Meet Joël Paynel of joelpaynel.com in Balboa`

Today we’d like to introduce you to Joël Paynel.

Joël, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Bonjour! Born in a small village named Illiers-Combray (France), it is worth mentioning as this town was Marcel Proust’s aunt and his famous Madeleine, this little golden biscuit you may have heard of if you like literature. “She sent out for one of those short, plump little cakes called ‘petites madeleines,’ which look as though they had been molded in the fluted scallop of a pilgrim’s shell” (In Search of Lost Time). I studied and worked in Paris before I moved to San Diego 19 years ago. It was quite a journey. Fresh off the plane, I worked as a tree-trimmer as my English was a little… rusty, to say the least. I am still dragging a pretty heavy accent; forever, I believe.

While In Paris, I have completed a bachelor degree in Graphic Design, Art & Photography from l’Académie De La Grande Chaumière. Thus after cleaning a few palm trees to get back on my feet, I went back to my initial career. Working in large advertising agencies in Paris (BETC) with clients like l’Oréal, Lego, Peugeot, I acquired a great experience I was able to use to find my way through the San Diego’s design community. Influenced by new technologies, this industry has changed a lot since I left Paris and I was fortunate enough to jump on the digital bandwagon quite early.

Today I spend much of my time on my mobile phone, like the large majority of us, but I kind of have an acceptable excuse as I built prototypes of user experiences and interfaces, designing mobile apps and other e-commerce or branding websites. I develop brands and design language for my clients. You can explore more details at joelpaynel.com

Has it been a smooth road?
Under sunny San Diego blue sky in the winter, while Paris is struggling with heavy rain and snow, this move seems like a no-brainer. But living between two countries, miles away from family and friends, creates a few personal challenges. Obviously, it brings some benefits as well. Regarding work, trimming some trees gave me a fast understanding of California’ vibes and the ability to drive around town to discover San Diego’s secret jewels pretty quickly. It was some memorable few months until I got a few temp opportunities in the design industry. Shortly after I was hired by one of the largest web design firms at the time (Cyberworks), working for GT Bicycles, Disney and Mercury Insurances.

Barona Casino, one of our client, acquired our firm. But when the World Wide Web went through bumpy roads in 2000, they closed our shop. I never lost a job before! And for a first time, with all 50 employees, I went American style. 3rd of January, I learned the news early in the morning and I was out of work by noon. As I just purchased a new home to welcome our new baby, it was an interesting experience. It should probably have sent me back home. But with three of my co-workers, we started a new company; in my mind as a short-term solution. It lasted successfully 14 years working for Georges At The Cove, Toyota, Electra Bicycles… Three years ago, I did not believe in some of our business decisions and I decided it was time to take full control of my business faith.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with joelpaynel.com – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I probably work too much to give my best to my clients. But their satisfaction is my best reward as I love my job. I work on information architecture, I develop brands, I design user experience and interface, I built prototypes for mobile apps and websites. I just completed a few projects for Mercedes-Benz, Ossic 3D headphones, Toro Irrigation. I am currently working on e-commerce websites for Nexderm Skincare, Acorelle US (French perfumes company) and an interesting mobile/desktop app for a company trading large tunas.

In parallel, with my life partner, we develop and deliver online content based on the Montessori philosophy for the parenting community: www.voilamontessori.com. She is a parent mentor for private clients in California and around the world. She creates series of interviews with experts in the child development, we package and sale online this type of products. While reading this story, if you have some needs you feel I can help you with, do not hesitate to reach out. I am always interested to meet new people, share perspective and discuss business opportunities.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Being far from home would be my main complaint about San Diego. But it is mainly my fault to have been born in France. The rest is close to perfection. The weather, the ocean are obviously two items we take for granted when we live here, but it is a daily luxury. I feel San Diego is the right size.

It is a large city with its own business dynamic and opportunities while there are enough canyons, views to the ocean or exits to the desert and parks like Joshua Tree to remain a healthy environment. Despite the current argument regarding immigration, personally, Mexico’s proximity makes this city feeling more international and vibrant. Finally, the current development of a wider trolley system may help San Diego to become a more cosmopolitan city like Chicago, Paris or London.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://joelpaynel.com
• Email: joelmpaynel@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joelpaynel/

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