307 - Crafting Value: Design, Principles, and Change - with John Roescher
Sep 11, 2024
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John Roescher, founder of the innovative design firm Raw Materials, shares his fascinating journey from launching Handsome to navigating the complexities of scaling a design agency. He discusses the critical role of aligning creative work with core beliefs and fostering a culture of innovation. Roescher highlights the emotional challenges of brand evolution and emphasizes the importance of authentic communication in building business relationships. Tune in for insights on the future of design and the evolving creative landscape!
John Roescher emphasizes the significance of aligning design agency missions with core creative principles to maintain authenticity and foster innovation.
The transformation from Handsome to Raw Materials represents a strategic shift towards a culture that prioritizes creativity and collaborative execution in design.
Roescher envisions Raw Materials as a catalyst for reshaping consumer experiences and setting new industry standards through impactful design work.
Deep dives
The Importance of Practice in Portfolio Development
A strong portfolio is a reflection of individual skill and dedication in design. Improvement requires self-honesty about one’s capabilities and a commitment to consistent practice and refinement of craft. Aspiring designers should focus on understanding what they enjoy doing and invest time in those areas, ensuring they frequently challenge themselves. Ultimately, putting in effort leads to better work that will be evident to potential clients.
John Roscher's Journey to Building a Design Agency
John Roscher, founder of Raw Materials, began his career by teaching himself design and coding, inspired by the early days of the internet. After serving in the military, he re-entered the design field during a technological boom that allowed him to create impactful experiences for companies. This journey led to the establishment of his first agency, Handsome, focusing on high-quality designs and innovative branding. The successful growth of Handsome, with impressive clients like FedEx and Audi, set the stage for his understanding of the evolving landscape of creative work.
Transition from Handsome to Raw Materials
As Handsome grew, Roscher felt a disconnect between the agency's mission and the commercialization of design in a scaling environment. Realizing the importance of creativity and authenticity led to a transformative period for the agency. After evaluating his vision and values, he decided to evolve Handsome into Raw Materials, stripping it down to focus on core principles that align with genuine creative endeavors. This metamorphosis was a significant shift, aimed at renewing a commitment to thoughtful design and meaningful client collaboration.
Creating a Supportive Environment for Creativity
At Raw Materials, the goal is to cultivate an environment where the best talent can thrive and produce exceptional work. The principles emphasize creativity as a leading factor for valuable outputs, encouraging freedom of expression and collaboration among team members. Remote work dynamics facilitate harnessing top talent from various locations while maintaining flexibility in tool usage for project execution. This operational model aims to keep the focus on quality and creativity over scaling for the sake of growth.
Looking Forward: The Vision for Raw Materials
Roscher envisions Raw Materials as a catalyst for a creative renaissance, where the agency’s projects set new standards in the industry. The aspirational goal includes producing iconic work that not only meets market demands but reshapes consumer experiences positively. The path ahead involves navigating challenges while remaining true to foundational beliefs that value creativity at its core. Success for Raw Materials will be measured by its impact on the design landscape, fostering inspiration among peers and reinforcing the importance of thoughtful design.
In this episode, Chris Doe interviews John Roescher, founder of Raw Materials, a unique design company. John delves into his journey from founding Handsome to creating Raw Materials, highlighting the challenges of scaling a design agency while staying true to creative principles. He shares insights on fostering a culture of creativity, the importance of aligning with core beliefs, and navigating the evolving landscape of the design industry. Tune in to hear John's vision for the future of design and the lessons he's learned along the way.