Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jess Humphrey. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jess, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

I’ve been a working a creative since I was a teenager. From the age of 15 until my early 20s, I was a photographer. I traveled around the east coast taking photos of the hardcore punk scene. After moving from Norfolk, Va to DC, then to Boston, I moved to NYC where I somehow found myself working as a fashion designer for almost twenty years. I worked with the giants like Ralph Lauren before creating my own brand Victory Press. Essentially, I’ve had two robust careers in the creative realm before my transition to making art full time. I’ve never wanted to be anything else and I’ve always been exactly where I’m meant to be and I follow the path that makes me feel the most excited. There has never been another option.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a multi-disciplinary artist living in western upstate New York. I work mainly with Collage but moved to Corning, NY from LA/NYC a year ago to explore glass and focus on how . My work is surreal and dreamlike with feminist undertones. I really love working with color,

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

My path to being a full-time artist had a lot to do with finding my true self and what makes me the happiest version of myself. I think a lot of non-creatives think being an Artist is a choice. And to some extent, of course, everything is a choice. But, if you can get in tune with yourself, and are lucky enough to understand what makes your heart sing, then it becomes less of a choice and more of a duty to yourself and everyone around. I spent my 20’s and 30’s focused on a career in fashion that I fell into. I was successful, made a lot of money, and got to travel the world. I am so grateful for those experiences, but I never felt content or happy. Since I started focusing on my art practice full-time, I am the happiest I’ve ever been, and that matters more than anything.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Letting Go: A Pathway to Surrender by David R Hawkins

The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin

The War of Art by Stephen Pressfield

Ninth Street Women: Lee Krasner, Elaine de Kooning, Grace Hartigan, Joan Mitchell, and Helen Frankenthaler: Five Painters and the Movement That Changed Modern Art by Mary Gabriel

4 Hour Workweek by Tim Ferris

Contact Info:

• Website: jesshumphreystudio.com
• Instagram: @holyshitiloveyou, @i_used_to_be_a_hardcore_girl

Image Credits
Glassblowing Photo of me by Bryn Smith