Today we’d like to introduce you to Johannah Powell.
Hi johannah, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
From an early age, a pencil and paper were all I needed to stay happily occupied. Art was my favorite subject, and I entered every contest I could. To fund art school, I painted restaurant signs, freelanced illustrations, and ran the campus graphics office. Travel soon called—I chased inspiration from Yellowstone to Taipei, finding that nature and new cultures taught me as much as any classroom. I hold an Associate’s in Visual Communication from the Art Institute of Atlanta and a Bachelor’s in Art Education from UNC Greensboro, but real-world exploration shaped me just as deeply.
For the past 25 years I’ve worked as a graphic designer at companies large and small while freelancing on the side. In 2020 I launched Joyi Design Company (Pronounced “Joey” which was my childhood nickname because I had the energy of a bouncing baby kangaroo). I now focus on marketing and design mainly for healthcare organizations. I’m especially grateful to God for blessing me with a talent that I am able to share with others. My former employers also played a role in my success. They gave me the flexibility and encouragement I needed—particularly through eight years as a single mom—to go out on my own.
My style is classic yet bold, rooted in my appreciation of nature and pattern. From an energetic child to running a home design studio where I leap between ideas and disciplines, my passion for creating has enabled me to serve those around me and find more beauty and purpose in life.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I have been very blessed with steady jobs. That doesn’t mean that it has always been easy, though. Early in my career, I was let go from one of my first jobs when my employer ran into some financial issues. Thankfully I was able to quickly move into another role with a different company where I gained much more experience. Looking back, my biggest struggle was when my son was young and I was simultaneously going through a divorce. I made a lot of sacrifices during that time, but I gained strength from God and my family and ultimately was able to juggle family, work and my social life.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Most recently, I have specialized in healthcare marketing and design. I have clients all over the U.S. ranging from orthopedic clinics, to dermatologists. I design postcards, brochures, billboards, signage, t-shirts, invitations, forms, etc. I love trying new things, as well. I just recently designed my first neon sign for a bowling alley! I also provide social media services for some of my clients and have experience with photography, illustration and digitally retouching images.
Some of my past employers are Whole Foods Market, Carolyn Pollack Jewelry, Fulcrum Strategies and The Food Marketing Institute, to name a few.
I am most proud of my ability to think outside of the box and take something mundane and turn it into art – to transform an idea into something beautiful and tangible.
What sets me apart is that I am a one-person design studio. I give each client my best and am friends with my clients because I communicate effectively and treat them with integrity. I also have pretty quick turn-around for most projects!
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My advice would be to find your niche. Be proactive and positive. I stepped out of my comfort zone many times and never regretted it, even when I got rejected. Talk to everyone. Work hard so you can play hard. Love what you do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.joyidesign.com/
