Smart Cookie: Jessica Davis, Watercolour Artist

1)      Could you tell us a little about yourself and what’s your business about?

I’m a 27 year old from the Central Coast, NSW. I’m happiest when I’m close to the ocean, drinking oat lattes and wearing pink. My family and friends make my heart so very full and I’m lucky enough to do what I love everyday and call it work. I’m a watercolour artist and my work consists of a range of things from surface design, logo & branding, commissions and stationery. Whether I’m working for a brand or an individual, I pour my whole heart into every single piece.

2)      How did your injury motivate you to become a full time artist?

This is a tricky question to answer, it motivated me in so many ways. I guess my passion and love for painting sparked again while I was in the wheelchair, painting became a form of meditation for me and helped pass the time while I waited for surgery. Slowly, people became interested in what I was doing, which was quite surreal as it was just a hobby. Then after surgery, I continued painting through recovery and because of some ongoing complications, it’s pretty much impossible for me to hold down a “regular job”. So with a whole lot of encouragement from my loved ones, some resilience, some fear and a bundle of excitement, I decided to give it ago. I guess I was lucky enough to be in a position where I had nothing to lose. I was living with my parents on a disability pension. Anything I achieved, was going to be a success in my eyes. And I knew I was never going to settle for something that didn’t make me happy, every, single day.

3)      Can you tell us about the technique you use to paint and where do you get the inspiration from?

I guess I’m always being inspired and gathering ideas. Subconsciously and consciously. I’ve grown up by the beach and this heavily influences my work. I get inspiration from early mornings, the Australian bush and listening to people’s stories. I want my works to remind people of a special memory, evoke feelings, be a little nostalgic. I take so many photos, like so many and I love books, especially if they’re about flowers or trees, so often I will reference these when I paint. Then there’s some works where I pull little bits and pieces from all of these elements and create something a little dreamier. Not so realistic. Depends on my mood. My mind is crazy, it’s all over the place but calm at the same time. I think this is also a little evident in my works.

4)      What does a day in life look like for you?

Every morning I go for a walk along the beach and get my morning coffee from my favourite local cafe. Then I’ll come into the studio (I’m lucky enough to have a space set up at my parents) pick some podcasts for the day and then after that, every day is different. Some days are mostly painting and others mostly admin work. I try to seperate the two, my brain works better that way.

5)      What’s the most rewarding thing about having your own business?

Waking up everyday excited. I don’t remember the last time I woke and didn’t feel a big old fire in my belly. Of course there are so many things to running a business (or 2) that stress me, or I don’t love to do, but they’re the things that allow me to do what I’m passionate about every single day. Also, always striving to better myself. I love challenges and I love that there is always more I can do and always so many ways I can get better.

6)      Do you have any recommendation or advice for an artist that would like to turn their work into a business but is not sure about it?

Just go for it. I know everyone says that, but it’s the truth. You don’t know if you don’t try and living with regret is the worst ever. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and who encourage you. This is so important. And back yourself. Be confident in who you are and what you do and know that not everyone is going to love your work and that is so okay.

For more information, check out her website: www.jessicamaycreative.com