We've been so fortunate to have connected and collaborated with some incredible humans throughout the years. One of these awesome people is Amanda Jane Jones, a graphic designer and author specializing in branding, publication design, and art direction.
We've collaborated on custom pouches for her book launches as well as a holiday pouch bundle back in 2018. It has always been a joy to be part of her creative projects, and we recently had the opportunity to ask her some fun questions. ;)
SPECIAL GIVEAWAY: Amanda Jane Jones is giving away some Maptote Homebody pouches to those who leave a review for the Homebody poster book on Amazon for FREE! Follow AJJ here to learn more.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Amanda Jane Jones (AJJ): I'm a self employed graphic designer / illustrator / author and mother to 4. I collect books and love hanging out with my family—especially biking, hiking, kayaking, river swimming and hot spring soaking! We're also slowly renovating a mid century home in the foothills of the Wasatch mountains.
What inspires you and how does it inform your work?
AJJ: Honestly, my kids are such a huge inspiration! They inspired all of my books and have pushed me to be more playful in my work. Before I had my oldest, Jane, I was just ending my tenure at Kinfolk Magazine and was only getting clients that wanted work in that style. I remember feeling that the key to getting out of my design rut was my kids! Learning to have fun with design again and not take it so seriously. I'm also very inspired by books.
You wrote a book titled Mother/ Founder together with Jennifer Fernandez where 68 women founders were profiled. You're a mother/founder yourself. Any tips on balancing a productive and fulfilling illustration and design practice while being a mom?
AJJ: It's truly an ebb and flow. Some months have more balance than others. I'm coming off of maternity leave so everything feels out of whack (but for the best reason of course!). However, my main tools for balance are organization, boundaries and communication.
When I started my journey through self employment, I had none of those things. I was working at 4 am and keeping all my feelings inside until I burst. I've come a long way, and am still learning! Also I have this theory that kids have made me more efficient in my work. My work time has been cut in half since having kids, yet somehow I'm even more productive. The time restraints have actually worked to my advantage and made me a more efficient designer.
What's your favorite Maptote product?
AJJ: I love your coin pouches so much! I use them for all sorts of things. Money, snacks, lip balm - you name it. I have one with me in my diaper bag at all times.
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Images courtesy of Amanda Jane Jones - Portrait by Momoko Fritz