Jessica Swift
Jessica Swift
Hi! I'm Jess.
I make art because I feel better when I do. The art I create, and the classes I teach, and the emails I send are intended to help you help yourself feel better, too. It's scientifically proven that making and consuming art changes your brain and increases your vitality! Isn't that incredible?
Life can be messy. (Believe me, I know.) Beautiful, magical, heartbreaking, wacky, and complex, immersing yourself in creative experiences and beautiful surroundings that light you up helps smooth out the rough edges — to give you the boost you need, every day, to keep going! Sometimes we all need a hand — I know I do — a reminder that we’re not alone in this big crazy world.
You start to:
I want that for you. YOU want that for you.
Art that speaks to your heart is not frivolous; it's vital. Sometimes we all need a hand — I know I do — a reminder that we’re not alone in this big crazy world. When you start to see that we've all got some version of messy truth alive and kickin' in our own lives, you start to realize you're not actually alone. In fact, other people get what you're going through!
Making art and sharing my own real + imperfect life reminds me that life is hard for everyone and we're all in this together; it comforts me to know my work might make you feel a little more connected too.
Everyone matters. Everyone deserves to feel good in their own skin. No exceptions. You included, my friend.
Trust your inner voice.
Follow your heart.
Feel a little bit brighter + a little bit less alone.
Get through your day and keep going.
Every day's an opportunity to dig deep, get real, and create something meaningful. Sure, it's possible to find beauty in everything, but let's be real – sometimes life’s no picnic, and there are times when it can be super hard to find the silver linings. (Believe me, I know!) But when you give yourself permission to be who you are and for things to be how they are, magical things happen.
You belong here, exactly as you are. We all do.
WHAT I DO
I'm an artist and fabric and surface pattern designer. I create colorful, magically uplifting artwork that inspires others to live colorful, unique, and hope-filled lives. I create and manufacture my own products to sell in my Portland, Oregon studio. I also license my artwork to others for branded products such as fabric, stationery, puzzles, books, and more. My online classes include pattern design, color, and intuitive art-making.
A BIT ABOUT ME
I'm a solo mama of two amazing young kiddos.
I'm left handed.
I grew up in Boulder, CO.
I have a BFA in painting from Ithaca College, where I oil painted
and monoprinted my art-loving little booty off.
I used to be a singer-songwriter (I still write songs from time to time), and I was in an a capella group in college!
Art Gallery Fabrics | T-Mobile | Mudpuppy/Galison | Biely & Shoaf | Gibbs-Smith Publishing | Amber Lotus Publishing | Quarto Publishing | Great Arrow | Geometry | Em & Friends | Midwest-CBK | Paperchase | Workman Publishing | TeNeues Publishing | Fun Folks | American Greetings | Chandra Rugs | Creative Co-op | Hallmark | Mpix | Studio Oh! | Case-Mate | Duopress Publishing | Crocodile Creek | Michael’s | Andrews McMeel Publishing | Oopsy Daisy/Wheatpaste | Graphique de France | Design House Greetings | Gina B Designs | Landor | Blend Fabrics | Design Design | Mohawk Rugs | Christmas Tree Shops | Storey Publishing | Sellers Publishing | Calypso Cards | Check Advantage | Bedhead Pajamas | ESPN Magazine
REAL TALK
I’ve never had a real job! I am 100% self-taught in pattern design and in business.
I moved from Atlanta, GA to Portland, OR in June 2012 with my husband, Ryan, our 2 cats, and a trunk full of glossy paint. I still live in Portland with my two kids, but one of the cats died. And so did my husband. Ryan died unexpectedly in August 2018. Amazing things emerged from his death and helped me through. You can read more about that here. So it’s me, the babes, and the cat, and we're a-ok. Thanks to this creative outlet I'm blessed and grateful to call my business, we're adapting on the daily and are embracing joy in spite of our loss.