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Kenya: Thriving in the uncertain world of design in the creative industry

Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Daily Nation
Published on 2024-02-07 05:30:00

In 2021, George Rotich, aged 30, established Jewel Films Digital, a design and photography company, after experiencing Covid-19-related layoffs at a previous job.

Jewel Films Digital offers premium creative services such as graphic design, photography, branding, printing, and web design. Rotich, who holds a diploma in graphic design and photography from Shaw Academy, Ireland, describes his company as an out-of-the-box creative agency catering to the specific creative needs of small and medium-sized businesses. Located in Western Heights along Karuna Road in Westlands, Nairobi, the company primarily serves small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Starting the company was not without its challenges. With little capital, Rotich had to make use of available resources, such as acquiring a high-performance computer and a professional camera to kick-start the business. Initially running the company alone and handling all the services, the company has since expanded to include two other designers working remotely.

Prior to starting Jewel Films Digital, Rotich had worked as a creative in the corporate space. However, with the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, organizations began reworking their budgets, leading to a discontinuation of marketing expenses and a significant impact on the creative industry. Many businesses started to prefer outsourcing consultancy for creative expertise, leading to massive layoffs. It was during this time that Rotich saw the gap and decided to set up his own business to cater to this specific need.

Rotich’s vision for Jewel Films Digital is to bridge the gap between SMEs in need of creative services and skilled professionals seeking flexible work arrangements. While the company primarily loves to work with startups, acquiring new clients is a constant challenge they face in the competitive market. Balancing multiple projects, meeting deadlines, and juggling various responsibilities are other challenges that Rotich faces as an entrepreneur.

Despite the challenges, the company mostly gets clients through referrals from friends and previous clients, as well as through their active presence on social media platforms and their interactive website. They charge varying fees for their services, ensuring that their prices are friendly and affordable even to startups.

With over seven years of experience in the field, Rotich emphasizes his collaborative approach to working closely with clients to understand their needs and goals. He encourages potential clients to visit his website to get an idea of his style and capabilities. In addition to his technical skills, Rotich emphasizes his passion for staying up-to-date on the latest design trends and finding unique, innovative solutions to design challenges.

As an entrepreneur in the creative industry, Rotich advises aspiring business owners to continually hone their skills, stay updated with the latest techniques, and ensure that they learn something new every day. He envisions expanding the client base both regionally and internationally and diversifying industry verticals as part of the company’s growth plan.

In conclusion, Jewel Films Digital is a testament to Rotich’s resilience and creativity amidst challenging circumstances. By bridging the gap between small and medium-sized businesses and skilled creative professionals, the company aims to make a lasting impact on businesses’ success while solidifying its position as a unique force in the creative industry.

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