In this Janis Ozolins Podcast episode on JKL,

Janis Ozolins has turned his passion for simplifying complex ideas into a thriving career as a visual storyteller and educator. Discover how he transitioned from a traditional 9-to-5 job into a life of creative independence, building a business that aligns with his values and serves an engaged audience.

In this inspiring episode of Just Keep Learning, Justin Nolan chats with Janis about the power of visuals in communication, the challenges of breaking into creative work, and the importance of intrinsic motivation. Janis shares his journey, from discovering his love for creating visuals to helping others find clarity and connection through his work.

Janis’ Journey to Visual Storytelling

Janis began his creative journey while working in IT project management. Inspired by thinkers like Tim Ferriss and Jack Butcher, he explored the concept of explaining ideas visually, starting with scrappy experiments on Instagram. Despite facing years of low traction, Janis stayed consistent and eventually found his unique style—a clean, impactful method of distilling big ideas into simple visuals.

By focusing on creating value and building an audience ethically, Janis transitioned from his 9-to-5 to a thriving creative business, proving the power of persistence.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

In the early days of his creative journey, Janis struggled with the same doubts that hold many creators back. However, he believed in his ability to “figure things out” and stayed curious about learning and growth. This mindset helped him overcome roadblocks and discover his strengths, inspiring him to share his process with others.

The Business of Visuals

Janis now offers a course on visual storytelling, helping aspiring creators and marketers bring their ideas to life. He emphasizes that you don’t need to be a professional designer to make an impact. Instead, focus on delivering your message clearly and authentically—an approach that has resonated with his audience.

For those interested in turning their visual skills into income, Janis highlights opportunities like freelance gigs, online courses, and even publishing books. His own journey includes a book deal, bringing his unique approach to a broader audience.

Lessons for Aspiring Creators

• Start Ugly: Don’t let perfectionism hold you back. Focus on getting your ideas out there and refining over time.
• Build Relationships: Collaborate with peers and connect with mentors to stay motivated.
• Stay Curious: Pursue the topics and styles that excite you—it will keep you intrinsically motivated to create.
• Leverage the Internet: The digital age offers limitless opportunities to build, share, and monetize your work.

Memorable Quotes

“I believe in my ability to figure things out. That belief kept me moving forward when I had no results.”
“Focus on delivering the idea, not perfection. Ugly, scrappy visuals that communicate effectively can still be impactful.”
“If you build an audience ethically, there will always be ways to monetize.”

Guest Bio

Janis Ozolins is a visual creator and educator who helps others explain ideas visually. With a background in IT project management, Janis transitioned to creative work through years of experimentation and intrinsic motivation. He now teaches others to harness their creativity through his online course, visuals, and upcoming book.

Follow Janis Ozolins

Website: ozolinsjanis.com
Instagram: @ozolinsjanis
Twitter: @ozolinsjanis