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    At Work: Formation Studio – Design Company in Westgate

    Alan Jazak formed his graphic design and communication company, Formation Studio, in 2001 after working for years in the industry as a graphic designer and an art director. He has been freelancing for quite some time. He built his network and added skills to provide him a solid, well balanced background before going out on his own. It is this word-of-mouth network that keeps sending business his way.

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    About two years ago, he got to a point where he knew he could keep other people busy and decided it was time to expand. He hired employees −three of them, in fact− and all at once! Bethany Rogers was hired as the administrative assistant, Rhys Gruebel joined as graphic designer, and Nathan Rosson joined as digital media designer.

    Alan Jazak in his office

    Jazak operates Formation Studio out of his home in Westgate, where he has lived for sixteen years. He considered a move to downtown Columbus about five years ago −even had a bid on a condo− but that fell through. He then decided to use the money he saved to build an addition onto the back of his home to create his dream office space, complete with tall ceilings, lots of natural light via windows and skylights, and lots of wall space for his art collection. He worked with White House Remodeler, who he says did a fantastic job of blending the old and new construction.

    When asked if having an office in his house poses any problems, he said it does make it “hard to turn off work. But my brain is constantly on. The office is my favorite room in the house. It’s where the work and creativity happens.”

    Creativity is definitely evident in the space. There is art everywhere. Each piece is filled with meaning and speaks to Jazak. Many of the pieces have been featured by A Muse Gallery in Grandview.

    To find furnishings, Jazak used various sources on the Internet, as well as Darrons Contemporary Furniture and the now defunct Interior Concepts.

    Jazak says the best part of owning his own business is the long-term relationships he builds with clients. He also enjoys the people he hired to work with him. Being flexible and accommodating with his employees has proven to be very beneficial.

    When Gruebel recently moved to San Diego, Jazak offered to work with him remotely to retain the investment he made in his employee. They use technology, like iChat, for communicating and it has made the long-distance transition seamless.

    Visit Formation Studio online. Like them on Facebook.

    All photography in this story by Adam Slane.

    Do you have, or work in, a creative workspace and would like to be featured in this series? If so, please contact Anne Evans.

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    Anne Evans
    Anne Evanshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-evans/
    Anne Evans is the Co-Founder and Director of Operations for The Metropreneur and Columbus Underground. She regularly contributes feature stories on both sites, as well as Mega Weekend each week. She has started and grown businesses, created experiences, forged community partnerships, and worked to create opportunities for others. She loves meeting new neighbors and those making an impact in our community. Want to connect?
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