We were lucky to catch up with Jennifer Ward recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Jennifer, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
The most meaningful project I’ve worked on was illustrating a children’s book called The Junk Bike Crew and Mattie’s Match. This project holds a special place in my heart because it was created to help kids with cancer and raise awareness about the urgent need for bone marrow donors. The book also pointed readers to ‘Be The Match,’ a remarkable organization dedicated to connecting patients with life-saving donors.
The story follows a group of children who, much like the real-world heroes fighting illness, demonstrate resilience, creativity, and teamwork to transform something broken into something beautiful—a perfect metaphor for the hope that comes with every new donor. When I was approached to illustrate the book, I knew it was more than just a project. It became a mission to bring color, light, and a sense of adventure to these kids’ lives through my art.
The process was deeply personal for me. As I brought each character to life, I imagined the children who would see themselves in these stories—children whose worlds were turned upside down by cancer, but who could still find joy, courage, and strength through the journey. Seeing how the book impacted the families and knowing it helped bring awareness to ‘Be The Match’ is something I will always carry with me. It reinforced my belief in the power of storytelling and illustration to touch hearts and inspire change, and that’s why it remains my most meaningful project to date.”
Jennifer, 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?
My journey into the world of art has always felt like a calling, one that started with a deep love for creativity and a desire to make the world more beautiful and meaningful through my work. I’m Jennifer Ward, a fine artist and illustrator, and every day I feel blessed to live out this calling. Based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, my work is inspired by the beauty of nature, the stories of the people I work with, and the belief that art has the power to make people feel seen, understood, and loved.
My career started in 2016 when I opened my freelance studio, and over the years, my passion has grown into a full-service creative studio where I offer custom illustrated wedding stationery, fine art branding, watercolor pet portraits, and editorial illustrations. Each service I provide is rooted in personal connection—I believe that when people trust me with their visions, I have the privilege and responsibility of creating something that truly resonates with them on a deeper level.
What sets me apart is my wholehearted commitment to creating more than just beautiful art—I create experiences. I pour my heart into every project, whether I’m designing a couple’s dream wedding stationery or helping a brand tell its story visually. My work is about connection, about turning someone’s dream or memory into a tangible piece of art that they’ll treasure for years to come. I believe in delivering more value than expected, giving every project the love and attention it deserves.
What I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know is that my brand is not just about creating pretty things—it’s about creating with purpose and heart. My work is driven by the joy of making others feel valued, and my ultimate goal is to leave a positive and lasting impact on everyone I work with. Whether through fine art, illustration, or design, I strive to make the world a little brighter, one creation at a time.
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.
One of the most challenging aspects of being a creative that I think non-creatives might struggle to understand is the emotional and mental energy it takes to pour yourself into your work day after day. Creativity isn’t just about talent or skill—it’s about vulnerability, persistence, and often, navigating uncertainty. Unlike many other professions, where the steps to success are more clearly defined, the creative journey can feel like a winding path with no guaranteed outcome. There are times when you question your own worth, your ideas, and whether what you’re creating will resonate with others.
The process of bringing an idea to life—whether it’s a painting, a design, or a full branding project—requires not only technical ability but also emotional investment. You’re constantly drawing from your inner world, translating feelings and ideas into something tangible. That can be exhilarating but also exhausting. For every moment of inspiration, there are moments of doubt, frustration, and the need to push through creative blocks. I think non-creatives may not always see that behind every finished piece is a series of unseen battles, where you’re not just working with your hands but also with your heart and mind.
One of the biggest misconceptions is that creativity flows effortlessly. In reality, it requires discipline, resilience, and the courage to keep going, even when you’re unsure of where the process will take you. For me, every project involves a balance of trust—trusting my instincts, trusting the process, and trusting that what I’m creating has value, even when the path isn’t clear.
What I would love to share with those who may not be in creative fields is this: the creative process mirrors life in many ways. It teaches you patience, persistence, and the beauty of embracing the unknown. It shows you that even when things feel messy or uncertain, there’s always the potential to create something beautiful out of the chaos. And perhaps the greatest lesson creativity offers is that imperfection is not something to fear, but something to celebrate—because that’s where the magic often happens.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to create something that touches people’s hearts and connects with them on a deeper, emotional level. Art is such a powerful language—it transcends words and can communicate in ways that go beyond the surface. When I see how my work brings joy, evokes a memory, or captures a moment in someone’s life, that’s when I feel the most fulfilled. Whether it’s a custom illustration that tells someone’s personal story or a piece of fine art that brightens someone’s space, knowing that what I’ve created has made someone’s life just a little more meaningful is incredibly rewarding.
I also find immense joy in the process of creation itself. There’s something magical about starting with a blank canvas and watching it evolve into something that didn’t exist before—a piece of art that has its own voice and presence. That journey from idea to finished work is filled with exploration, discovery, and sometimes even surprises. I love how each piece teaches me something new, not just about my craft, but also about myself.
Another rewarding aspect is the connection I get to build with my clients. Every project is a collaboration, and through it, I get to know people’s stories, their passions, and what matters most to them. I’m constantly inspired by the trust people place in me to bring their vision to life. It’s an honor to be part of someone’s special moments, whether it’s creating wedding stationery, a pet portrait, or a branding piece that defines their business.
Ultimately, I think the most rewarding part of being an artist is knowing that what I create has the potential to leave a lasting impact. Art has this incredible way of sparking joy, reflection, or even healing, and being able to contribute to that is a gift I never take for granted.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jenniferwardstudio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennifer.ward.studio
Image Credits
Liz Williams, author of “The Junk Bike Crew & Mattie’s Match”