When it comes to building a creative career, we know visibility matters. This past month, we were proud to put AAPI creators at the forefront of all our programming—from the teachers we featured as part of our #CreativelyClasses series to the creative work we showcased on our social accounts. We’re honored to close this powerful month with creative powerhouse, Puno. 

Jennifer Puno (better known as Puno or on Instagram as @punodostres) is a UX designer, creative director, digital entrepreneur, and the founder of ilovecreatives, a platform connecting fellow creative “slashies” with digital courses, resources, and a community of like-minded freelancers. The L.A. based art director and branding whiz is also the host of Girlboss Radio, the go-to podcast for stories about women redefining success on their own terms. 

As a multifaceted creative with an enduring passion for learning from and connecting with the world around her, Puno has bridged the gap between technology and creativity to create a number of businesses that provide both inspiration and opportunities for those around the globe. She does it with style and cheer, calling her hybrid pedagogy, “edu-tainment.”

Puno lives for those who are also living that “slashie” life—a term she uses to describe folks that embrace doing multiple things all at once. With speaking appearances at SXSW, Squarespace, Create + Cultivate, and General Assembly, her creative capital is widely revered and recognized. 

When she’s not helping other entrepreneurs stack their digital skills, you can find Puno creating highly elaborate photoshoots with her cat, Muad’dib—a feline influencer in her own right.

You can check out their latest projects on Creatively here. And tap on the “AAPI Creator Spotlight” at the top of your Discover feed to see all the incredible AAPI creators we’re showcasing this month!

Caption: Meet digital entrepreneur, creative director, podcast host, and all around creative – Puno (aka @punodostres).

What is the first creative project you remember?

I think I was 11, but I had written a story called, “The Tortoise and the Teenage Mutant Rabbits,” or something like that. 😂. It was a version of “The Tortoise and The Hare,” but Nickelodeon style. I was born in 1984, heh. 

I loved being on the computer but at the time, AOL was charging hourly (right?!) for the internet and there’s not much to do after you beat Carmen San Diego for the 10th time. I remember how scary a blank page was, but also I loved… typing? Who doesn’t like pressing buttons! It was quite a few pages, and I really surprised myself that I was able to finish it. 

Unfortunately, I showed it to someone and they told me it sounded really childish. At the time, that seemed like a bad thing so I didn’t write again until I was in college and made my first html webpage. Another blank page strikes again!

Since then, and especially at ilovecreatives, I’ve embraced that I am a childish, goofy, simple writer. It’s a bummer that I lost all those years of writing, so I really take the time to give people encouraging advice. But I also believe in opinions and finding your audience. I don’t want to be blanket sunshine. If I have an opinion, I just say that it’s my perspective and it’s subjective. Do you. 

Describe your aesthetic in three words.

Fun, quick, off. 

Caption: Puno and Muad’Dib, also known as @muaddibthecat, serving looks. Puno regularly creates beautiful and ornate sets for her feline friend’s buzzy portraits.

What was the most fulfilling collaboration you’ve worked on?

Building a life with my husband. This is the most important relationship in my life and it’s wild that we weaved work into it, too.

What’s one creative project that taught you something fundamental about yourself?

Our Squarespace design course. I realized that I love teaching and getting people excited about their potential. 

Caption: Puno founded www.ilovecreatives.com which provides resources and a community that celebrates being a multi-hyphenate (or being a “slashie”).

Do you think creativity is something you’re born with, or something you’re taught?

Neither, it’s a process. 

What’s the last dream you had?

I had an animated talk show like “Space Ghost” meets “Clarissa Explains It All.” 

Caption: Puno is the newest host of Girlboss Radio, a podcast with a mission to “delight your minds and ears with stories that redefine success.” 

One hundred years from now, what do you hope people write about your work?

Oh wow, 100! Hmm… “It made me smile.”  

Follow @punodostres on Creatively]

Creatively is more than a platform—we’re a creative collective. 

Questions or feedback? Email us at feedback@creatively.life