Today we’d like to introduce you to Justine Wollman.
Hi Justine, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I got my start at Temple University’s Tyler School of Art, where I studied Graphic & Interactive Design. From the beginning, I gravitated toward illustration ad it was my natural language, but that wasn’t always encouraged. A lot of professors pushed back on it, suggesting it wasn’t practical. That definitely chipped away at my confidence. But by the time I graduated, something shifted: I was awarded both Top Illustrator and Top Senior Thesis in my class. That felt like a huge win — not just for me, but for the kind of work I wanted to put into the world. It made me realize that being a designer and an illustrator was something to embrace.
Right after graduating, I landed a dream internship with Jon Contino — someone I had looked up to in school. Getting to work directly with his studio on projects for brands like Disney and Hulu gave me an inside look at how illustration and branding could live side by side at a high level. That experience set the tone for everything that followed.
I kept freelancing with Jon and began working with other small studios too, while continuing to develop my voice. Eventually, I moved to Los Angeles for a change of pace and leaned fully into freelance — a scary move, but one that let me build my own studio, Bad Bean.
Through that, I’ve worked with a wide range of clients — from national sports teams like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Denver Broncos, to brands like Oxford Pennant, Parks Project, Faherty, and REI. Whether I’m illustrating a poster, building out a full brand system, or creating packaging with storytelling at the center, I now take pride in being able to do a bit of everything!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Definitely not a smooth road but I don’t think it’s supposed to be when you’re building something of your own!
Owning a business is a leap of faith. There’s no stability, no set paycheck, and none of the perks that come with being traditionally employed. Of course I’ve envied designers who clock in, do solid but low-lift work, and still bring in a steady income with benefits. But I also know that what I’m doing is different and special. Running my own studio means I have freedom, creative ownership, and the ability to shape the kind of work I want to do. That kind of growth and self-direction is something I wouldn’t trade.
That said, it’s not without its challenges. Getting clients takes work. Some months you’re overloaded, other months are quiet. There’s always uncertainty. But over time I’ve built strong relationships, refined my process, and learned how to make it sustainable. It’s not easy but it’s mine. And that makes the struggle worth it!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Bad Bean Studio is my creative studio based in Los Angeles, where multidisciplinary design meets expressive storytelling. We specialize in bold, story-driven visual identities, merch, packaging, and campaigns that truly connect brands with their audiences.
What sets Bad Bean apart is a commitment to pushing boundaries and crafting thoughtful solution. It’s not just about making art or design, but about solving problems in ways that are fresh, meaningful, and flexible. We listen closely to clients to understand what they need and work collaboratively to bring out the best in every project.
I’m proud that Bad Bean continues to grow and evolve, building strong relationships with a wide range of clients! From established brands to emerging businesses as well as connecting with other studios and creatives. It’s all about collaboration, creativity, and delivering work that really speaks.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was definitely talkative and outgoing. I think that’s still true today! I was always curious and loved trying new things, exploring different hobbies, and seeing what stuck. I was pretty good at a lot of things, but the one passion that really clicked and stuck with me was art. Creating something visually just made sense to me in a way nothing else did.
Pricing:
- Typical hourly rate is $85
- Project-based pricing is available and tailored to client needs
- Retainer agreements are an option for ongoing work and long-term collaborations.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://badbeanstudio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/badbeanstudio
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justine-wollman-a0907b177/
