TAGDMV

Think of art in a format that is sleek & conservative, yet abstract & fun. Now, imagine someone giving you all of that for your professional branding or for your social entertainment…AND doing it all while sharing random acts of kindness nationally, and internationally!


Meet Jessica Watson! Jessica is a DMV native, who is also a graduate of Central High School and McDaniel College. She began to express her gifts as an artist while at McDaniel, as her dorm room often became her art studio. During this time, Jessica branded her art as ArtEscape (not to be confused with the annual Baltimore showcase/festival for all things artistic, Artscape). She quickly became a campus favorite, as her pieces included young and fun abstract (yet thoughtful) acrylic paintings, both on canvases and t-shirts.


Her artistic capabilities, and down-to-earth personality, quickly set her apart and spiraled her to create and establish her own breakout firm, called JWatson Creative, which shifts her gifts into more of graphic design and branding efforts.

Being CEO and Creative Director of her own creative design and consulting studio has given Jessica the creative freedom to find her inspirations from anywhere and everywhere! So much so that she spent much of 2013 traveling, working and networking, all around the US, which (coupled with her extraordinary talents and personality) garnered her much acclaim and recognition, especially in the Baltimore area. Jessica has been featured in the Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Magazine and Baltimore Business Journal, and has earned such honors as the Sun’s 10 to Watch Under 30 (2013), the Magazine’s 40 Under Forty (2013), and Spirited Woman Rising in Baltimore (2011).


Here is more that we can learn from Ms. Watson herself:

Q: What part of the DMV are you reppin’?
A: I am a graphic designer and business owner (JWatson Creative) in Baltimore MD.

Q: What influenced you to engage in your talents/gifts?
A: I think I’ve always walked to the beat of my own drum, not knowing exactly in the early stages of my life what impact that would have on me. My mom is my earliest influence, being a designer herself as well as an artist. I was always happy to be painting or drawing under her direction and guidance. I also remember going through college knowing that I would eventually break out and do my own thing, but not being exactly sure what that was. Throughout my time as a teenager and young adult, I always had or sought out mentors, advisors, and those who could point me in the right direction. That, and, I’m fortunate to have friends and family who believe in me. As I matured into the person I am today, I can tell you that my life would be different if I didn’t have the support network I have around me. Now my mindset is always one of finding creative solutions, working with people and projects that I love, and living the life I used to only imagine.

Q: How has your community influenced you, and vice versa?
A: My community has influenced me by providing an environment where I can easily connect with others, as well as have a positive impact through networking and volunteering. I have influenced my community by being a visible force of positive energy. I love inspiring others and letting them know that they can pursue and obtain their dreams. I also enjoy finding creative ways to give back and make a difference, as well as volunteering with local organizations.

Q: If there’s anything that you would want your peers & supporters to know about you (assuming that they don’t already), what would it be?
A: Words to live by: “Life is 10% what happens to you, and 90% how you respond.” -Lou Holtz, and “You must be willing to get rid of the life you planned so as to have the life that is waiting for you.” -Joseph Campbell. Both of these quotes ring true and have carried me through. Every experience is one to learn and grow from, even if you don’t see it at that very moment. And sometimes things aren’t going as you planned for all the right reasons, so a shift in perspective is all you need.

Q: What’s next?!
A: I just got back from doing a year of working remotely around the country, spending a month in a different city. For the longest time, my mind was heavily focused on that. Now that I’m back in Baltimore, I’m gearing up to plan some unique events and gatherings that bring people together. I’m also in the process of working on a new website for my company, and have a few more adventures lined up throughout the country. Truthfully, the sky is the limit, and I intend to enjoy each day.


And with that, we will continue to stay connected with Jessica as she takes us all along for the rides throughout her journey. If you would like to stay connected with Jessica, visit her website at jwatsoncreative.com, and follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & LinkedIn. Be sure to catch Jessica on Facebook before the end of February, as she celebrates the 28 Days of Kindness! Share the love…it works!

– EMW