who

photo credit: Tony Smith

  • Founder/Owner and Lead Designer

    Janell initially started JNJ Creative so she could function as “more than a freelancer while intentionally not a large firm” to better serve the very real need for graphic design and creative project support in the public-serving space. With over 16 years in publishing as both an in-house design lead and freelance consultant, her roles have ranged from senior graphic designer to design director. Janell’s skills span marketing, packaging and presentations, to leading teams of illustrators, animators and coders on print and digital campaigns.

    Now, as director of creative activations with Englewood Arts Collective, she project manages and curates creative engagements as much as she spends time designing— all the while empowering clients with clarifying visual communication solutions.

quick moving faces and hands of different people

  • Subcontractors and Paid Interns

    Rooted in the creative community, JNJ Creative is constantly partnering with and subcontracting other graphic designers, illustrators, fine artists and students on a project-by-project basis. This pool of talented freelancers and eager interns are positioned on assignments that are best suited to exceed the client’s needs, while Janell stays involved just enough to lead the project to success.

    Are you a graphic designer or painter/illustrator who would like to be considered for future work opportunities?
    1: CLICK HERE to send an email with your name, availability, and links to your work.

    2: CLICK HERE to upload a resume and portfolio samples
    (BIPOC and the full spectrum of identifying folx encouraged to apply—18 + yrs U.S. residents/citizens only please)

values

Black life has always mattered.

Black life and the creative design work JNJ does has always mattered, because it’s always been more than just consultations, concepts, designs and murals. It’s using skill sets to support the powerful work that non-profits, community orgs and other changemakers do. By bringing our whole selves and our experiences to every table, we hope to hold space for more folx of color to do the same.

Trust us, don’t rush us.

We pride ourselves on giving our best to our clients. Best solutions based on thorough research and listening to what our partners say they want—then helping them determine what they need. Not new to this, but definitely true to this. So while there’s an understanding that timelines can get tight, the most impactful results come from ample space and time to let us do what we do. Trust us, don’t rush us.

Joy as fuel.

Joy as an act of resistance is a core principle of this biz. By being fun and joyous and enthusiastic with our talents, we hope that the space we occupy and help our clients curate show but a sliver of the abundant beauty and joy that has always been present in communities of color. This is why you’ll find design work done for and as a co-founder of Englewood Arts Collective embedded in this design portfolio.

 

For the babies.

The owner started in Educational Publishing and has ample experience visually distilling information for varied audiences. Projects that support orgs that directly serve youth, especially Black, Indigenous, Latino/a, Asian, Arab and any under or mis-represented in mainstream media rank high with us. Education, experiential learning, enrichment and exposure projects—bring it on!

Collaboration Over Competition.

Success is not a pie where someone might miss out on a slice. No scarcity mindsets here. JNJ Creative is strong in it’s lane and is proud to share space and thrive alongside others who inspire us in their own creative ways. LOVE partnering with other artistic leaders on projects!