Jason Bouwman
www.compasscreative.ca | jason@compasscreative.ca
Born into a Dutch farming family, Jason was raised with a strong work ethic, high moral values and discipline. His blue collar working parents didn't always understand his natural creative abilities, but they recognized them and encouraged him to follow his heart.
Jason is a very down to earth person who recognizes the value of hard work and responsibility. Upon graduating from Sheridan College Jason entered the world of illustration as a technical illustrator, as his keen sense of responsibility dictated that a practical trade would offer stability and job security. While he was in school he focused on building his portfolio and self promoting.
Jason has always had a do-it yourself mentality and credits his upbringing and family for this aspect of his character. It was the same family influence that reflected a cynical view of the marketing world and the big city that held little appeal for Jason as he began his career.
A consultant identified Jason as a hopeless introvert with high D/C scores on the DISC personality quiz. Whether you complete this same quiz or find something different, Jason believes it's very important to know yourself.
Following a number of years freelancing, Jason needed to make more money. Although charging more per hour would help make that happen, Jason recognized it needed to be more. When he asked his clients why they enjoyed working with him, he was told that they love the way that he came in and asked lots of questions, collected a lot of info and returned with what they wanted. They valued how he made them think.
Instinctively, Jason recognized that the design wasn't about him, or even his clients. It was about their clients and being a translator for the target market. It was his appreciation and value of insight into the customer/target market that allowed him to grow his business in this direction and meet the needs of his customers.
It's the idea that people don't want "websites" they want sales. Whether they're a non-profit or a business, they all want to generate sales/income/money.
Remember, customers don't owe anyone business. It's up to the business to tell a story, tell them how they're different. Businesses need to know their market, what the market it exposed to and have a vision/mission as to why they exist. Identify the core idea and all the branding, strategy, messaging and online presence will support it.
Jason identified the importance of managing expectations based on insight, market realities and strategy. Technology and pretty pictures don't fly on their own.
Through word of mouth Jason was able to grow his business. It was an organic growth that happened together with his clients. Some who he recognized were no longer a good fit. It's important, as you challenge your customers to challenge themselves, that you in turn, turn the tables on yourself and challenge yourself.
Many business are often started for selfish reasons. Whether it be the money, the flexible hours etc. However, growth and success comes when we're able to move past the selfish reasons and be in business for our clients and their needs. Creative people often love their work and it's their passion which can often lead to poor business decisions.
Recommended Reading: What I wish I knew when I was 20.
Lessons: Success comes from 3 elements. Passion > Skill > Market
Passion: There is pain because you love it so much that you push yourself through. But eventually you will burn out.
Skill: You have developed skills and expertise.
Market: The market needs to be ready for what you have to offer.
Break life into priorities and live by that compass.
Recommended Reading: The e-Myth, By Michael Gerber
Learn the Five Love Languages
1. The gift giver
2. Those who say what they feel
3. People who need proximity
4. People who need to be touched
5. People who do for others
You have to have integrity in what you do.
Jason concluded by sharing a story that had been told to him.
A teacher of time management stands at the front of the class with a glass jar filled to the brim with large rocks. He asks the class if the had is full. They reply; Yes. He then brings out a jar of smaller stones and pours it into the first jar and repeats the question - is the jar full. Again the students respond yes. Next he fills it with sand, then again with water and finally the jar is full.
The moral of the story is not only that our lives and priorities come in all shapes and sizes, but the order in which you do them will dictate as to whether or not we'll be able to complete them all.
Overall, Jason's approach was a breath of fresh air and reassurance that success is not measured by the size of our clients, our employers success or working for the big names. Success is achievable and real while we maintain our values and priorities.
My apologies to past presenters, but Jason was the first who spoke about putting one's ego aside and seemed to truly practice was he preached.
Jason's illustrations, style and approach were truly inspirational.
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| One of my favourite coins from the one of the many he's designed. |
