Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenn Carney.
Jenn, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Drawing and creating is something that’s always been a part of me. As a child, I used to write and illustrate my own short stories, which eventually led me to study traditional illustration, as well as children’s book illustration and character design and eventually obtain a Master’s from Academy of Art University.
Today, much of my work centers toward the fantastical/whimsical side, mostly of little creatures that I hope to develop stories for. I am heavily inspired by the natural world, and all the various patterns that can be found where most people don’t look; textures in tree bark, stones, clouds, and even in plaster and textiles.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There were many times I strayed from creativity and my work, sometimes from health issues, other times just from life, itself. I’ve had many struggles, but I’ve also had many highlights along the way that have helped to keep me inspired and motivated. I would say my road is a bit bumpy, but is constantly moving forward to new adventures and ideas.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in fantasy art/creature design that caters to the young and the young at heart, I hope to touch upon the inner child and the sense of whimsy we so often lose as we enter the adult world. I hope to possibly create at least one children’s book and/or a fantasy-based “field guide” of nature-inspired creatures. (I have also been thinking about creating some form of oracle-type card deck.)
I have proudly been a featured artist at Ethan’s Gallery in Olde Town Arvada, where I also volunteered time, and was a featured artist at the 14er Brew Pub in Denver. Actually selling my art at the gallery became a true high point in my creative career, and also became a bit of reassurance that my art was capable of touching and inspiring people.
I also happily participated in Art Drop Arvada.
I think what sets me apart from others is the connection I hold to my inner child, and my ability to see things that others often don’t.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
There have been many lessons along the way…not giving up on myself was one that has occurred and reoccurred for me many times over the years. Whether its been a touch of impostor syndrome, or suffering with self-doubt by comparing myself to other artists, or simply just doubting myself and my abilities altogether, each time I have managed to resurface and take something new from it.
Another lesson I am still learning from is to regain that sense of love and carefree creativity I had as a child, and even into my young adulthood-when I would draw and create just for the sheer love of it, free from worry and judgement over technique or whether what I was doing was “right or wrong,” While I learned a great, great deal from my art education, I’ve also come to realize that it also created a bit of a prison, creatively speaking. Technique, color theory, proportions, etc., are and can be truly important, but they also aren’t everything, and somewhere within my educational experiences, I actually lost that love of creating so freely that I seek to reconnect with.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jenncarney13.wixsite.com/illustrator
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenndreamfish
- Other: https://jenncarneyart.wordpress.com/
