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

Jess, appreciate you joining us today. Do you wish you had started sooner?

Looking back, I wish I had made the leap into a creative “career” sooner….or maybe I just wish I had the courage to do it sooner. I knew from a very young age that Art is what brings me joy. If you would have asked 6yr old Jess what she wanted to be when she grew up, it was simple, an Artist. Since then, I’ve always found ways to express my need to create. I’ve gifted countless paintings and crafts to loved ones over the years. I can recall several instances where friends and family would encourage me to pursue art as more than just a hobby. It took many years for me to trust in myself enough to actually do it, though. I started my creative journey 6 years ago, and it has been such an incredible experience since day 1. I often wonder how things would look if I had started earlier….would I still create the same, how would my style be different, what would inspire me, would watercolor even be my preferred medium??? But when I really start to answer those questions, my only regret is that I didn’t find the CONFIDENCE to do it sooner. It’s a powerful thing to put yourself “out there” in a creative way, and although I didn’t do that at a younger age, I DID DO IT! And that’s more important to me than the “when”.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Jess and my creative biz is Beautifelt. I’m a self taught watercolor and ink artist in Kansas City, Missouri. I didn’t intend on watercolor and ink artwork being my “thing”, I actually was going to create felt mobiles and framed felt designs (hence the name BeautiFELT). I guess you could say I sort of stumbled into the watercolor world accidentally. Since then, I have learned so much from experimenting with watercolor. Each time I paint, I learn something new! I have participated in 200+ shows and pop-up events in Kansas City selling prints, greeting cards, stickers, puzzles, keychains and more. Each of those events have connected me with hundreds of individuals who have commissioned custom paintings from me. Each event opens up new doors and conversations, and I am so grateful for each experience.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Honestly, one of the most valuable resources is the local maker community as a whole. I have met so many amazing individuals throughout the years. We support each other, share ideas, inspiration, and advice. I’ve had to lean on the maker community multiple times, and it has never let me down. If you are at a craft show and find yourself wondering how you can get more involved or where to get started (in whatever medium) ask a maker! I love it when people ask for advice… because I know what it feels like to not have a clue!

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

It’s all about the human connection for me. Hearing stories and seeing the excitement when a customer connects to my artwork. That will never get old!

Contact Info:

• Website: beautifeltshop.etsy.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/beautifelt
• Yelp: facebook.com/beautifelt