Jessica Adanich
Founder, CEO, Executive Director
DesignPod Studio
Fuzzy Sharks
Sharkapalooza
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicaadanich/
1) What does “making your move” mean to you at this stage of your career?
At this stage of my career, “making your move” means building what doesn’t exist yet — instead of waiting to be invited into someone else’s vision.
I spent years doing strong, award-winning design work for clients. But my move was deciding that design alone wasn’t enough. I wanted to shape strategy, lead vision, and build platforms that create impact.
That’s what led to the evolution of DesignPod Studio into a strategy-first creative agency — and ultimately to founding Fuzzy Sharks and Sharkapalooza, a nonprofit conservation festival rooted in art, education, and community.
Making your move now means owning your voice, your expertise, and your mission — and being bold enough to scale it.
2) Can you share a moment when you took action that moved your career forward?
One defining moment was deciding to formalize Sharkapalooza as a nonprofit instead of treating it as a side passion project.
For nearly 20 years, shark conservation was something I expressed through artwork and design. But when I moved to Florida and saw the opportunity to build something larger — a festival that brings artists, scientists, educators, and families together — I realized this wasn’t just a creative idea. It was leadership.
Filing the paperwork. Building the board. Structuring sponsorship packages. Designing environmental signage, educational materials, and large-scale print installations — that move shifted me from designer to founder.
And that shift changed everything.
3) What helped you recognize the right time to make that move?
Honestly? Clarity and discomfort.
When you feel slightly too comfortable, that’s usually a sign growth is calling.
I realized I had outgrown just being “the designer.” Clients were coming to me for positioning, messaging, and big-picture brand strategy. At the same time, my conversation work kept getting louder internally. It wasn’t going away.
The right time isn’t about perfect conditions. It’s about alignment. When your skills, experience, and conviction line up — that’s the moment.
4) What advice would you give women in print who are considering their next move?
Print is not “traditional.” It’s powerful.
In a digital-first world, physical experiences are what people remember. Packaging. Signage. Event environments. Educational materials. Tactile storytelling.
If you’re in print, you’re in impact.
My advice:
- Don’t minimize your expertise.
- Learn the strategy behind what you’re producing.
- Understand how print drives behavior, not just aesthetics.
- And don’t wait for permission to lead.
Your next move might not be a new job. It might be redefining your role.
5) What has your experience with Girls Who Print meant to you so far?
Girls Who Print represents visibility and momentum.
Women in print often operate behind the scenes — producing, managing, engineering, designing — but not always being seen as leaders.
Being part of a network that highlights women’s voices, celebrates technical expertise, and encourages bold career moves reinforces something powerful:
We are not support roles.
We are industry drivers!
Get Involved and Get Empowered!
Join our membership platform and program
Download our sponsorship packages and support our global mission
See upcoming Girls Who Print in-person and online events
Sign up to join our global mentoring program – it’s FREE!
Listen to the Girls Who Print Podcast
Get Your Girls Who Print Merch: USA & Canada | International & GWP Regions
Join our women-only, Girls Who Print LinkedIn Group
