Q&A with artist Jess Marie
This interview originally appeared in the first issue of Antigone, Daydreamer. You can read it here.
Could you tell us a little bit about yourself?
My name is Jess. I’m from New England and am currently working in social media/ marketing and design — it’s a hodge podge of things, really. When I’m not working you can usually find me at the library, walking my dog, or doodling at my desk while listening to podcasts (aka lots of McElroy brothers content).
How did you get started on your illustration journey?
I wish I could say I’ve been drawing since I was little, but I’m actually completely new to this! I’ve always said “I’m no good at art, I can’t even draw a straight line, etc.” and would merely admire artists from afar; then I realized one day that I had never even tried. About a year ago I started dabbling in handlettering, but my imagination was running wild with illustrations and I wanted to chase them. I have so much to learn and lots to practice before what I can do with my hands catches up with what’s in my head, but so far my attempts have been very fun.
What is your artistic weapon of choice?
At the moment it’s mostly just me, my sketchbook, and my iPad! I typically sketch out ideas with good ol’ pencil and paper, then transfer that to my iPad where I draw digitally with an apple pencil. But I’d really love to start working with gouache and watercolor too!
What has been the biggest challenge with starting out as an illustrator online?
Ooh, I’m so new to it all, I fear I haven’t met it yet! I’m still getting my feet wet and feel weird about even calling myself an “illustrator.” But so far I think it’s just continuing to create and share stuff when it seems like everyone else is creating stuff and oh my gosh they are creating stuff SO MUCH BETTER than me. And remembering to do it all for the joy of it, of course.
What has been the best part?
The fact that I enjoy sitting down and drawing has been a surprise in itself! I’ve always been into photography, but drawing wasn’t something I ever imagined myself doing. It’s been a lovely plot twist! Oh, and the fact that anyone at all likes what I’ve made. I’m truly blown away by any and every positive response I’ve gotten.
Get this piece on a tote bag for your next trip to the library or bookstore.
Tricky question, but I must ask: what’s your favourite book?
I can never pin one down! But Atonement by Ian McEwan, Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier, and Tin Man by Sarah Winman come to mind. I love so much by Toni Morrison, and I have a love/hate relationship with The Goldfinch. Not to mention the many fantasy books that have my heart — I’m perpetually wanting to reread The Lies of Locke Lamora.
What are you currently reading?
I’m nearly finished with My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante and am listening to The Diviners by Libba Bray on audiobook. And I already have a mile-long list of books I’d like to read this Autumn — wish me luck!
You can find Jess on Instagram and shop her collection on RedBubble or Society6.
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