaningful to him, and he sees his work as a way to serve both his clients and God, highlighting the importance of authenticity in his design process.

‍

Jeremy is an absolute legend to my eyes. Even during the interview (which I have listened to over many times) his story serves as an inspiring example for young designers like me, reinforcing the idea that creativity and design are not just about visuals. They're about creating meaningful connections and sharing love through the service we provide.

‍

Jeremy, with his old-fashioned values and innovative spirit, is a true design maverick we all can learn from- regardless of the industry.

‍

The ability to learn from others, especially those you admire, is truly a superpower. That's why I started this show- and it's also why I created the Business Owner's Essential Reading Database to succinctly keep notes, find books at the cheapest price online, and use the information of those more successful than me to level up.

‍