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

Jessy, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

Connections combined with a healthy does of passion and drive!

During my senior year of college, while interviewing for a marketing internship with the FIAT brand at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, I learned the importance of building connections early in your career and having unwavering drive.

At the time, I hadn’t seriously considered internships and applied for the FIAT opportunity on a whim at the last minute. Nearly a week later, I found myself in an interview with two C-suite executives from the FIAT brand sitting across from me. A few days later, I received a call informing me that I had stood out among the other candidates. They told me they chose me because I spoke with such passion and they could see the drive in my eyes.

Interning under my former manager (shoutout to Casey Hurbis, former Head of the FIAT Brand), I gained invaluable insight into the power of connections. Casey was, and still is, an incredibly well-connected professional. Over the course of my four-month internship, he encouraged me to actively make and build connections. Through his guidance, I connected with hundreds of professionals, many of whom I still maintain regular contact with to this day.

The adage “It’s not what you know; it’s who you know” has proven true throughout my career. Nearly all the gigs, jobs, and opportunities I’ve landed have been thanks to the connections I’ve built. Rarely have I secured a role or project without the help of word-of-mouth recommendations.

That interview and internship were pivotal lessons early in my career. I interviewed against other students with similar skill sets, but what set me apart were my passion and drive. And through my internship, I learned a second critical lesson: the importance of connections.

These two lessons taught me what it takes to succeed: you can have an outstanding résumé, impressive background, and excellent education, but what truly sets you apart may ultimately come down to your drive and your connections.

Jessy, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I have loved art from a very young age and have always had a natural talent for it. Growing up, my parents quickly learned that it was easy to keep me occupied with a pencil and paper, and I would spend hours drawing on my own. As a teenager, I saved money from one of my first jobs to purchase my first DSLR camera—a red Pentax. I taught myself photography, learning how to shoot entirely on my own, without taking a single class. Everything I know about photography comes from reading online and watching many (and I mean many) videos.

In high school, I was close friends with a group of musicians in a successful and popular hardcore band. I often traveled with them to various shows across Michigan, capturing concert photos. Fast forward to college, I started taking on every kind of photography gig imaginable—weddings, family portraits, and more—while also working as a school picture photographer. Initially, I pursued an art degree with a focus on Graphic Design. However, I later decided to dual major and added Marketing to my coursework (thanks to a Times article my mom read during the 2009 recession, which listed an art degree as one of the top five worst degrees to have in the current economy).

Now, in my professional career, I have worked across a variety of industries in roles that blend my marketing and graphic design background, while also freelancing in photography and design. As a proud member of Detroit’s vibrant and close-knit creative community, I specialize in crafting work that stands out for its bold use of color, innovative design, and fresh take on architectural elements.

While I let my work speak for itself, if you’re looking for bold, editorial-style photos or simple, modern graphics for your brand, I might just be the girl for the job.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My mission in my creative journey is to take on work that excites me and makes me proud. Earlier in my career, I accepted jobs and clients that didn’t align with the type of work I was passionate about or would want to showcase in my portfolio—all for the sake of financial stability and grind mentality. Like many creatives, I found myself in that space where you sacrifice some of your creativity to make a buck.

Now, I’m fortunate to be in a place where I can be more selective about the jobs I take on. The projects I choose today are true reflections of my current creative vision and journey—work that inspires me and represents the kind of art I want to share with the world and my community.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is the freedom to explore and experiment. It’s rewarding to see how your work can challenge perspectives, spark conversations, or even shift how people see the world. Whether it’s helping someone feel seen, inspiring others to create, or leaving a lasting impression, there’s immense joy in knowing your creativity has contributed to a larger narrative.

Perhaps on a deeper level though, the most gratifying aspect is the constant process of self-discovery. Every piece I create becomes a reflection of who I am at that moment—a snapshot of my growth and evolution. This ever-changing journey of creativity keeps the process exciting, meaningful, and deeply rewarding.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jessyrobison.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessyrobison
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessyrobison