Having a job doing what you love is everyone’s main goal. People want to leave behind the 9 to 5 typical workday and move on to something that fits their interests better. The freedom that comes from pursuing your passions while generating an income is something most individuals strive to achieve. Entrepreneurs—commonly mentioned nowadays—have figured out the perfect way to have successful careers in their field of expertise while having a good time and being able to adjust their schedules when needed.
Jonathan Henderson is a great example of someone who followed his passion and was able to create a career path. With his knowledge and experience, he became the graphic design entrepreneur.
From MySpace Layouts Designer to Business Owner
Unlike most young boys, Jonathan Henderson was not into sports. Instead, he was very passionate about discovering new computer software’s to edit his photos and make them look “cool.” When the MySpace craze hit, he was in sixth grade utilizing PaintShop Pro to edit his images and create layouts. He says he “looked around at different profiles and saw the different layouts people would create and just knew right away I could do that, if not better.” And he was not wrong.
Henderson’s friends, friends of friends, and family members kept reaching out to him to have him design their layout and help them reach the aesthetic they were looking for. He did it because he enjoyed it and never charged anyone. While doing this, he took a computer graphic design course in high school and became familiar with Photoshop and Illustrator. It was this experience that made it obvious for him to choose graphic design as his major in college.
Throughout his first semester as a Briarcliffe College student, a teacher had the class design a logo for their business—if they were to have one. He never imagined years later he would perfect the same logo and use it for his brand. Now, as a college graduate, he owns a graphic design company: JHenderson Designs.
Henderson Wants to Inspire
As a Black Entrepreneur, Henderson has faced certain challenges. According to him, “Graphic design is a white-dominated field as well, so I always make sure I carry myself correctly and in the proper way so I’m taken seriously by everyone.” That is why he decided to start his own business and avoid working for someone else, proving he has the talent and the knowledge to succeed in the industry.
His business is 100% self-made, built on dreams and passions. When he began creating his own path, Henderson created a list of goals that he is checking off as he continues to grow as a professional. Being ambitious and never settling for mediocrity has helped his business become successful.
One of his main goals is to inspire young men like him to pursue their dreams no matter how unattainable they may seem. The best advice he could give entrepreneurs or professionals looking to succeed is to “use all your setbacks as life lessons and motivate yourself to come back better than before!”
A Graphic Designer to Watch
Growing up, Jonathan Henderson never expected to make a living out of graphic design. What started as a hobby and a passion turned into a life-long career. He built himself and his business while bartending and working with elderly people. The work he does for his clients is the definition of hustling, as he continues to do it at random hours of the day. His designs are guaranteed to look professional and aesthetically-pleasing.
Jonathan Henderson is definitely one to watch. We will surely soon see his graphic designs everywhere.