Life & Work with Joshua Wilhelm

Today we’d like to introduce you to Joshua Wilhelm.

Hi Joshua, We’re thrilled to have a chance to hear your story today. Before we get into specifics, please briefly describe how you got to where you are today.
I’m Josh, the owner and principal designer of JW Creates. A deep love for album cover art sparked my journey into graphic design. As a musician, I have always been captivated by the powerful visual storytelling accompanying music. This passion drove me to explore the field of graphic design- starting with creating cover art for my music projects, which I began posting online around 2016.

In 2019, I decided to take my interest and craft more seriously. I dedicated myself to learning Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator and consuming tutorials and resources from what I call “YouTube University.” Being a hands-on learner, I embraced a trial-by-fire approach, taking on various projects that challenged me to design logos and cover art. Each project was a learning experience, honing my skills and pushing the boundaries of my creativity.

Today, I have the privilege of helping individuals, bands, and businesses create their visual identities and tell their unique stories through graphic design. I strive to offer something more personal and meaningful in a market saturated with graphic designer options. Great design is not just a transaction but a collaboration. I take the time to understand my clients and their visions, ensuring that the final product truly reflects who they are. My primary goal is to make my clients look their best because their success reflects my work. At JW Creates, we don’t just create designs; I’m striving to build relationships and craft visual stories.

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Running JW Creates has been a challenging road. I often find myself struggling with my biggest obstacle, overthinking and self-doubt. Also, managing the “business” side is not my strong suit. However, I have learned that you can overcome these struggles, refuse to give up and surround yourself with the right people. While some people may have a natural talent for balancing all aspects of running a business, for most of us, success hinges on the people we surround ourselves with. If it weren’t for the incredible community that supports me, I know I wouldn’t still be doing this today. Don’t be afraid to lean into your weaknesses, ask for help when needed, and surround yourself with people who believe in and support your dreams. Embracing vulnerability and seeking assistance are steps toward growth and success, not signs of failure. The journey may be challenging, but you can overcome obstacles with determination and the right people.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At JW Creates, my business revolves around three core components: cover art, logos, and websites. I collaborate with a diverse range of clients, including bands, musicians, podcasters, and solo entrepreneurs, to design exceptional graphics and branding. For me, whether it’s cover art or a logo, it’s all about storytelling and communicating the essence of who you are and why you do what you do. This process of storytelling is not just a task, but a joy that I bring to every project. One of the things I am most proud of is becoming known as the ‘cover art guy.’ My passion for cover art has led me to create a podcast called ‘Judged by the Cover.’ On the podcast, we delve deep into the world of album covers, analyzing iconic designs and exploring the stories behind them. Our goal is to inform and inspire others who are embarking on their own cover art projects. With the addition of my co-host, Phil, ‘Judged by the Cover’ is gaining momentum, and I am incredibly proud of the content we are producing. Through this podcast, I hope to share my love for cover art and help others discover the power of visual storytelling in their own projects.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Finding the right mentor has been a challenge, but I am only where I am today because of the immense value of networking. Networking often gets a bad reputation because it can feel very transactional. However, if you approach networking as an opportunity to build a community, its value becomes immeasurable. This year, my main focuses are meeting new people, learning who they are and what they do, and investing time in building meaningful relationships. It’s not the fastest way to grow, but it is gratifying. Be prepared to put in the effort and grind it out, but if you stick with it and intentionally nurture your community, great things can and will happen. It’s essential to approach community and networking with the mindset of adding value rather than focusing on what you can gain. By contributing to the community and supporting others, you create a network that is both beneficial and deeply fulfilling. Building genuine connections takes time, but the impact of these relationships on both personal and professional levels is profound. The value of networking is not just in the connections you make but in the inspiration and motivation it brings to your journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jwcreates.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdubcreates/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jdubcreates/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYYcqoWCI3AzV5PoxiehR5w?sub_confirmation=1
• Other: Judged by the Cover Podcast – www.jwcreates.com/judgedbythecoverpodcast

Image Credits
Photographer: Dewayne Kennemer Photography, Location: Yellow Racket Records, Chattanooga TN