By Jason Briscoe
What fueled you to cross over from art and design into entrepreneurship? I realized: if I am creating full-blown digital experiences which manifest my clients’ dreams, why aren't I doing the same for my own? It’s extremely rewarding to craft your own ideas, bring them to life and later learn how they’ve positively impacted someone. The formula is simple—everyday, we are faced with either a lack of what we need or a fragmented system. With some fresh design thinking, any problem can be solved.
Where do you think other agencies are missing the mark when it comes to online experiences? There are plenty of great design agencies out there, but very few that intimately focus on a user-journey that is simple and functional with an emphasis on a clear strategy and core message. The two go hand-in-hand and carry equal weight. A glossy design can only get you so far, and a well-planned, executed process can make or break your product. It's the difference between a website that simply looks pretty or one that actually does something useful.
What must tomorrow’s designers know about business? Should they get MBAs? A couple of years ago, I stumbled upon The Leap Year Project, the story of Victor Saad, who left a job he loved to create his own experiential twelve-month master’s program with twelve apprenticeships rooted in design, business and social change. Victor’s journey resonates with me. If our world is continually evolving, then the way we acquire knowledge should as well. Establishing real-life experiences as a credible form of education can equip the next generation of designers, thought leaders and innovators with the necessary tools to thrive in our world.
You travel around the world constantly. How do you stay in touch with coworkers and clients? I feel very fortunate that I have a job that allows me to work remotely. As a client of mine recently said, it's important to make time work for you. If you train people that you reply to emails instantly or even over the weekend, they will come to expect this from you every time. You don't need to be connected all hours of the day to be productive. Simply choose key moments to connect based on your deliverables and deadlines.
Why did you and your girlfriend decide to create the travel blog 10andThree? We both have a thirst for culture, adventure and new experiences while continually traveling with purpose. We originally set the journal up for our friends and family, and more recently, it’s become a guide for like-minded explorers. 10andThree in many ways inspires people to live functionally without boundaries. Success doesn't have to be defined by a corporate 9-5 job and a flashy title—you can define it whichever way you like.
How do you stay inspired? My father has always been a great inspiration and changed my perspective on life. I began focusing on the smaller details that most people seemingly overlook. If you allow yourself to be present and open to your surroundings, inspiration will find you.
How does playing as a bagpiper with ScottishPower feed your design work? Playing in a world-class pipe band provides me with yet another vehicle where I can express myself artistically. The band is comprised of 45 professional musicians requiring constant commitment, teamwork and rehearsal—all qualities needed for a well-functioning business. It’s out-of-work experiences like this that expand my mind, inspire my actions and provide new opportunities—all of which influence the way I run my business.
Where do you think other agencies are missing the mark when it comes to online experiences? There are plenty of great design agencies out there, but very few that intimately focus on a user-journey that is simple and functional with an emphasis on a clear strategy and core message. The two go hand-in-hand and carry equal weight. A glossy design can only get you so far, and a well-planned, executed process can make or break your product. It's the difference between a website that simply looks pretty or one that actually does something useful.
What must tomorrow’s designers know about business? Should they get MBAs? A couple of years ago, I stumbled upon The Leap Year Project, the story of Victor Saad, who left a job he loved to create his own experiential twelve-month master’s program with twelve apprenticeships rooted in design, business and social change. Victor’s journey resonates with me. If our world is continually evolving, then the way we acquire knowledge should as well. Establishing real-life experiences as a credible form of education can equip the next generation of designers, thought leaders and innovators with the necessary tools to thrive in our world.
You travel around the world constantly. How do you stay in touch with coworkers and clients? I feel very fortunate that I have a job that allows me to work remotely. As a client of mine recently said, it's important to make time work for you. If you train people that you reply to emails instantly or even over the weekend, they will come to expect this from you every time. You don't need to be connected all hours of the day to be productive. Simply choose key moments to connect based on your deliverables and deadlines.
Why did you and your girlfriend decide to create the travel blog 10andThree? We both have a thirst for culture, adventure and new experiences while continually traveling with purpose. We originally set the journal up for our friends and family, and more recently, it’s become a guide for like-minded explorers. 10andThree in many ways inspires people to live functionally without boundaries. Success doesn't have to be defined by a corporate 9-5 job and a flashy title—you can define it whichever way you like.
How do you stay inspired? My father has always been a great inspiration and changed my perspective on life. I began focusing on the smaller details that most people seemingly overlook. If you allow yourself to be present and open to your surroundings, inspiration will find you.
How does playing as a bagpiper with ScottishPower feed your design work? Playing in a world-class pipe band provides me with yet another vehicle where I can express myself artistically. The band is comprised of 45 professional musicians requiring constant commitment, teamwork and rehearsal—all qualities needed for a well-functioning business. It’s out-of-work experiences like this that expand my mind, inspire my actions and provide new opportunities—all of which influence the way I run my business.
As co-founder of The Workshop, a London and New York–based design agency, Jason Briscoe has designed brand experiences for the likes of Lexus, LVMH and Twitter. A serial entrepreneur, he’s co-founded Call Navigator, a savvy cold-call management software, and Impactor, a free workshop series for social entrepreneurs. When he’s not working or plotting, Briscoe plays a bagpipe with the ScottishPower Pipe Band. His keen eye and creative heart also serve him well in his role as a startup partner, building the image searching and sharing sites ClippingBook and Kindred.ly.
