Meet Jessica Hewitt

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Hewitt. 

Hi Jessica, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve always been a creative. I grew up loving art and just drawing or doodling whenever I could, or playing musical instruments and getting deeply into photography and video editing throughout my younger years and into high school. Likewise, I tried out theater and acting in student films in college. Being a part of that arts world is just something I really enjoy and thrive in. However, I’ve also always been fascinated by technology. I’d watch movies like Blade Runner, Tron Legacy, or Avatar, and be amazed at the worlds people could create or the reaches technology had on the arts community as a whole. That computers could turn green-screen shots into something totally new astounded me, and still does today. 

So, I think all of these things have influenced me in my decision to pursue something that is both creative, and technologically involved, in my career. As a UI Designer, I get to be artistic and pursue beautiful imagery and layout, but I also work with developers, and engineers to ensure designs follow new tech trends and meet our standards to make life easier on our users. 

I also have a brief background starting college as a computer science major. It ultimately wasn’t the path for me – I definitely wanted more involvement in the visual appeal rather than the science/math side of things – but I think that introduction to different coding languages helped me appreciate the technical side of things, as well as the workload on those who are developers, coders, engineers, etc. 

In my personal time, I have passions on the side that keep me excited as a digital creative, and what I like to call ‘a forever student’. I think learning is such a gift that we all have access to, so I’m always taking on some new challenge, whether that’s 3D art, artificial intelligence like ‘Midjourney’, motion graphics work, or even something like making tutorials for skills I already possess. I’ve kept a YouTube channel over the years for my video editing that lets me make my own movies/stories and keeps me excited to create. While I think something like that would be an awesome job – having it to myself in free time means I’m not forced to do it when I don’t want to. It’s my bubble to have free reign totally and completely. And, it’s garnered a following of about 20k people now; so not only do I get to enjoy it – but I can share that passion with others as well. 

I’m just really grateful to be in a position where I can do something I enjoy, and have freedom to be creative in – but also that I have the passion to continue learning outside of my daily job. I hope everyone experiences that kind of excitement. I honestly think without all the things I picked up on the side, or the hobbies I had throughout my younger years and into today, I wouldn’t have the position I do. All those random artistic outlets have brought me to this spot. It’s been really awesome to see unfold. 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I would certainly say there were struggles along the way. I think the first that comes to mind is parental expectations. Parents just want the best for you, and in my case, mine wanted to make sure that if I was going to a more pricy college, I was in a career field that would make up for the debt there. So, computer science was a path they were comfortable with – but convincing them to let me switch to a more creative major (in my case, digital communication), that took a bit of time. Nonetheless, I was able to find something they accepted, and I was also happy to pursue. I know that’s not always how things work out for people, so I’m definitely grateful. 

I’d say another challenge was just people’s treatment of me, as a woman in a professional setting, more so in my previous job than my current position. For some reason occasionally people take serious input as ‘cute’, if you’re a girl. Or, if you’re young, even if you know your field, older generations have occasionally treated me like my insight wasn’t valid. It’s more interesting to me than frustrating because I don’t understand why people can’t get passed some of that. Or especially since younger generations become more and more in tune with tech, it surprises me that sometimes the more experienced audiences are more put off by younger people’s ideas in regard to tech. 

I think there has been other minor challenges of learning how to price work as I’ve explored occasional freelancing. It can be hard to feel worthy of pricing myself appropriately when I am still a young adult, and young in my experience professionally. I know my skillsets, but I also know how some people may react to me throwing numbers out there for what I feel I deserve. That can go hand in hand with people pleasing because that’s another concept I struggle with, but genuinely I just want folks to be happy, overall – but also with the work I create. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
So – I work at a great place called Wedge (wedgehr.com). I think the great thing about Wedge first of all, is that it’s a software startup. I hadn’t worked at a startup before this job – but after working here now for over a year, I’ve realized that startups seem to be the most flexible as far as creativity, and the most flexible when it comes to schedules. I guess I can’t say for sure that’s how all startups are, but I think there’s certainly a drive and passion behind startups to stand out, and ‘disrupt the market’, to use some sales jargon. My place has always been firm about wanting the office to not feel like a burden to me or my coworkers, which absolutely blew me away at first; not being strict about what time you walk in the door, or when you leave, it makes me feel even more space to explore how to best create at work. Same with their willingness to let me explore a variety of content, in a way I feel would help us grow and flourish best. 

For example – when I first came on, Wedge had a different logo and look. I had the honor of redesigning our company logo and brand, as well as refreshing our website to go along with it. I also get to edit videos for our socials if I want or stay involved in other marketing materials, as much or as little as I’d like, alongside my UI responsibilities. 

As far as what Wedge does – I used to simply say wedge was a one-way video interviewing software. However, we’ve recently been expanding our offering; and are introducing products to attract candidates to job postings, and an explore earlier application processes before you start one of our wedge video interviews at all. We’ve been growing a ton too, which has been super exciting to see. I just love my job and care about what we do personally, as well professionally. As an introverted person, recording my own interview when I applied to be a UI designer, in a simple one-way platform was so fun. I didn’t have to worry about someone judging me on screen, I could re-record my answer if I wanted to, and I could test my equipment to make sure I was prepared and ready to go, with no Wi-Fi troubles to hinder me. I know I probably sound like a sales rep listing this all off – but I’d honestly recommend our product if you’re looking for a much faster way to hire people, and know off the bat if they’re a good fit for your company because you’re seeing how they act on screen, and how quickly they can respond to the questions you throw their way. Easy peasy. And simple to set up. 

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Well, I think an obvious thing I’ve learned is to latch onto opportunities when they come your way, even in the midst of a worldwide pandemic! I got my job in the midst of covid, and I think my company really took off because of covid. Video Interviewing certainly wasn’t as big before all that stuff first started, and since then it’s really exploded all over, and people easily recognize why video, and even remote work, is so valued in the workforce today. 

I also think the covid pandemic taught me to just be kinder towards myself and others. I can be considerate of those around me, whether I start to get a little cold or worry if it’s actually covid. They do the same for me. I also try to take better care of my health now, to try and prevent something like the coronavirus from hitting. I think it’s all really a game of trying to live to the best of your ability, and to adapt as things change, whether that’s your work environment, your schedule, or even your office space. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://scotthewitt.wixsite.com/itsjess
• Instagram: instagram.com/itsjesshewitt
• Youtube: youtube.com/itsjessedits