We were lucky to catch up with Jackie Decker recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Jackie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

My most meaningful projects have been self-initiated ones. I am a believer that people respond to your joy. When I illustrated The Language of Flowers collection, a study in Floriography, it definitely checked that box. The victorian language of flowers became my art director. The project encompassed my love of gardening and botanical illustration. Gardening and art making have been constant companions. Whether experiencing the highs or lows of life (even a covid lock down!) both are there to offer a creative outlet from stress – especially in times of uncertainty.

This collection features over a dozen arrangements of flowers and herbs that illustrate themes that unite us including friendship, hope, courage, and love. The joy was in the process. From deciding on themes and researching the symbolism of each flower, designing each composition was like piecing together a puzzle. Heading to the gardens to pick the flowers to draw and paint was a fun challenge. It was one of those exciting projects that made it hard to go to sleep at night – I couldn’t wait to get back to the garden and studio in the morning! Sharing that joy-filled energy with others through illustrations and design is what sparks my creativity. The icing on the cake has been licensing the art to for a calendar and garden products.

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

I’m a mom, illustrator and art professor.

My son and I live in a former church nestled in the Litchfield Hills of Connecticut. Transforming the abandoned building that was filled with wildlife into a home has been my biggest art project to date. It even rained on the inside when I first bought it! Art school really does prepare you for life as it gave me the confidence and problem solving skills to tackle a project like this. My art studio is in the choir loft decorated by two beautiful stained glass windows and the bats are no longer in the belfry!

My life as an artist started when Little Bear by Maurice Sendak and The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter opened my eyes to the world of art and illustration. The idea that these secret worlds could be happening when we aren’t looking stoked my imagination and set me on the path. I earned by BFA from Hartford Art School where I would met my life long mentor, Dennis Nolan. Years later I would return for my MFA and again learn from my mentor. To then be asked by CF Payne to join the faculty was a full circle moment. I teach the Business of Illustration course for Hartford Art School’s Master of Fine Arts in Iimited-residency Illustration program.

I started my career as a production artist at children’s software developer and worked up the ranks to become an executive producer for Vivendi- Universal. I worked on kid’s learning software, animated videos, toys, web games, virtual worlds and Facebook apps for clients that included Fisher-Price, Mattel, Jumpstart, American Greetings, EA, Brighter Child, Ragdoll Media, and Universal Studios. It was an education in collaboration and brand building.

When my son was born, I went back my first love, childrens’ books and freelanced with a focus on publishing. My clients included Smithsonian Institution, Harcourt, Highlights for Children, Heinemann, Scott Foresman, Houghton Mifflin, Macmillan, McGraw-Hill, Pearson, and Commonwealth Editions.

Then my entrepreneurial spirit kicked in and I combined my experience working on licensed properties to license my own work to manufacturers. Steering my own ship and having the ability to work on self-initiated projects was my motivation.

I am known for illustrating collections for licensing to home decor, tabletop, social expressions, and gift industries. My collections include a wide array of themes ranging from detailed botanicals to nostalgic seasonal imagery to cute juvenile collections.

Since this course change, I have partnered with Time Factory Publishing, RAZ Imports, Cape Shore, Ceaco, Studio M, Creative Bath, Homefires, Blank Quilting, Creative Converting, Certified International, Legacy, Transpac, Carson, Pictura, Leanin’ Tree,  burton + BURTON, Demdaco, Custom Decor, Lowes, and others.
Collaborating on special items that personalize spaces, celebrate big moments and capture glimmers fuels my spirit. I love the connection with others that art licensing provides. Creating artwork for products that become part of someone’s daily routine or festivities just feels good!

I am also a Professor of Fine Art, a Department Chair for the School of Art and Humanities, and the Program Coordinator for the Visual Fine Arts and Photography program at CT State Community College: Tunxis. Helping students identify their super powers and creating a supportive environment for them to explore their talents is an awesome job! My goal is to change the outdated stereotype of the starving artist and supply my students with the tools to be small business owners and entrepreneurs.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

One of the most rewarding parts of being is a creative is the ability to design a life that aligns with one’s values and priorities. I feel like once I identified my “why” I was able to break down the steps to find the way there. Sometimes the payment you receive from a job isn’t just the check but also the ability to attend your son’s swim meet, art show and all of those mom moments. As a single mom that’s priceless. Being a creative has allowed me to live with purpose.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

There are two amazing women that have impacted my life and career; Gabby Bernstein and Mel Robbins.

Gabby’s book “May Cause Miracles” lifted me up and got me on track spiritually and creatively after a divorce. Since then I have devoured her other books!

Mel’s podcast and books have helped me to identify my goals and commit to daily actions to achieve them.

Both are amazing entrepreneurs, honest about the juggling act of career and motherhood and are all-around bad asses!

There were years when I felt like a hamster getting on a wheel each morning and running as fast as I could only to get off at the same place each night. Now I have a solid morning routine that involves a minimum of a 15 minute time commitment to my BIG goal, an IP that includes books and products. Each day as I inch closer, I feel more energized. That depleted, exhausted hamster is in the rear view. I’m in my fifties and feel like my creative energy has never been greater!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jdecker.com
• Instagram: @jackie.decker.studio
• Other: Agent’s website: https://licensingliaison.com/artists/jackie-decker/