At Home With: Jessica

Interview by Bella Brodsky
Illustration by Lindsey Deschamps

Hi, Jessica! Thanks for taking the time to virtually chat with me! Can you begin by introducing yourself? 

Hey, I’m Jessica! I’m an artist and illustrator based in the pacific northwest. I’ve been operating a small home studio since 2017 but have been working on my art business full time since May of this year and I love pouring my heart into my work!

Tell me about your passions and what you are creating as of late? 

I work primarily in pen and ink and fine art drawing. Much of my work is inspired by nature, the outdoors and places I travel in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest. I spent the past few months creating a collection of work titled, “The Adventure Collection” which consists of nature drawings and photographs. My aim with this collection was to inspire viewers to get out and live the little adventures in their area, whether that be embarking on a local hike or simply a walk around the block. I believe that these little moments are so important especially in the midst of a year that has been so difficult for so many people. I am also passionate about making custom pieces. I love being able to make someone’s vision come to life!

Take me through your workspace at home! 

My workspace doubles as my living/dining space and my wonderful boyfriend puts up with wherever I decide to set up for the day in our one bedroom apartment. We intentionally bought a bar height dining table that serves as a great workspace and I keep an easel just next to it for working on larger pieces. In the midst of working on a larger body of work, most often I will spread out a canvas drop cloth across our living room and work on several pieces throughout the day.

Describe it in 5 adjectives.

Roomy, comfortable, flexible, eclectic, inspiring.

What are your desk essentials/work-from-home essentials? 

Micron brand pens, pencils, charcoal and paper are my essential supplies. I also couldn’t live without my easel and drawing board. My “Alex” storage drawers from Ikea and an antique trunk that doubles as storage and our coffee table have become essential for my process as well.

Top 3 books on your shelf right now. 

“Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert
“Celebrations” by Maya Angelou
“Rising Strong” by Brene Brown

Go-to work from home snack.

Does coffee count as a snack? Then, coffee!
Fruit
Granola

What music have you been working to, if any? 

Oldies! I am someone that needs to have something on in the background while I work and I find that oldies music is the perfect balance of calm and uplifting without being too distracting.

Thanks for chatting with me! For those looking to find you and your work, where can they do so? 

You can find my work on my website www.jessicashepherd.art as well as Instagram @jessicashepherdart.