Compass

Jason Bouwman of Compass Creative
www.compasscreative.ca

jason@compasscreative.ca

A very tall and soft-spoken man entered the room. 


Very down to earth and open with our class; no designer elitist mentality here. Jason is the owner and founder of Compass Creative in Burlington. Jason graduated from Sheridan’s illustration program — I have to wonder if we shared some teachers from Graphic Design. I remember Frank Reynolds and marker rendering....  

Compass Creative is a boutique agency helping small-medium sized businesses and organizations re-position themselves for success. 


“I always had it in my head that I was going to do my own thing.”
Jason's lecture included sharing his life story and experiences which has brought him to 
where he is now with his business. 


The name Compass Creative is a commentary on their creative ability to be strategic thinkers. Jason stated we do not just make a website look pretty but we think of the strategy and positioning behind it.



“People don’t want websites”
Businesses want sales, donations and results. A website is a means to an end.
Jason's perspective on the design industry was honest. A website is a way for businesses to sell something, but he asked that we remember consumers don't owe the business anything.


Jason explained that businesses need to tell their story, inspire, showcase how they are different than competitor. Know how why they exist as a business and what they are trying to do to change the world ....in any way big or small...


To succeed in our industry, Jason stated you require the below 4 assets:

• Passion. Passion is not enough, you need to suffer for your passion, but it will burn you out.
• Skill. You need skill, the market won't reward you if you have no skill.
• Market. You need a market for your passion and skill
• Integrity. This should be in your work and life.

“Have integrity in what you do”

Jason also still maintains his identity as an illustrator in the digital world by designing tangible Canadian Collector Coins. Unique and contemporary designs.

Jason spoke about life and work balance. In our industry, this is always a challenge with crazy deadlines and demanding clients.  How to do this? Jason talked about the book "First Things First" By Steve Covey and its discussion on time management. 


Discover and know what is important to you.
Dedicate time to what is important. 
Identify what is important. 
Live your life as a compass with direction
and not by the ticking of a clock.