We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jennie Tam. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jennie below.
Jennie, appreciate you joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
I’ve always known from a young age I wanted to be an artist! When I was about 9, I was obsessed with the original Star Wars trilogy. Not only did I love the movies but the attention to detail, the way Princess Leia’s hair fell, the elegant yet dominating appearance of an AT-AT Walker or the lines that made up Yoda’s face. Ever night before bed I would analyze a character, Droid or vehicle and teach myself how to draw with shading details and structure. From that moment forward I knew I was destined to become an artist.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Growing up on Long Island all throughout my childhood I was always creative and during my high school career I really started to take interest in pop art and graphic design. From there I went onto studying graphic design at Kutztown University in Pennsylvania and graduated with a bachelors degree in Fine Arts. They had an exceptional graphic design department and where I was taught to memorize typefaces, become proficient in the adobe suite and perfect layout design. Since graduating from Kutztown in 2008. I had the pleasure of working with major league sports teams (signs on the Jumbotron of the Boston Celtics, Ford poster at the Dallas Cowboys stadium and posters for the Cleveland Cavaliers) and local businesses which included menu design, logo design and brochures.
Over the years I’ve grown my business which I call T.A.M. (True, Artistic, Media) into not only print media but to creating everyday signs, 3D prints and mixed media pieces. I always love a good challenge and when a client comes to me asking for a bunch of different elements to their work I’m ready to produce for them a piece of work that is not only everything they suggested but something at is clean and interprets the personality of that client.
While working in this industry you start to really understand your clients and what they are looking for. After experiencing the happiness that overcomes the face of client I know that I’ve not only created the perfect piece for them but I’ve made a piece that “is” that client. I know from that moment I’ve paid attention to the details of that client just like those elements from Star Wars I’ve succeeded in my craft.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
Of course everyone feels like a winner after they have successfully created for a client, but the graphic industry is always changing and to be able to teach yourself all the latest tools of the trade is a big accomplishment to me. Unfortunately I was never able to make a connection with interactive media (web design) that’s my kryptonite. Print is my go to and with all the updates in the programs I use plus learning new programs can not only be challenging but to me rewarding once you’ve taught yourself how to use them.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
Like everyone I have many goals I want to accomplish, but my main mission is to one day open my own studio/gallery where artists of all mediums can come together and embrace their creative abilities. In my career I’ve had highs and lows where I’ve been told my work was the best someone’s ever seen to someone completely ripping apart my artwork. I want to create a place where everyone feels like family. Where they can grow their abilities and be the best they can be.
Offering workshops, discussions and gallery showings I want people to realize that everyone has relent and that if you embrace it you can accomplish something amazing.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @t.a.m_art_li and @limomstar
- Other: Tik tok: @limomstar