Today we’d like to introduce you to Jen Montgomery
Hi Jen, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey began at Art Center College of Design, where I developed a strong work ethic and foundational design skills. After graduating, I worked as a packaging designer for DisneyStore, gaining experience in print production and learning how to navigate the complexities of working within a large, collaborative team. From there, I moved to Meat and Potatoes, a branding agency, where I expanded my skill set, working on branding and packaging for a diverse range of clients.
Eight years ago, I took the leap into freelancing, eager for new challenges and the freedom that came with eliminating my daily commute. Since then, I’ve had the pleasure of creating with clients like W.W. Norton, Top Secret Recipes, Amazon (via Uspech), and Sammy Hagar. My work now spans book design, textbooks, branding, illustration, and more. I blend strategic thinking with creative expression to collaborate with clients and bring our shared vision to life.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Overall, my professional path has been relatively smooth, and I’m grateful for the clear vision I had early on. It’s allowed me to build meaningful relationships and stay focused on work that feels fulfilling. Those connections, combined with consistent effort and adaptability, have made freelancing a natural fit.
That said, I have had challenges. Early on, I faced rejection from Art Center and didn’t get to work for my dream employer, but those experiences shaped my journey. I also invested heavily in self-directed work, which didn’t provide sustainable income but enriched my client projects and kept me creatively engaged. Over time, I’ve learned to focus on what aligns with my strengths and makes space for personal creativity.
I feel fortunate that my intuition has always guided me, even in uncertain times. Staying true to that has helped me navigate bumps along the way, keeping my journey steady and aligned with who I am.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
What sets my work apart is the broad range of design skills I bring to the table. I create everything from book covers and interiors to branding, websites, signage, packaging, and digital invitations. I also enjoy working on botanical paintings. My approach is flexible—I’m open to projects that align with my clients’ needs and vision. If something falls outside my expertise, I partner with trusted collaborators to ensure the best possible outcome. Clients value this approach because it broadens the possibilities, keeps the creative process open, and gives them confidence that I can handle any challenge they bring my way.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Before the pandemic, I was juggling two sides of my business—creating art for licensing and wall art through my shop, alongside service-based work like book design and branding. While I loved the freedom of self-directed art, I realized I was spreading myself too thin. The pandemic helped me simplify and focus on what clients needed most: custom, service-based projects.
That shift didn’t mean letting go of my creative vision. Finding time to create for myself is like meditation—it keeps me inspired and in tune with my intuition, which in turn makes me more connected to my clients. When I honor my own creative flow, it deepens my ability to align with my client’s needs and visions.
The pandemic also reinforced my preference of working remotely. I’ve always loved working from home, and it’s been affirming to see clients fully embrace this as the norm. Having a strong foundation already in place allowed me to adapt, evolve, and continue doing what I love—both for myself and for my clients.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jenmont.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jen.montgomery.studio/
- Other: https://jen-montgomery.pixels.com/
