From The Desk Of: Joanna Bean Martin
Mar 07, 2017
What’s on your desk?
Notepad (mostly used for doodling on phone calls--I'm a horrible note taker), phone, pics of my kids, my mom and me when I was a baby, wacom, lots of hydration options--bkr bottle, la croix, coffee
Fill in the blank: "I don't show up at a meeting without _________."
Fresh breath
What's on your reading list?
All these unread emails
What’s in your bag/always on your person?
Earth Tu Face lip balm, Aesop Resurrection hand cream, a rag to wipe noses, sunglasses (even in Portland), snacks (for kids), 2-3 bright lipsticks
I'd write to... / I would love to get a letter from...
My children / My children
Would try once... / No, thanks....
Camping alone / Motorcycles
I'd pay good money for... / Wouldn't take even if free...
Earrings / A choker
I'm a true believer in... / Major skeptic about...
Being open / Preaching to the choir
Fear conquered... / Not quite there yet...
Raw seafood / Truffles
My proudest accomplishment is... / The next goal on the horizon is...
Days I don't loose my patience with my kids / Radical generosity
Favorite books... / Can't wait to read...
Faraway Nearby, A Little Life, History of Love, White Teeth, Truth & Beauty / my mom's latest (unpublished) novel, A Devil For a Witch
Subject I won’t shut up about lately... / Subject I avoid...
How brilliant my kids are, duh / Talking to people without kids about kids
Constantly craving... / Don't see the appeal of...
Poke / Truffles
_____ always inspires / ______ totally sucks
The internet / The Instagram algorithm
I'm early for... / I'm late for...
Flights / Everything else
______ is worth the wait / I have no patience for _____
Wisdom / Self-centeredness
I'm picky about... / Not so picky about....
How my bed is made / Wrinkled clothes
I'll never give up _____ / Ehh, I'm kind of over _____
Color / Minimalism
Describe your personal aesthetic in three words:
Sade, Robyn, Galifinakis
Describe the creative space at your company:
Lots of south facing windows---which are key 8 months out of the year here
What are your design inspirations?
NY in the 60's, SF in the 70's, LA in the 80's
How does one tap into their creative side?
I often have to force myself to go to sleep—most of my best “ah ha” moments have come while willing myself to sleep in bed in the dark, also deadlines are great motivators for creativity.
What’s the motto/life philosophy/advice you live by?
We are telling our most glorious stories
Share an insight on your life or life in general that you’ve discovered:
It's better to never peak than to have peaked in high school
When do you feel like you’re at your best?
After a run and a shower, in vintage Levis, rad earrings, and a good pair of shoes
What is a quote that inspires you:
"Girlfriend, our life is one of light and shadows"
How does your brand convey its unique personality?
We try to let our work speak for itself. If you get it, you realize that this can’t be achieved easily or quickly—great work takes time and requires good ideas and lots of experience.
Branding is __________.
A form of language
Describe a typical day at work:
Mostly email with a little bit of creative work
What is the best professional lesson you’ve ever learned?
Don't solve problems if the right question haven't been asked
What do you love about what your company brings to its clients?
Beauty, humanity, love, kindness, hard work
How do you start and/or end your day?
Hugging my kids / Working too late
The vice you’ll never give up is __________.
Nachos & the occasional cigarette
What is the best advice you’ve received recently?
Own your insecurities
What brought you to Paper Chase Press?
A collaboration with my good friend Nikki Fenix for her photo books and then Crystal Meer's wedding materials!
How often do you use printed goods to promote your business?
Not as much as we wish since most of our clients are remote!
What's the response like to these printed goods?
Everyone loves a fancy business card
What is your favorite aspect of your job?
When you hit on that thing that makes so much sense and then everything falls into place
What career moves and/or aspirations brought you to your current role?
Working at Commune was very eye opening—the calibre and variety of work became an aspiration. I wanted to create a studio that nails it every time like they do, but in our own way. Also, working for Yael Aflalo at YAYA taught me a ton—she allowed me to take risks and learn on the job. It was very empowering.
Visit Joanna Bean Martin's website here afterallstudio.com
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