João Paulo (or as we know him, JPSDesign) is a Brazilian web designer with a passion for travel, fine food and a good bottle of red wine. His vibrant layouts are often inspired by the architecture, signage and colors he sees as he explores the world. Even a trip to the local farmer’s market can yield a fresh batch of ideas.
While shifting time zones can be admittedly difficult at times, João Paulo loves the freedom that freelancing gives him—and he sets up his office wherever his laptop and a strong WiFi connection will let him.
We chatted with João Paulo about his freelance lifestyle, his favorite web design projects and his advice for fellow designers looking to try remote work.
Name: João Paulo Silvino
99designs handle: JPSDesign
Location: Brazil
Specialty: Web design
Tell us a little about yourself
My name is João Paulo and I’m from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I grew up surrounded by artists—my dad was a comedian and my brother an actor. I remember when I was 13 years old and got my first computer (an IBM Aptiva 846). One of the applications I liked best let me design and edit preset designs.
I studied advertising at the university for two years, but after a long conversation with one of my teachers, I came to the conclusion that I really wanted to be in a more creative area. So, I opted for a different college program that focused on visual programming and graphic design.
Knowing that my art could be interactive inspired me more and more. That’s when I decided to create layouts for websites.
Knowing that my art could be interactive inspired me more and more. That’s when I decided to create layouts for websites.
Why did you join 99designs?
I joined 99designs four years ago when I was searching for a different way to find nice projects online. Without a doubt, this is one of the best platforms available right now.
99designs was a “boom” for my life regarding salary, portfolio and visibility. It’s the reason that I increased my travel and the number of projects I work on.
How does being a graphic designer enable you to combine work and travel?
As a freelancer, my office is determined by the WiFi connection and my laptop. I just need a good connection, no matter where I am.
The vast majority of my travel is for leisure. I like to spend time relaxing, visiting new restaurants, parks, museums, local markets and walking aimlessly and without commitment. I love a good red wine and one of the cities that is next on my list is Bordeaux, France.
Depending on the place, I can extend my travels to a month, but usually I’ll go for a week.
I like large, colorful images that make me want to eat the computer screen.
That sounds incredible! Do you have any favorite places you like to travel to?
Lately, I’ve traveled a lot to Germany, because my boyfriend moved from Rio de Janeiro to Berlin. Europe is at the top of my list, because it’s so easy to experience different countries and cultures. I take short trips and return to Berlin.
Although, I can say that one of my favorite places to work is still my apartment in Rio de Janeiro. It’s minimal and quiet… it’s all I need.
Are your projects and design style influenced by the places you have visited?
I think, as designers, we have to absorb as much information as we can. I love to see architecture, signs and labels from different places I’ve visited.
Like most Cariocas (people born in Rio de Janeiro), I am very attached to healthy eating. I always try to feed myself fresh fruit juice, smoothies, salads and natural food. I am well accustomed to buying food to make my meals because I also love to cook.
On a trip to an organic market in NYC, I came across the biggest strawberry I’ve ever seen in my entire life. I just wanted to buy the strawberry in time to taste it. That desire—to taste that strawberry—was something I applied to some of my next projects.
I like large, colorful images that make me want to eat the computer screen. I tried to pass that feeling on to Dandrea Produce, Berry Boost and Devine Organics projects.
What are some of the issues you find when working remotely with clients?
I believe the biggest difficulty is working across time zones. I do not filter my clients by location, so sometimes I need to pick up a strong coffee to keep me awake.
One of the advantages of freelancing is having the freedom to create my own schedule, always respecting project deadlines or possible meetings.
Do you have any tips or advice for fellow traveling designers?
I believe that for you to enjoy travel, you have to refrain from worrying too much.
One tip I can give is not to participate in contests if you have a trip to take—even if it’s short. Contests require almost 24 hours of your attention and commitment to work. Since most customers are not from the same time zone as me, I would avoid participating.
One of my favorite places to work is still my apartment in Rio de Janeiro. It’s minimal and quiet… it’s all I need.
What do you always take with you when traveling?
A laptop, an external hard drive with all my projects, and an additional flash drive.
What are the most important things to consider when planning a working-vacation?
Communication and deadlines. You need to be mindful of time frames and scheduling on every single trip. Sometimes a poor WiFi connection may cause some trouble.
What do you enjoy most about the work that you do?
As a freelancer, one of the most fascinating things is the possibility of working remotely and having contact with clients from any part of the world. The idea that I can start working on a project in South America and finalize the same project in Europe the next day is incredible.
