Jada Akoto
Q What do you do?
“I’m a multidisciplinary designer who loves to do it all. I’ve built brands, designed websites, published books, printed some posters, and even made a video game!”
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I began my career as a Freelance Designer for the studio &Walsh during a gap year from university. I was working full time while finishing up my last semester of college for the brand, Parade as lead designer. I enjoyed working with brands that were edgy, fun, and defining culture. Since freelancing I've been working with brands such as Flipper's Roller Boogie Palace, Fishwife, and selfmade.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
When I work, it is truly a discovery process. Curiosity to try new methods and modes of creating fuel the final outcome of every project I make. Through research, storytelling, understanding (and then breaking!) design principles, and creative strategy, I utilize a collage-like mentality when working. This allows me to be flexible and ready to try anything.
Q What are you working on right now?
I’m currently learning Blender so I can make something super top secret.
Q What’s your style?
I would say I have a very bold design sensibility. My first introduction into art was through collage, and a lot of my current work reflects that process—it’s layered, textural, and somewhat eclectic.
A lot of my personal work is influenced by pop culture, my entire thesis was on reality television!
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
Art Direction! I love working on a team to bring images to life.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
I feel like my career is constantly starting then stopping. I don’t believe every career path is linear, but the infrequency of work makes it hard to understand what’s really happening in the market.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Cook my meals.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
Have multiple hard drives, ma’am!
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
How to market myself on instagram, I hate posting!
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I’m looking to expand my freelance clients. I have a lot of experience working with brands such as selfmade and Fishwife where I tackled social and email assets.
I would also love to work directly with artists and musicians in the Los Angeles area to make promotional flyers for events.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
My ideal client is communicative and trusting. A client or collaborator who values both my work and perspective gives me permission to show up at one hundred percent. I love people who have a clear vision, but are looking for help on how to execute on the final project.
I’m also seeking opportunities with organizations and people that are at the intersection of design and social justice.
Q: What is your rate?
My hourly rate freelancing for brands is $70/hr. For special projects, please feel free to reach out to me with the scope of work and I can better calculate the cost.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Feel free to email me at [email protected] to connect!
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
I love walking around the mall!
This member profile was originally published in May 2025.