design | inspiration | creativity
Designing Dreams
JOHNSON
Savor Summer with
Editor's Letter
Welcome to PlayBack: Your Source for Inspiration
Dear Readers,
Welcome to the first ever edition of PlayBack, a magazine dedicated to inspiring others with the stories of others. Firstly I will explain the concept of PlayBack. Our concept at PlayBack is split into two. Play & Back. Play means that we record the messages of others. Back means the info is played back to you via us. Now putting these two together you get the message of our company. We record down the messages of people with experience and play it back to you our viewers, in hopes that you will learn from their words.
Our mission at PlayBack is to give people information about fields and hope they are inspired to learn more. At PlayBack we thrive to learn more, as humans that’s what makes us, us. We never stop learning, we are eternal students. We hope you become students of PlayBack
With the introduction of PlayBack, it’s now my turn to introduce the Editor-in-Chief. Me. My name is Tin Tran and I will be the voice of this magazine. Things you should know about me are that I love plants, gaming, and working out. That’s enough about me we’ll move back to the magazine now.
In this edition, we hope to inspire you with stories from different places with different faces. We have Rachel Johnson, a graphic designer from Krave Branding, and we have Tam & Kim, Owners of Happy Nails. We hope they offer insight into their specialties and interest you.
Join us in fostering a community that celebrates creativity, embraces collaboration, and empowers each other through the sharing of ideas.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, let’s amplify the voices of many and create a brighter, more inspired future!
Warm regards,
Tin Tran Editor-In-Chief, PlayBack
PLAYBACK
RACHEL JOHNSON
Growing up I never figured out what I wanted but I knew it had to be in the arts. One day I heard about designers, did not know anything about designers and just said I wanted to be a designer. Which could encompass a lot of things, fashion, interior, and graphics. My teacher told me there are fashion designers and graphic designers. Graphics Designers sounded much cooler to me in the 6th Grade. There’s still one question I had. What even is a Graphic Designer?
I wish my younger self had those resources to figure out what a graphic designer was. Luckily now I have the chance to help others figure out if this career path is what they want to be.
Designing Dreams
GRAPHIC DESIGNER FROM KRAVE BRANDING
"Branding projects are my favorite, because you really get to know the person and their business."
So that’s why I interviewed Rachel Johnson from Krave Branding to get further insights on what it’s like to be a Graphic Designer. First, let’s get to know her. Rachel is a full time Graphic Designer at Krave Branding. She has been working there since September 2021. She is also a graduate of Southeast Technical College. She is skilled in graphics, web design, print material, digital media, and much more!
I got the lucky chance to interview her, and we’ll see what she can tell us about the story of a graphic designer.
RACHEL JOHNSON
Favorite Project
So, what’s your favorite project you’ve ever worked on, either in school or professionally?
Oh gosh, that’s a tough one! There have been so many over the years. I’d say one of my favorites from school was my personal branding project. It was just so much fun to get inspired and really think about how I wanted to portray myself.
Was that in your second year?
Yes, second semester! It was
a turning point for me. Now, in my professional life, I really enjoy working on logo designs and branding projects. There’s something special about diving deep into a person’s story and translating that visually. Plus I think like right now we do a lot of logo design and branding and doing branding projects is my favorite because you really get to know the person and their business and why they started and kind of how to tell their story visually.
Finding Your Path into Graphic Design
“I always loved art; it was my favorite subject in high school.”
What made you decide that graphic design was the path for you?
I’ve always had a passion for art. It was my favorite subject in high school, but I struggled with what to pursue. My mom pointed out that I had family members in graphic design, so I reached out to them, learned more, shadowed them. I really like it. I don’t
Outside of Krave Branding building located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota
know how I know that it was something I wanted to do, but it was the only thing I could see myself doing. I could see that myself too, and it just clicked.
Day in the Life
“I like to make a list and star the top three priorities.”
Could you describe your average workday as a graphic designer?
I start my day at eight, when I plan out my projects. I make a list of my top three priorities and try to knock those out first. My day is pretty dynamic. I bounce between projects based on urgency.
Sounds like you have to multitask a lot?
I try to focus on one thing at a time. For me, it’s more efficient to complete one project before moving on to the next. I don’t multitask often because for me, I find if I focus on one thing, I can get it done and then move on to the next rather than trying to focus on a few things isn’t as efficient for me.
The Challenges of Logos
“Logos are tricky, but that’s what makes them satisfying to design.”
What’s your favorite thing to design?
Logos! They’re tricky, they’re challenging but in a good way. Hearing positive feedback from clients is always a high point for me.
Your Style
“My style leans more toward a feminine, modern look.”
Who or what inspires your graphic design style?
I definitely lean toward a feminine, modern aesthetic—more flat styles rather than overly intricate ones. But in my job, I adapt to the brand’s style, which keeps things fresh. Working as a professional and a job, it’s kind of whatever the brand is, you have to go with their style. But like here most of our projects are in most of the same like type of style kind of updated, modern, but not trendy.
KRAVE BRANDING
Lockers found at Krave Branding
Front Table at Krave Branding
About Krave Branding
“I really enjoy the relationships I build while working here.”
What do you enjoy most about your time here at Krave Branding?
The relationships I build with clients and colleagues, along with the variety of branding projects we take on. I really enjoy branding, I like making website updates like changing little things when it’s already created because I’m not a developer or a coder. Luckily we have a developer for that. She’s such a magician. I don’t like coding either. It’s not my thing.
The Design Process
“I start by gathering inspiration, often from Pinterest.”
Can you walk me through your design process?
