Nice to meet you! I’m Jessica, and I’m a Freelance Graphic Designer, Web Developer, and Illustrator. I’ve been freelancing since high school, and at this point in my career I’ve worked with hundreds of clients from around the world on more projects than I can count. Freelancing has given me the opportunity to be a part of exciting, unique, and sometimes strange projects, and has also led me to meet and work with amazing designers, developers, and organizations.
A few of the folks I’ve had the pleasure of working on projects for are:
- Carnegie Mellon University
- Michigan State University
- University of Berkeley, California
- California Polytechnic State University
- Government of South Australia
- Southern Cherokee Government
- Utah State University
- Yale University
- Mad Catz
- Behr
- Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center
- SmugMug
- …and much, much more—check out my Clients page
I love my job. Even when things get crazy, I remember that I run my own design firm, that I’ve realized one of my childhood dreams, and knowing that, I just can’t seem to get too upset. I can talk forever about the awesomeness of the freelance graphic design life, which design students and other designers have discovered, and as a result, I’m frequently contacted by young and seasoned designers from around the world for advice. I welcome any questions or comments you may have, I am always happy to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long have you been a Graphic Designer?
A: Over 6 years.
Q: Do you have a degree in art and design?
A: I have a Bachelor of Science in Graphic Communication, with a concentration in Design Reproduction Technology, from California Polytechnic State University of San Luis Obispo.
Q: Where/How do you find inspiration for design projects?
A: Over the years, I’ve acquired an impressive collection of books, images, and objects, that I find fascinating. Most people call this “being a pack rat.” I call this collecting inspiration. Before I begin sketching design ideas for a project, I rummage through my collection and pull out items that seem to relate or connect to the project’s subject or target audience. Looking at these items helps me come up with a new design idea that suits the project’s needs.
Q: What do you do when you have creative block?
A: I use several methods to cure my creative block. Most of the time, I will just take a nice, long walk. There are so many interesting things to see where I live in Berkeley, I’m bound to witness something to shake me out of creative block. I’ll also try reading, talking to a friend, working on a different project, playing piano, playing guitar, planning a trip, or doing anything that doesn’t involve looking at a computer screen.
Q: What is your favorite part about your job?
A: There are so many things I love about my job—which is why I keep doing it! I could go on and on about the reasons I enjoy my work. One of the reasons is the joy I gain from watching a client get excited about their completed project.
Things I Like
Reading
I love books. The real ones, not the digital ones. I like how they look and how feel.
Penguins
They’re cute.
Vector Art
It can be resized without worry!
Seattle, Washington
I used to live here. There’s something about this place that makes me happy, even though the weather is horrible most of the year.
San Luis Obispo, California
This is such a cute, relaxing town. I visit “SLO” every once in a while to do absolutely nothing.
Roubaix
My pink parakeet’s full name is Paris-Roubaix, but everyone calls her Roubaix for short. She is naturally pink and very cute. She has a lovely singing voice too.
Hello Kitty
I’ll grow up eventually—just not now.
Creating Stationary
Decorative paper seems to pile up at my house, so I try to come up with ways to use it. Recently I’ve been using it to make handmade cards and envelopes.
Talking About Graphic Design
Hundreds of designers and design students have interviewed me, and I am always happy to give them advice and my opinion on different aspects of the Graphic Design industry. One day I hope to become a Graphic Design teacher so that I may have a larger positive impact on new designers, and the industry as a whole.
Organizations I’m Involved In
Graphic Designers Professional Group: Bay Area Chapter
Manager since 2009
SF Photoshop User Group
Member since 2009
Bay Area Illustrator User Group
Member since 2009
The Society of Publication Designers
Member since 2009
Design Can Change
Member since 2009
Dreamweaver Users
Member since 2009
Highland Capital Partners
Member since 2009
Cal Poly GrC Alumni Chapter
Member since 2006