Meet Jeanetta Gonzales

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeanetta Gonzales.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Jeanetta. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My artistic and free-spirited nature brought me to LA. LA seemed like an exciting place to spread my wings after highschool. In the 90’s I moved here, from a small town in Connecticut, to attend UCLA’s fine art program. During college, I realized that I was more interested in design than fine art and attended a small design school in Long Beach to receive my computer and design training. From then, I’ve been a graphic designer ever since. I worked for small design firms, ad agencies and large corporations such as WebMD, and Mattel. After a lay-off, I decided to go off on my own. I had been itching to do something different and had been taking lots of art classes in surface pattern design and textile design. I even freelanced as a textile designer at one point in my career and with the help of a mentor I found myself at my first art licensing trade show in 2013.

I exhibited three times from 2013-16 and found it was a perfect marriage of all I do from painting and drawing to computer art and design. I could take my drawings and digitize them, creating art I license to manufacturers for products such as greeting cards, home decor, ceramics, stationery and more. I have had my artwork in retailers such as HomeGoods, Kohl’s, Nordstrom and Wayfair. Since then my studio provides surface design, textile design, graphic design and coaching services for artists. All my years of working for corporate and for myself, along with the courses I have taken, I built a well-rounded skillset through which I have been able to teach others. I find mentoring artists is part life coach, business coach and part art instructor. It is truly rewarding and I love helping artists see their strengths and a clear path forward.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Working for yourself has its challenges. It definitely isn’t for everyone. I freelanced in-house at first and transitioned into working solely for myself over the years. I discovered there’s a lot of balls in the air and tasks to complete. Being the bookkeeper, the marketer, the artist/designer, the production artist, the decision-maker, etc. is probably where I find it hardest to find a sense of balance. When you can start to delegate more work out, outsource all the things you can so you aren’t being pulled into too many directions. Blocking out time for specific weekly tasks and keeping your schedule organized is a big help. Prioritizing self-care and time for others is important too. Running your own business can easily turn into working 24-7 but creating work hours, boundaries and downtime will keep you sane. Finding your workflow is beneficial for a smooth-running business and life.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
My company is a multi-disciplinary studio where I provide services in surface pattern and textile design, illustration, graphic design (brand strategy and identity and print collateral) and art and design for brand collaborations, events and partnerships. I also work one-on-one with artists who are interested in furthering their work and career, mentoring them on their art and business strategy. I help them get unstuck, see their strengths and find their focus, help develop their art and portfolio, help brand and position their website and train on the business of art licensing.

In addition to the services I offer, I have a shop on my website where I sell my own products such as mugs, art prints, cellphone cases, fabric, gift wrap, home decor and original art.

I love that I can help others see what they can’t – I can bring their company logo to life, help artists see their potential, make art that shapes product lines and creates a visual strategy for brands. I am unique because I give everything I do a holistic and individualized approach. I have a wide lens that I look at all projects and mentees from, taking into account their brand image, their individuality, their strengths and work from there.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I am exhibiting at an art licencing trade show, Blueprint, in early October in San Francisco! I am looking forward to new licensing opportunities and showing my new art.

Pricing:

• Products in the online store are $17 and up
• Coaching services: $150/hr. calls or custom packages for 4 or 6-week sessions based on your individual needs

Contact Info:

• Website: JeanettaGonzales.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: instagram.com/nettdesigns (or @nettdesigns)
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/nettdesigns
• Twitter: twitter.com/nettdesigns

Image Credit:
Headshots (red sweater) shot by Ilene Squires Photography

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