Sponsor Spotlight: Michelle Adan of JxL Creative
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to have your entire brand world dreamed up, designed, and brought to life under one roof, meet Michelle Adan, Creative Project Manager at JxL Creative. This local creative agency is all about Strategy by Design - thinking beyond a single project to every way your brand will show up in the world. From surreal skincare shoots in the California Redwoods to a fresh rebrand that’s got their own portfolio shining, Michelle and her team blend imagination, strategy, and serious execution power. Here’s more from Michelle:
JxL is a creative agency where everything is done under one roof. Tell us more about what that means.
JxL has always taken a holistic approach to the services it offers. This means that when we create packaging design, for example, we think about how it will look photographed, what design elements will be leveraged for social, or what future products may look like. But while we do offer many services, we've recently focused more on the mantra of "Strategy by Design" which means that we encompass this holistic strategic thinking in everything we create. We're thinking about your entire brand world, not only a single product.
You’ve got $100 to spend in Montclair. Where are you going and/or what are you grabbing?
Food, for sure. We'd grab some eats at Pasta Ramen or Ani Ramen and round it out with the best rolled ice cream at Absolute Zero.
You’ve worked with over 130 brands and your reel is 🔥. What’s one project you’ll never stop talking about—and why?
JxL produced an editorial photoshoot for a skincare brand named Free + True. We wanted to create a surreal, aspirational environment while minimizing production costs. To do this, we created a set with 9 models and 5 crew in the California Redwood Forest, carrying materials from the parking lot to where we found the best lighting. But the end result gave us a vast sense of scale and perspective, which gives us high production value and gives the brand higher credibility.
What song has to go on the RecRoom playlist?
We've had a few songs on rotation from all different genres - pop, R&B, hiphop, Broadway, alternative, jazz - but the latest feel-good Summer song on deck is "Cut to the Feeling" by Carly Rae Jepsen.
As a creative agency, how do you keep your creativity fueled?
Research and development of the latest 3D render engines. Seeking inspiration from fellow agencies. Looking across product categories to merge what works in one with the other.
What’s something people are always surprised to learn about JxL?
1. How nimble we are. 2. That we always have something to offer as the next step, whether that is an initial branding exercise, or ongoing social support once you're up and running.
What’s your POV on visual storytelling in 2025?
Saying that creative needs to "stand out" is too cliché, but the product market and social content are overly saturated. So storytelling, whether it's groundbreaking or ordinary, needs to be consistent across all creative channels. If your website is one color scheme, your Amazon page should reflect that.
Shout-out time! Who do you want to give some love to today?
We'd love to shout out the new restaurant in town - MM by Morimoto! Can't wait to check it out and try all the delicious food!
What do we need to know about JxL right now?
JxL has just unveiled its own rebrand, including an updated website and services deck with pages of new work and details on services. We feel that our rebrand visually speaks better to our strategies and also serves as a canvas for our work to display. Please check out www.thejxl.com or email hiya@thejxl.com for our intro deck.
What word, mantra, or quote has been a guiding light for you lately?
"Step out of your comfort zone." It's a constant reminder to just do the thing... and figure it out later. It's been the best way to grow, learn, and not let fear get in the way of great opportunities or life experiences.
Interested in becoming a RecRoom sponsor? There’s more info waiting for you right here.
