Interview with Jackie Cress
Could you please introduce yourself and tell us how you started in the arts? and your first experience in art-making?
I grew up in a beautiful beach town in central California where creativity was all around. I can't recall a specific time when I became interested in art because as far back as I could remember it has been ingrained in me and has been trying to kick it's way out ever since. Learning about Walt disney at a young age had to be my first "eye opening" moment of knowing what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Later on I decided to enroll in the Art Institute of Orange County and finished with my bachelors of science degree in Industrial Design. After graduating I felt lost because jobs for art and design were in such a small demand in a big city. I was working odd jobs just trying to make rent and I was miserable. I started attending art and design shows which inspired me so much to get back in the groove and to become my "own artist". Ever since then I have been slowly working my way up and building an art career. My work has been in a lot of art shows as well as international shows and I am currently working as a caricature artist on the beach and enjoying every second of it.
How would you describe yourself and your artwork?
I always try to be more diverse in my art working on different subjects and mediums but I always am happiest with my illustrative characters in colored pencil or graphite. I feel like I am unintentionally putting a lot of my personality in my art because I try not to take myself too seriously. I feel like I am an old soul so I tend to draw my subjects from vintage photographs.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
My Inspiration comes from every piece of artwork I see and every art show and gallery I attend. My favorite artists who inspire me the most are Norman Rockwell, Shag and Philippe Bertho. All three have a wonderful illustrative style. Occasionally like every artist and writer I get a block on what I want to do for my next piece so I will go on a hiking trip. Usually being around nature recharges me and clears my mind afterwards and I am able to come up with something fantastic.
What emotions do you hope the viewers experience when looking at your art?
I hope it makes them happy and gives them a laugh. If I include animals in my works I hope it gives them empathy. I am a huge advocate for animals and nature.
When do you know that an artwork is finished?
In my mind my artwork is never finished. I can tweak it and mess with it forever. The only thing that makes me stop and just call it what it is is starting a new project.
What has been the most exciting moment in your art career so far?
Being invited to put my work in art shows and learning how to Caricature. I feel like this is just the beginning.
How long does it take to produce one work?
It usually takes me a couple of days but sometimes I get side tracked on a new project that I am really excited about and it might take me a year to finish a piece I started back in the day.
What exciting projects are you working on right now? Can you share some of the future plans for your artwork?
Right now I am making my own Sketchbooks and drawing something special on each page. I am working on setting up my online shop to sell my art and merchandise with my art on it. I am getting a lot of people emailing me asking me if I will ever make a coffee table book so I am also trying to work on that.
Do you have any upcoming events or exhibitions we should know about?
This book is the only thing in the works so far but I am waiting for the pandemic to be over so I can do more in person shows rather than virtual. Hopefully by the end of summer I can get things rolling again.
Where do you see your art going in five years?
I would love to travel to different places across the country being in art shows and getting involved in different art communities.
Instagram: @studio_jax
