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

Jo , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

I wake up filled with gratitude everyday for the ability to make an abundant living as an artist and a creative. I grew up with an artist father, so I saw first hand the challenges of it all. I always vowed to give myself a different kind of lifestyle and yet, the desire to draw, make, and create has never really left me. Even when I was studying Geography at UCLA or getting my graduate degree in Sustainability Management – I continued to make comics, draw, and paint.

I did have a regular job as a sustainability advisor for many years – I appreciated being very cerebral and working with others to change the world for the better. At the same time, I felt like I was not fully embracing my whole self. So when I became a mother of two and found myself wondering how I could stay at home with them and continue to grow – art became an accidental answer for me.

I promised that I would create every day to help myself with postpartum depression … and as a result of my own healing – an entire world of opportunities opened up for me. I ended up writing and illustrating two books on California’s native species and finding myself an in-demand illustrator for women founders in the beauty and lifestyle space.

Finding happiness as an artist has a lot to do with being compensated well for your craft. I have had the deep satisfaction of learning how to negotiate my fees for private commissions, art licensing, murals, live drawing and creative direction. Each time I state my worth, and have others recognize the spirit of my offerings – I receive more affirmation that I am on the right path.

The other reason that I am truly so delighted by my path is that I don’t hold myself back from doing something I love just because I labeled an “artist”. For better or for worse, I am not the kind of person who can repeatedly dive deep into something for long periods of time. I find that I access my highest self best when I can create across all five senses.

I was first and foremost a scientist and now an artist. I am also a jewelry designer and a chef. I find that giving myself permission to follow my heart and my intuition as a creative has been one of the best things I could have done for myself as an artist (it keeps all that magic flowing!) and also for my bank account :D

Jo , 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 think a lot of you know about my path to coming an artist and also if you follow me on IG @dirty_eraser you know the kind of art I create.

I am going to share more about what I have learned (from others and self inquiry) about the unique gifts I bring to my craft. I find that although I am no longer in the science community – my background in sustainability, community, and regenerative systems fully informs everything I create. So when a client hires me for art illustration – they know that they are getting someone with decades of diverse experience and that shows up in the artwork energetically.

When I am hired as an illustrator – I often find that I am looked to as a tastemaker and an avatar of a key market audience as well. Clients ask for my opinion on many facets of their business (branding, marketing, DEI, ESG) – so I offer creative direction/strategic services as well.

Being a human who can create individual art assets while holding space for a long term vision of the brand is a fascinating part of my work and the reason why many founders resonate with me on a vibrational level.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

The energy that drives everything I do is healing and love.

I started my career in science to help heal the earth community and my art started as a way to heal myself.

In turn, my work calls to those working in spaces that are grounded by social and ecological harmony.

I find that every brand, founder, and human I work with connects with me first on an energetic level and then, are called to work with me as an artist, creative director and strategic advisor.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

“Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert really resonated with me in such a profound way.

Understanding that the creative muse is an energy that is separate from you and that you can channel at any time should your spirit and heart be open really took the pressure off of being an “artist”.

From that book I also realized a core truth for me … that no matter what I am doing, I am always creating.

I might not be actually drawing or painting (which can sometimes feel like a creative block) – but I trust that cooking, dancing, listening to music, watching films, treasure hunting, playing with my girls, and being present with every moment of my life informs my craft.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.dirtyeraser.com
• Instagram: @dirty_eraser
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannesituallen/

Image Credits
Most pictures by me. The one of me in the purple dress is by Johanna Pate. The one of my and the big tree is by Katrina Espiritu.