Today we’d like to introduce you to Jen Montgomery.
Hi Jen, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I studied at Art Center College of Design before becoming a packaging designer for DisneyStore. After that, I worked at Meat and Potatoes, a branding agency. Seven years ago, I ventured into freelancing. Since then, I’ve been creating books, textbooks, branding, illustrations, and more for clients including W.W. Norton, Top Secret Recipes, Amazon (via Uspech), and Sammy Hagar. I offer a unique mix of strategic left-brain thinking and creative right-brain ideas, working closely with clients to enhance their vision using my broad skill set.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’ve encountered several challenges along the way, but my clear vision and determination have helped me to stay focused on my goals. I was rejected from Art Center, but I kept trying and eventually got in. An Art Center teacher once told me that my work wasn’t good enough to refer me to my dream employer, the late, great Margo Chase. My professor suggested that I needed to be an illustrator in addition to a designer to work for Margo. Although I never worked for her, I evolved into the hybrid designer-illustrator I am today, which was always my goal. Several people also told me that being my own boss would be hard, that I would feel isolated as a freelancer, and that I would have to sell myself a lot. Luckily, none of that has been true. Freelancing has been relatively easy thanks to the solid foundation and relationships I built earlier in my career. If you have a clear, intuitive vision about your path in life, follow it. Ignore what others say and just keep going.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
What sets me apart is my broad palette and diverse experience. I create a variety of designs including book covers, book interiors, branding, logos, Squarespace websites, signage, packaging, and digital invitations, as well as botanical paintings. I’m open to pretty much any project that strategically aligns with my client’s needs and vision. If it’s beyond my expertise, I collaborate with others to bring their vision to life. My clients appreciate this approach, as it opens up a world of possibilities.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I used to listen to a lot of self-help, business, and spirituality podcasts and audiobooks. I recently have been working with the best ever therapist, which has been so impactful for me that I haven’t been listening to as much self-growth type content lately. However, some of my favorites have been:
Podcasts: Oprah’s Super Soul, Business Made Simple, Dear Gabby
Books: Big Magic, The Big Leap, What I Know for Sure
Other: Transcendental Meditation
Contact Info:
- Website: jenmont.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jen.montgomery.studio/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenmo/
- Other: Art Prints: https://jen-montgomery.pixels.com/
