Interview - Jessica Park - Jeshypark

I had an assignment for my course in Digital Design and creativity! The assignment focused on the impact Instagram had had on society. So I approached some big names in Instagram and asked them a couple of questions! If you want to see more interviews check here!

Jessica from jeshypark was one of them – if you haven’t checked out her instagram – I highly recommend! It is so pleasing with its gorgeous watercolours,

When did your Journey Start?

End of January 2016. I was a new mom in a new state with no family or friends nearby. My husband was in school all day and I wanted to start something for myself. I decided to try calligraphy and opened an Instagram account to document my progress.

How did you orginally get into this Niche?

I started doing lettering for fun because I wanted to do something for myself and document my progress. I’m not sure because I don’t know what other people’s accounts are like, but it took a little over a year to get to 100K followers.

Do you have a day job?

Yes. I am a stay-at-home mom 6 days out of the week and I’m an optometrist one day a week.

What was your defining moment? And whats next for you?

I don’t think I’ve ever felt complacent. I always want to learn new things and try new things with my art. I actually just finished writing a book about Watercolor and Lettering. Its a how-to book with step-by-step details on how to create art and practical projects that combine watercolor and lettering. It’s set to be published this fall! I’m really grateful for this opportunity to have come my way, and so so excited to be able to hold a tangible copy in my hands.

Do you have a good support network

Yes. My husband is the most understanding and supportive man. I couldn’t do any of this without his support. I also have my sister that lives close by. She’s been wonderful in helping me by watching my daughter when I have crazy deadlines. Beyond that, I’ve made some amazing friends through social media that really understand the daily struggles of being an artist and running a larger Instagram account. But also, our friendships have gone beyond Instagram. We can rely on each other to be a listening ear. I mean someone besides my 2-year old has to listen to my lame jokes!

What is your favorite product or tip?

I think the most valuable piece of advice I can give any artist starting out is that there really are no rules in art. Everything really is about preference. Choice of paint, paper, brushes, how you choose to use those items— it’s all personal preference. Just enjoy the process and don’t worry about all the “shoulds” and “shouldn’ts”

What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?

I wish I was interesting enough to think of something! I don’t consider myself to be that interesting! Haha I just do what makes me happy and hope that it brings joy to someone else.