Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Bramlett.
Jessica, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’m a brand designer for intuitive businesses and an artist. To me, art is seeing something in a different lens than intended or finding emotion (or lack of) and amplifying it, tearing it apart, or simply capturing it. I figured all of that out at a young age and in my early teens, I began experimenting with creating digitally. It was a whole new world and was a total uplevel experience for me. I taught myself how to code by creating custom webpages on this website called Neopets. And when Myspace became popular I offered custom themes, quotes, and customizations.
I grew up in the middle of the woods in Arkansas. My community was so small, we only had a post office within a 20-mile radius from where I lived. I threw myself into art, design, and photography more than most people my age and knew I was going to work for myself by the time I was 14. A total punk rock, rebel queen, I knew I could create a path for myself without having to follow someone else’s “map to success”. I was booking clients by the age 16 and landed my first design job during my first year in college. Ten years out of high school, I’m so grateful to be living out my dream of running my own business. The feeling doesn’t get old, even after almost five years after quitting my job and taking it full-time.
Has it been a smooth road?
Growing up in rural America is tough for someone wanting to build a career in the digital world, especially as a creative. To top that off, Arkansas is one of the states with the highest poverty rate in the US. To say there wasn’t a lot of resources available to cultivate my budding career path is an understatement. After putting in 27 years, my dad got laid off from his job when I was starting high school and still had to find a way to take care of our family of 6. I wasn’t about to ask him for a $1000+ to invest in design programs, a camera, and a new computer that could actually run said programs. I worked my butt off to save up money to get everything I needed and self-taught myself from the ground up.
When I got out into the “real-world” finding a creative job was just as much of an uphill battle. I did it though and wouldn’t change a thing. As soon as I took my business full-time, my dad was diagnosed with cancer (he is fully managing his cancer now), and many other family members were getting sick in the years to follow. So many hospital visits and funerals in just a few years. It definitely took a toll on my mental health and I’ve finally learned how to take care of myself and run a business without going insane.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I got into brand design and web design because I’m so passionate about helping people infuse their magic into their business and to live on their own terms. I work with heart-centered business owners in the wellness and spiritual community. I find myself being more than just a designer, I push my clients to be their best self, guide them with growing their business, and usually keep working with them long after the initial brand design process is done.
I stand out because of the way I build relationships with my clients and community. A lot of my clients say that it feels like I’m reading their mind and a big part of that is because of the effort I put into getting to know the intricacies of them and their deeper desires, fears, and biggest dreams.
I’m also growing my art business. So far, I’m known for my bold, black and white aesthetic. I pour my love into creating all kinds of art and cool mementos like enamel pins, vinyl stickers, and Instax photography prints. I don’t stick to one medium but my favorite ways of expressing myself is large scale acrylic paintings, watercolor, and photography.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
As long as you’re not intimidated by immersing yourself into a booming creative community, LA is an amazing place to grow a business and creative career. I like to think that a lot of us help each other rise in good times and bad. Having so much creativity in one place gives us the opportunity to find people who really get us. If you’re just starting, go to as many events as possible. There are plenty of free opportunities as well as free training for learning business basics. Get connected, stay true to yourself, and don’t give up when things look ugly. The rest will work itself out.
Contact Info:
- Website: jessicadesign.co + shop.Jessicabramlett.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @jessica.bramlett + @jessicadesignco
Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
