Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jessica Artice. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jessica, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I got a BFA from Texas State University in Communication Design. I spent a decade in graphic design, but it never spoke to my soul—you see, photography was always there – I just got so good at ignoring it. Oh the excuses…there are too many photographers, I can’t afford a nice camera, I am a graphic designer…am I good enough? will I be good enough?

The passion laid dormant for years and years. That time finally came to an end and I decided to follow my heart. I’ve been shooting professionally for six years now and I couldn’t be more in love.

Short answer: I knew for a long long time. lol

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 a photographer specializing in family and children. I have been shooting professionally for five years now, but I was the girl with a camera in her hand since I can remember. It has to be my ability to capture true connections and raw emotions that I’m most proud of. I want to tell your story… authentically.

First and foremost, authenticity is my jam and I believe all you need is love. To elaborate a little – life is just too damn short to fake anything… so just be you… perfectly imperfect you. And spread love! I got a BFA from Texas State University in Communication Design. I spent a decade in graphic design, but it never spoke to my soul—you see, photography was always there – I just got so good at ignoring it. Oh the excuses…there are too many photographers, I can’t afford a nice camera, I am a graphic designer…am I good enough? will I be good enough?

The passion laid dormant for years and years. That time finally came to an end and I decided to follow my heart. I’ve been shooting professionally for six years now and I couldn’t be more in love.

I am married to my best friend – he is, hands down, my number one fan – and for that, I am very thankful. We have a son who is almost seven years old – he was the inspiration and catalyst behind my photography journey—that’s right, becoming a mom significantly changed my life – (shocker). We welcomed our baby girl into the world four years ago. So here I am, juggling life with two young children, grieving the loss of my mother and my growing business; meanwhile, trying my hardest to embrace the chaos and to cherish these crazy times.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

My ultimate goal is to provide mothers (any and all caregivers) photographs that tell a story, their story, that evoke emotions, photographs that will be passed down from generation to generation—to be cherished for a very long time..

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

There really isn’t a time in my life where I am not pivoting.. ‘finding a balance’ is both important and impossible.. it’s forever changing..
Some weeks I need/want to give more to family time – so I do.
Some weeks I need/want to give to my business – so I do.
It’s constantly shifting and changing..and you have to ‘ride the waves’.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.theblackbirdflies.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theblackbirdflies/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theblackbirdfliesphotography/

Image Credits
(me)