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

Alright, Jessica thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

I started my career at a local screen printer while finishing college. That job had taught me so much about graphic design, vector art, business, marketing, and so much more, that about 4 years in I wanted to branch out, learn even more about the craft, and find my “forever job”. Then luck struck and an Art Director job had opened up with my name on it. I knew that was it. This was my calling and all my hard work had brought me to this exact moment. At age 24 I was making big girl money working as an Art Director in my favorite city of Detroit doing the most meaningful, amazing work, and at about 6 months in I realized…….. I hated it.
The hours were long, and the creativity was restricted. I needed more. I was deep in the self-pity pit questioning every decision I’ve made in career path, and realization hit. I quit. I took a huge risk that day. I had people relying on me and bills to pay, but I wasn’t happy. That very next day I started HiMyNameIsJes, LLC (yes, very subtle) and started making money freelancing. I found clients, I started doing jobs for a screen printer again, still doing large jobs in Detroit, and participating in galleries and projects all over the country (Canada too)! I’m 31 now, freelancing fulltime for 7 years and haven’t looked back. My only advice is life is too short to work a crappy job. Do something that makes you happy even if in the moment it doesn’t seem like the safest choice.

Jessica, 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 name is Jessica Feldman, but my artist name is HiMyNameIsJes. I am a fulltime graphic designer in the metro detroit area with expertise in vector art and illustration. Basically, I live in adobe suite for the software I use.

Most my clients for my graphic design work are schools. I make them school and sport spirit wear along with fun mascot bumper stickers or, if I’m lucky, doing murals inside the schools.

I also do illustration and paintings. I like to tell people “I draw hot girls for a living”. I have an instagram which will show almost exclusively my illustration work. I’ve done countless book covers, tattoos, murals, beer/wine labels (these are my favorite), tea and beverage packaging, etc.

I also participate in tradeshows and galleries throughout the year, so if you go to art shows in the metro detroit area, you might have spotted me already!

How did you build your audience on social media?

My social media presents needs work. I am by no means an expert, but I did build my tik tok page to just under 50,000 followers. My advice is making a complete profile on all social media platforms with the same username and overall look. Consistently post (I used to do this but don’t anymore), do lives, interact with your audience, have fun with what you post and don’t take things too seriously. I will say I took a break from social media because people were too mean and I am fragile. Don’t be like me.

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

I wish I knew more about all the online classes! Resources such as Udemy are cheap and helpful. Even with years of experience I love taking a course on there. I have recently been trying to learn 3D modeling and blender, but you can learn so much online these days. Just take a few hours a week and better your knowledge and craft. It can just be something fun!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.himynameisjes.com
• Instagram: @himynameisjes
• Facebook: @himynameisjes
• Twitter: @himynameisjes
• Other: Tik Tok
  @himynameisjes