Web & Code

Featured Author: Meet AxiomThemes

“Never lose concentration. The competitors are out there working hard. There is no other way if you want to stay on top. Always follow the Envato news and updates as even in the slightest moment, you could lose the touch with what is going on and you don’t notice the market going in a different direction.”

AxiomThemes

Our latest interview features Author, Henry Rise of AxiomThemes and their team of web professionals, who have reached Power Elite in just two years! In their latest venture using the ThemeRex Framework, they have reached incredible heights and we’re excited to share their story, experiences and learnings with you.

To what do you attribute your success – how is your business unique?


First thing that comes to my mind is actually the scope of our work (or the amount). We are a huge team and we release lots of products (like 10+ WordPress themes per month), which sounds rather insane for most of our competitors. I guess, this amount keeps me fascinated as well. You have to really follow every template and put some soul into in, so it comes off as a piece of awesomeness!

At what point did you decide to pursue your business?


I started my way almost 15 years ago working with themes in general, and gaining experiences of how not to mess up a multi-million company with bad management decisions. I think that was the most useful thing I’ve taken from there and used for our company. It was only at 2010 that I realized that I can do a much better job if I ventured out on my own!


What do you love about your work and why?


I love the fact that our themes actually help people make their living. That is why we are making them so ‘real-website-like’. We want our end customer, whether it is a developer or someone that has not used WordPress before to get one of our themes and be able to start working right away.

I am happy to see how many websites are built on our themes, I guess that is the main reason to keep going and never stop improving. Customers know better, all we need to do is just to listen what they are telling us.

What is the most challenging thing about your work?


The most challenging factor is actually the most beneficial factor at the same time. We love the marketplace and what it has given us, but it can be challenging for us to keep across the ever-changing landscape of requirements or standards.


What or who inspires you and why?


First of all, my parents. They inspire me every day by their example. You need to work hard to get to the top and that is the one of the things I’ve learned from them. Frankly speaking, the only thing I needed to learn from them in the first place.

Is where you live a good place to be a creative professional and why?


The place does not matter. You carry your world with you every day – inside of your head and that is the only place you want to work on.

What are some of the biggest lessons that have impacted your work?


Never lose concentration. The competitors are out there working hard. There is no other way if you want to stay on top. Always follow Envato’s news and updates as even in the slightest moment, you could lose the touch with what is going on and you don’t notice the market going in a different direction!


What is your advice to other authors on how to create a successful portfolio?


Be persistent, creative and never lose concentration. It does not take long to spoil everything you’ve been working for with one wrong move. It is all about the quality and honouring the principles of Envato and the WordPress community.

Apart from yourself, who is your favorite author?


I think I am going to nominate Meydjer! He is a very interesting and rare example these days. With all the changes in the market going on in relation to quantity, quality or even price of WordPress themes, Meydjer is going in the opposite route and makes good sales from his projects.

What tools and resources do you use (online and offline)?


We currently use: Jira, Adobe XD, Symu, Sketch, Confluence etc.

How do you balance work and family life?


Work is my family! Well, not entirely of course, but I spent a lot of time at work, so it is my second family and I like it this way.

What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?


Crossfit, jogging, great food, travelling and music. These hobbies take up most of my spare time.


What are your plans for the future?


AxiomThemes has a new milestone for the future – 2 million. That is what we have set our sails for! 🙂

You can view AxiomTheme’s full portfolio here. If you have any questions, want to continue the conversation, jump over to the forums and say hello!


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