We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jean Basiletti. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jean below.

Jean, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

I come from a long line of creative family members. On my dad’s side, his parents are animators and painters, and on my mom’s are performers. My mom is a filmmaker and my dad is a musician. So it is no surprise I ended up the way I am! Despite this, I found myself endlessly grateful for how they raised me and encouraged my creative efforts, especially comparing myself to other people my age who were always told that being an artist won’t get them anywhere.

Even at a young age, my parents were giving me great opportunities. For example, heading to a family birthday party they would give me paper and markers in the car and tell me to make a birthday card in a matter of 10 minutes before we arrived at the party. This would be the case for every family birthday, holiday, get well card, whatever. I think this is how I learned to work fast, and work anywhere. My mom used to do freelance filmmaking and when one of her clients needed a logo for their business, she volunteered me to do it, even though I was probably only 15. I may have not done the best job but I guess this is an example of how my parents always silently believed in me. As if it was a fact, not even a question that I could do any art job I wanted. I think that is a really powerful thing. When it comes to projects, without questioning the skillset I actually have, my first instinct is “I’ll do it”.

Jean, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am Jean Basiletti, I am behind Jean Wolfgang Illustrations! I am mostly a conceptual and narrative illustrator, working on things such as children’s books, advertisements, music posters, graphics, and even a little bit of animating. I also consider myself a fine artist and like to make personal work about things in life that spiritually move me such as nature, and my own perception of beauty.

I have been making art my whole life over here in NY state. Naturally when I found out that being an illustrator was an actual job, I was like hell yeah! I graduated with my BFA in Illustration from the Savannah College of Art and Design this past Spring. I have been lucky enough to work on such a wide variety of projects while attending school from being part of the concept art team for the 2022 Game Jam, to indie film posters for senior thesis films, to the completion of my very own Tarot deck! I feel like I have truly gotten a taste of all the different facets of being an illustrator, and I can’t wait to learn even more after school.

One thing I can say about my work is that I am really willing to try anything. Any subject matter, new medias, you name it. But no matter the method that I create, I hope to bring my own spin to it, and allow the viewer to see the world through my eyes and have a new experience. All I ever want is for someone viewing my art to have a unique experience, and see my unique experience!

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I have only just begun my “career”, but so far the most rewarding feeling is seeing my work being used, owned, and loved. Cards and artworks that I have made for friends and family which they keep on their fridge for years bring me such a warm feeling. I also have made memorial portraits for my friend’s family after the passing of their matriarch. To think that my framed painting on the wall in their kitchen is the thing keeping their grandma’s presence in their life is such a powerful thing that seems to transcend words. How could something I painted represent love, respect, grief, and remembrance? It has been so amazing and bazaar to see this happen, and I hope to do more projects that truly make this kind of impact in the future. I hope my career is full of them.

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

I read a book once (maybe multiple times) that greatly impacted my philosophy on life, my mental health, and possibly my work. This book is Illusions, by Richard Bach. He was an author and pilot, and did a few hit books in the 1970s. I think a lot of times while growing up I have felt really trapped, in my identity, what I was doing, or what I was SUPPOSED to be doing, etc. This book started a transformational experience which lead me to the ultimate conclusion of understanding that the only limits I have are the ones I put on myself. We all lead our own lives, and have the right to be or not to be anything we want. This should be an obvious human right, but I think to a lot of people my age and to young people throughout the ages, we struggle with the immense pressure the world puts on us to be great. I think what this book began in me, and what I still continue to strive for years later is the true meaning of what it is to let go. This motivates me in so many different ways.

Contact Info:

• Website: jeanwolfgang.com
• Instagram: wolfgangies124
• Facebook: Jean Wolfgang
• Linkedin: Jean Wolfgang Basiletti