Meet Abby Jacobs of Abby Jac Designs in Boulder

Today we’d like to introduce you to Abby Jacobs.

Abby, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
For as long as I can remember, art has been a major part of my life. After college, I decided to pursue a graduate degree in art therapy, combining my passion for art with helping people. I received my M.A. from Naropa University in Boulder, CO around the same time my daughter was born, then my son 2.5 years later.

I decided to focus my efforts on motherhood. My artistic endeavors were put on the sidelines for years until I discovered some tiny, wooden figurines in a craft store. I had the idea of painting these for my daughter as a gift. I enjoyed doing this so much that I started an Etsy shop and quickly had more work than I could imagine painting custom wooden dolls for people all over the world. I loved that I could earn extra income while painting and being with my children. During this time, I also wrote a children’s book, which was then published. The process of publishing a book opened my eyes to the possibilities of children’s book illustration.

I took classes and was mentored by an illustrator in the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. She looked at my portfolio and said my work would be a great fit in the art licensing market. She opened up a whole new world for me with this suggestion. I began taking classes in surface design and art licensing and then discovered Make Art That Sells courses. I have been hooked ever since. My portfolio includes mostly floral paintings and patterns, greeting card designs, home decor products and seasonal artwork. In Boulder, my work has been shown through Boulder Creative Collective and through Downtown Boulder’s Boulder Alley Gallery. I also love to create commissioned paintings.

Has it been a smooth road?
The life of an artist is rarely a smooth road! My road is sometimes paved in self-doubt and self-criticism. One day I love what I have created, the next day I am convinced I should never paint again. Another challenge is the constant comparison game. I try to post my work every day on Instagram and I am constantly exposed to all of the amazing artwork in the world. It is easy to throw up my hands and admit defeat but I always come back to the idea that there is room for all of us. We each have our own unique way of sharing ourselves with the world. I am a true believer in community over competition. The ups and downs are ultimately worth it though because every day I get to paint. It is my true passion.

We’d love to hear more about your art.
AbbyJac Designs specializes in pattern design, surface design, art licensing, freelance design, illustration and commissioned paintings. I’ve done work for the food and beverage market, paper products market, greeting cards and home decor markets. I’d say my work incorporates the bold use of color and texture as well as florals. Lots and lots of florals. I’m most proud of the fact that since I began making money as an artist, I have continued to donate a large portion of the profits to various organizations I feel strongly about supporting.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
There is so much I love about Boulder and Denver. I love that I can leave my house and be in the mountains in a few short minutes. Being outdoors helps me reset my mind and attitude. I love the culture in Denver and the art appreciation that I see coming together in murals and galleries, markets and pop-up shops. I think what troubles me the most is the homelessness in both Boulder and Denver. Politics aside, I wish there was a way we could all come together and figure out a solution.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.abbyjacdesigns.com
• Email: abby@abbyjacdesigns.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbyjacdesigns

Image Credit:
Attimo wine bottle photographer: Joni Schrantz

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