We recently connected with Jeff Wissman and have shared our conversation below.

Jeff, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, I had several dog caricatures displayed as decorative pieces in a pet-friendly coffee house. The shop often hosted vendor and art fairs, which helped establish my name within the local art community. Unfortunately, when the coffee house permanently closed during the pandemic, I was asked to retrieve my artwork. At the same time, like many others, I was temporarily on leave from my workplace. During this period, I began receiving requests from people who had seen my work and wanted caricatures of their own pets. Since then, I’ve completed nearly 100 pet portraits, capturing everything from dogs and cats to turtles and hedgehogs.

Jeff, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

From an early age, I knew I wanted to be an illustrator, though it was never my main profession during my forty-year career. Instead, I worked as a non-certified employee in the public school system while pursuing art as a side passion. I’ve always been drawn to bright, vibrant colors, and during my school years, I won several art contests. My love for illustration deepened in my first year of college when one of my art professors introduced me to Prismacolor pencils. She was a master of the medium and taught me her techniques. Although I had used colored pencils before, this brand opened up a whole new world for me. The blendable, vibrant colors were unlike anything I’d experienced.

Today, I use Prismacolor pencils almost exclusively in my drawings. By applying intense pressure and using a swirling technique, I can seamlessly blend one color into another. It’s a time-consuming process and can be tough on my drawing hand, but the results are always worth it. While many artists create pet portraits, I believe my work stands out due to its whimsical, cartoonish style, offering a playful and unique take on animal caricatures..

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I believe we are all born with unique gifts, and I feel fortunate to have discovered mine early in life. I’ve always had a deep desire to create, fueled by a vivid imagination that allows me to envision images in my mind. While many artists use models or still lifes as references for their work, I rely entirely on what flows from my thoughts and heart. It’s incredibly rewarding to use these skills to create something meaningful for others, knowing that they are receiving a piece that is 100% an expression of me.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

I believe non-creatives often underestimate the time and effort involved in producing a piece of art. Many people feel they shouldn’t have to pay the price an artist sets for their work, but art is a process, requiring many steps and a significant amount of dedication. For example, I draw constantly—it’s something I feel driven to do. However, just because I find joy and fulfillment in my work doesn’t mean it should be undervalued or given away for free. Purchasing art should be seen the same way as hiring a plumber or appliance repair technician. You expect a set price for their service, and it’s typically non-negotiable. Art deserves the same respect and consideration.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @jeff.wissman
• Facebook: Jeff Wissman Graphics

Image Credits

Jeff Wissman