Meet Gina Glogovac | Brand Strategist & Designer & UX Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Gina Glogovac and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gina, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
When I started my own business, it was something on the side that I just loved doing. I was working as a Marketing Director at a brewery and was not really inspired by the work I was doing, so this helped me be more creative. The brewery was very new, so the work environment was very much one of a start-up. It was always all hands on deck and a lot of the time the work I was doing was not in my job description. For awhile this was great, but slowly I was moving away from the creative aspect that I liked in the first place and more into administrative work. After a year in the position, I started Gene Designs, so I could practice graphic design and feel a little more in control of my life and career. I knew that if I stayed working as the Marketing Director, it would take me years to accomplish the success I wanted, so I decided to take matters into my own hands. Now, I know I am in charge of my success and it’s up to me how far I go. Eventually I quit the brewery and just dove head first into growing Gene Designs and, although risky, it turned out to be the best decision.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, but never knew exactly what route I wanted to take. I have always been a creative, but also very analytical. I used to draw all the time as a kid, but would always get frustrated because I couldn’t get it to be perfect. When I discovered graphic design, I knew it was perfect for me. I can create something beautiful, but also create perfect symmetry, lines, etc.

I decided to go back and take a few graphic design classes and then just continued to practice. It’s crazy to look back at old designs and see how far I’ve come. The best advice I could give anyone in the creative field is to just keep practicing. I always did my best to create something every single day, and even when it doesn’t turn out how you want, you are still learning. One hurdle that every artist will face is that not everyone will like what you do. You really have to trust yourself and also always be open to feedback. Sometimes it can hurt your feelings, but the most successful artists take feedback and use it to improve.

One thing that I think sets me apart from other designers is my versatility. I am able to work with a variety of design styles and not one my projects looks the same. I love experimenting with color and creating something that isn’t necessarily ‘on trend’. I really focus on creating designs that are both funky and timeless. As a Brand Designer it is important to not always create the most elaborate or trendy design because your client may then have to rebrand in a couple of years because that trend is out of style.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am fairly new to New York City, so I am always finding new places myself. One of my favorite spots right now is Dante in West Village. They have amazing oysters and charcuterie and it’s a place a fellow designer and I go when we need to separate ourselves from our work.

I also live near Eataly in Tribeca and it is a great place to walk around or hang out whenever you need to clear your head.

Some of my other favorite places to eat are Rubirosa, Ainsworth, Kymo, Catch, Bondst, and Tompkins Bagels. Also, I would want to show them some fun rooftop bars like Make Believe, Kind Regards, or the Rooftop At Ganzevort.

I live near Seaport and there are so many cute places to pop in and eat or drink. One of the best parts about New York City is that you can always find a new, fun spot to check out. A lot of times I will just pick an area and walk around until I find a new place to check out. My favorite areas to do this in are West Village, East Village, and Chelsea.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are a few people that played major roles in the success of my business. First off, Alex Krahling at High Moon Studio created a course about starting a design business that really was the catalyst. She showed me that this was possible and gave me the tools to do so. It was motivating to see the success of someone that started from scratch.

Next, the support of my parents was crucial. At first, it may have seemed a little surprising, but they always told me that I should do whatever I felt was right and helped guide my along the way.

Lastly, I have to say Ashli Pollard from AP Consulting. She reached out to me in May 2o21 and fully put her trust in me. I was still fairly new at the time and didn’t have a ton of confidence. She trusted me with her product-based business, which had been a dream of hers for a long time. It has been amazing to help her bring it to life and we are working together to this day. Not only has she been a great client, but also become a friend.

Website: https://gene-designs.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gene_designs/

Other: PINTEREST: https://www.pinterest.com/gene_designs/_created/ TIK TOK: @gene_designs

Image Credits
Jackie Sterna – Main image She did all of my brand photography The other images are mockups with my work