We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jennifer Merz a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Jennifer thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

Perhaps my most meaningful project was writing and illustrating a picture book on American trailblazer Frances Perkins. Although she is not as widely known as she should be, she was the first woman ever to serve in a U.S. Presidential Cabinet (the Secretary of Labor under Franklin Delano Roosevelt.) During his presidency, FDR rolled out The New Deal, but Frances Perkins was the creator behind it: programs that included minimum wage, workers’ compensation, worker safety, and Social Security.

This project is incredibly meaningful to me because I get to introduce children –and their parents!– to this incredibly strong woman, to inspire children with Frances’ dedication to change for the good of society, and get to further her legacy through my picture book and my presentations in schools, bookstores, and libraries. How cool is that?

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am an artist, illustrator, and published picture-book writer/illustrator. I love to work in cut-and-torn paper collage, often incorporating laces, fabric, trims, and my own photos; I also enjoy painting in oils and in gouache. My processes are all hand-crafted: I just love the tactile imagery and the thrill of working by hand.

I began my art journey with BA and MA degrees in Studio Art and Elementary Education but when teaching didn’t work out, I worked in textiles for Home Furnishings, enjoying both freelance and steady gigs.

It wasn’t until my children were born that I decided to dedicate myself to children’s books. I went back to school, attending School of Visual Arts in Manhattan, to drink up everything I needed to know to get published! I restructured my entire portfolio, finding my creative voice in the medium of collage.
I was delighted when, after several years, my first book came out: ‘That Dancin’ Dolly’, published by Dutton Children’s Books. It was based on an old-time song that my mother sang to me when I was a toddler. My book went on to win the Children’s Choice Award!

My second book came out a few years after: ‘Playground Day!’ published by Clarion Books. It was based on many long, happy hours with my young daughters on the playground. I was really proud that this book had made it through the slush pile!

In between my 2nd and 3rd books, I took time out to pursue an MFA Degree in Illustration from Fashion Institute of Technology (F.I.T.) in NYC. This was a pivotal experience, shaping my creative process and learning from luminaries in the field of illustration.

My third and most recent book, ‘STEADFAST: Frances Perkins, Champion of Workers’ Rights,’ is perhaps my favorite literary achievement of all. I love being able to introduce children and their parents to the remarkable achievements of Frances Perkins. My book is recommended and offered by the Frances Perkins Center in Damariscotta, Maine, where Frances was originally from.

Being an author/illustrator of picture books gives me a wonderful opportunity to present my books and creative process to various audiences, whether at schools, libraries, or bookstores for children and adults. I have recently done presentations to children at a NJ library; a panel discussion at NYU related to my work on Frances Perkins and the Triangle Factory Fire; and have an upcoming library gig in Maine.

Besides my publishing pursuits, I am inspired to create art that I offer for sale or reproduce for prints, cards, and merchandise. Many of these images are inspired by my life on the coast of Maine. I enjoy being involved in local art fairs and solo or group art exhibits. There’s tremendous joy in getting out there and meeting folks who love your work! Please visit my website to learn more. www.jennifermerz.com

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I have several stories of resiliency! It’s important for artists and creatives to find ways to make lemonade out of lemons on their journey.
My first story is from when I was a freelancer in textiles: I enjoyed the work and was making good money, but, when my first child was born, I had no childcare options. I used this problem as an opportunity to stop and revamp my portfolio for children’s books, something I’d always wanted to do anyway. If I hadn’t had that rough bump in the road, I may never have had the chance to work toward a goal that was more meaningful to me: having children’s books published.
My second story is from 2009, when the bottom dropped out of the market. Publishers were not publishing anything new. I decided that this was the best time to go back to school: I earned an M.F.A. in Illustration at this juncture, leading to increased opportunities for growth, learning, and business.
Last, after the pandemic, I again found myself with limited publishing opportunities…so I made my own, turning towards local art fairs, presentations, and group or solo exhibits. You just never know how things will turn out unless you try!

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

In terms of my published work, I believe that we all have a responsibility to nurture, educate, and entertain the youngest members of our society, and can think of no better way to do this than through picture books.

In terms of my creative work in general, my mission is to create the best work that I am capable of making. I think that so much stuff out there in the world today is pretty poor in quality, and I never want to add to that. I always strive to do my best.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jennifermerz.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenniferjmerz/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifermerzillustration

Image Credits

Jennifer Merz