We recently connected with Jennifer DiMaggio and have shared our conversation below.

Jennifer, appreciate you joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I’ve always been drawn to creativity—it’s where I feel most at home. As a kid in school, I eagerly volunteered to illustrate our group presentations. For me, it wasn’t just about making things look good; it was about bringing ideas to life in a way that words alone couldn’t.
As I grew up, I realized that creativity wasn’t just a hobby but the lens through which I saw the world. What truly solidified my desire to pursue a creative career was recognizing how people communicate in so many ways: through humor, sound, emotion, or technical detail. I began to listen—paying attention to how people express themselves—and discovered that I had a knack for turning those expressions into visuals that resonated.
Creativity isn’t just in me; it is my language, my way of reaching people and bringing stories to life. I’m committed to making it the core of my professional life. It’s not just what I do; it’s who I am.

Jennifer, 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?

After earning my B.F.A., landing a creative job wasn’t easy. Everyone said I needed experience to get hired—but how could I gain experience if no one would give me a chance? So, I took a role as an administrative assistant at a small aerospace start-up. It wasn’t where I thought I’d begin, but working in a small team gave me the chance to wear many hats—including creative ones.

That unexpected opportunity became a turning point. I expanded my skillset far beyond what I imagined, and I found myself constantly challenged and inspired. I worked with all kinds of communicators—many of whom weren’t visual thinkers—which only fueled my curiosity. I became fascinated by the challenge of translating complex, technical ideas into visuals that anyone could understand, no explanation needed.

That first break into a highly analytical industry sparked a lasting fascination with the intersection of creativity and engineering. I discovered that I could visualize a solution the moment someone described what they needed. Often, by the time they finished explaining, I already had the concept in mind—or even sketched out.

Eventually, I founded JAD Creative to keep solving visual problems for people who don’t know how—or where—to begin. I love hearing clients talk about their work and passions. Their words guide my designs, helping me craft visuals that reflect their unique vision and voice.

Alongside designing for others, I never stop creating for myself—whether it’s developing original characters or imagining retro-futuristic worlds. Staying creatively connected to my own work reminds me to treat myself as a client too—and that’s where the most personal growth happens.

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.

People outside the creative world often don’t realize that being a designer goes far beyond an eye for space and color. It’s not just about making things look good—it’s about solving problems with intention and strategy. Design often begins with research.
For example, I might start with a black-and-white layout, but adding color isn’t just about picking what “looks nice.” I have to ask: What message should this design convey? How will the audience interpret different colors? What emotions do specific hues trigger? How do cultural or psychological associations play into this particular context?
Being a designer means being a thoughtful researcher. It’s about understanding the “why” behind every choice—so the final product isn’t just beautiful, but meaningful and effective too.

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

There’s a unique kind of magic in creating purely for yourself—the moment when something deeply personal takes form, and you recognize yourself in it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jadcreative.com