Andres Jasso is the Founder and Creative Director of ALL HANDS, a design studio in San Antonio, Texas. With over 12 years of design experience, he shares his entrepreneurial journey, transitioning from a classical music background to graphic design. They discuss the innovative SAFEHOUSE membership lounge, emphasizing community over data in business. Andres also highlights the evolution of coffee culture, exploring artisanal trends and unique experiences. He reflects on design's impact on personal identity and the importance of collaborations in building community.
Andres Jasso's transition from music to design showcases how diverse creative fields can lead to innovative career paths.
The emphasis on experiential learning during his unconventional upbringing nurtured creativity and adaptability, influencing his design philosophy immensely.
Jasso's approach to business prioritizes community and relationships over traditional metrics, reflecting a commitment to nurturing a supportive environment.
Deep dives
Musical Beginnings and Design Discovery
The speaker reflects on their early life as a classically trained violinist, beginning lessons around the age of ten. At seventeen, a high school project involving a solo violin album introduced them to design when their brother suggested using Photoshop to create the album cover. This experience marked a pivotal moment when they discovered graphic design as a viable career path, initially starting with small jobs and learning the intricacies of the craft. The journey showcased the transition from music to visual artistry, blending creativity from different disciplines.
Unconventional Education and Early Influences
The speaker shares their unconventional upbringing, described as 'unschooling,' where education was hands-on and project-based, largely influenced by their artist mother. This approach emphasized experiential learning, often involving creative activities that connected various subjects like history. Such an educational background fostered a deep appreciation for art and design, helping to cultivate a strong desire to explore and learn freely, shaping unique perspectives on knowledge application. This style of learning encouraged adaptability, creativity, and a preference for practical knowledge over traditional schooling.
Art as a Foundation for Business
The speaker highlights how their approach to business intertwines with artistic principles, using Safehouse as a prime example. This unique hospitality venture in San Antonio stands out by emphasizing experiential luxury, where the atmosphere aims to create a sense of belonging and community. Unlike typical business strategies focused on numerical data, their method relies on a creative foundation, creating a physical space that allows art and connection to flourish. Developing a loyal member base takes precedence over conventional market research, reflecting a commitment to nurturing relationships and community.
Design Philosophy in Aesthetic Spaces
The speaker discusses the importance of aesthetic choices and a cohesive design philosophy in creating inviting environments at Safehouse and Oak and Saint. These spaces adopt a minimalist approach, ensuring that the design serves as a backdrop for community interactions rather than detracting from them. By prioritizing neutral tones and high-quality materials, the design philosophy centers on facilitating human experiences and connections. This intentional design fosters an atmosphere where the members' personalities can shine, reinforcing the idea that the environment should enhance rather than overshadow the community.
Scaling Creativity and Community-Building
Looking ahead, the speaker emphasizes the importance of scaling the concepts behind Safehouse and Oak and Saint while maintaining a focus on the community aspect. Their vision includes expanding these ventures beyond San Antonio, aiming for locations that promote similar values of connection and creativity. The unique membership model promotes a sense of belonging among members, contributing to a vibrant community culture. Balancing growth with a commitment to core principles highlights the speaker's dedication to nurturing environments that emphasize creativity and inclusive experiences.
Andres is a designer and founder based in San Antonio, TX.
He has practiced design for more than 12 years and experienced multiple success stories in his career, including tenure at 2 technology startups that were acquired.
Currently Andres runs multiple ventures, all sharing a foundation of design. He is founder and creative director of ALL HANDS, the design studio that continues his practice of leading visual identity and product design. He also runs the SAFEHOUSE membership lounge in San Antonio.
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