Sure! Sometimes I have a vision right away; other times, sometimes I don’t have an idea and so I’ll start by grabbing inspiration. Pinterest is my go-to. I’ll get inspiration and then design it, tweak it, collaborate, get people’s not too many opinions, but someone to look it over and make sure you got all the information correct. Then send a proof to the client and then if they have changes or not, then you can finalize it.
Dealing with Creative Blocks
“When I’m stuck, I collaborate with my boss or even ask for a non-designer’s perspective.”
What do you do when you hit a creative block?
I collaborate with my boss, Sherry. We kind of brainstorm together and come up with an idea together. Sometimes getting a fresh perspective from someone outside of design can help spark new ideas.
Meeting/Break Room at Krave Branding
SOUTHEAST TECH
Essential Skills
What skill do you all graphic designers have?
I believe it should be like accepting criticism.
I agree with that. It’s so subjective. Like everyone else’s opinion so you have to be able to take it. apply their feedback, you know. The customer is always right, but steering them in the right direction, kind, but doing what they want.
Thoughts on Southeast Tech
“Southeast Tech prepared me well for the workforce.”
How was your time at Southeast Tech, and what did you learn?
I really appreciated my time there. They focus on practical skills that prepare you for the workforce. I’ve had like three employers since I’ve worked there and they all are impressed with the work ethic and with the schooling that they do and like compared to like a four-year or whatever? I still remember the core principles of design and use it every day.
Meet the Interviewee
Graphic Designer!
Rachel Johnson
Graduated from Southeast Tech in 2019, She is from a small town in Minnesota. A positive joy who loves to help others create their brands. Gifted with skills in graphics, web design, print material, and digital media. She will help you design your dreams.
Some Advice for Aspiring Designers
“Keep an open mind and continue learning.”
What advice would you give to aspiring graphic designers?
Keep an open mind and always seek inspiration. Don’t limit yourself to just one style or approach—cause then you’ll get stuck. There are endless opportunities to explore, and always keep learning.
What’s Next?
After that interview I felt like I learned a lot from Rachel from just that half hour together. It was very insightful and helped with some anxieties I had about the industry.
I felt inspired by her and will keep pushing forward. As I saw myself in her. I hope her words helped you feel inspired.
Conversations with Happy Nails Nailed It!
“In bigger cities like Sioux Falls, there may be more clients, but in small towns, you build deeper relationships.”
- Tam & Kim, Owners of Happy Nails
Why Nails?
In the small town of Brandon, SD, lies Happy Nails, a nail salon with over 13 years of history. Owned by Vietnamese immigrants Tam and Kim, the salon embodies the town’s community spirit.
Despite starting with limited resources, minimal English skills, and countless challenges, they opened their doors in August 2011, becoming Brandon’s first nail salon. Tam’s dedication included working 84 hours a week across two jobs for 15 y ears to achieve this dream. Their story is one of resilience and determination, showcasing what’s possible in the nail salon industry.
“I love Brandon. It’s a small town with a lot of business opportunities and nice, quiet people.”
Why did you choose to open a nail salon, especially in Brandon?
In a town like Brandon, where everybody knows each other and small businesses can have a chance at success. There wasn’t any competition when we first opened here, it was actually the first nail salon here. We chose Brandon because we heard it was a good location and good people too. And it has been going well for the last 13 years here.
The Challenges of Running a Salon
What are some challenges you face in running a nail salon?
Running a nail salon isn’t easy. As there are a lot of details you have to look into. One challenge is staying connected and being friendly with the community. So it’s important to keep good relationships. Another challenge is the physical strain it has on you. It’s a lot of work but I’m glad I have a system around me that’s supportive. Last challenge is the chemicals, breathing in these chemicals for 13 years does a number on you.
Standing Strong Amidst Competition
“I’m not worried about competition. We’ve been here for over 13 years and many more.”
How do you handle competition from other nail salons?
We’re not worried about the competition here. Even though a nail salon opened up near us a few years ago. It’s good for the customers to have options. We have been here for over 13 years now, and many of my clients are regulars who love and trust our services. We’re confident that our business will strive on even with competition.
Creating Customers Connections
How would you describe your experience with handling customers?
Each appointment takes roughly about 45 minutes per customer. Depending on what they chose. We like to make them have a comfortable and “Happy” experience here. It’s also an opportunity to chat with your clients. Customers in Brandon are so friendly and warm. Many are regulars who we built connections with, and come back here for years. Although English isn’t our first language, we strive to build connections. We have created many friends this way.
Advice for Aspiring Nail Technicians
“In places like Brandon, understanding the community is important.”
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start in the nail industry, especially in a small town?
We suggest hiring local people within the community, because people who are from further towns such as Sioux Falls typically do not want to commute their way here as it takes 20-30 minutes to get to here. It’s also important to be close to the About the Author
community and understand their needs. In bigger cities like Sioux Falls, there may be more clients, but in small towns, you build deeper relationships.
The Heart of Happy Nails: Creating a Warm, Welcoming Space
“I want all my customers to feel happy when they come here, which is why I named it Happy Nails.”
What makes your nail salon unique compared to others?
At Happy Nails, we want our customers to feel happy with their nails once they leave. That’s why it’s called Happy Nails. We try to create a warm and welcoming space where everyone feels comfortable and taken care of. It’s not just about the nails—it’s about the experience.
More than Nails
What I have learned moving on from that interview with Tam & Kim is that a nail salon is much more than just painting nails. It gave me insights into the deep connections that nail technicians have with their community. I walked in knowing nothing about their industry and walked out with a deep understanding of community.
Tin Tran has always been creative ever since he was a kid. He is either doodling or creating something, anytime you see him. Inspired to be a Graphic Designer, Tin has worked hard to advance his skills in the field and plans to continue learning to become a jack of all trades.
WorkingLate?
TryStarbucks
