Jess Vosseteig shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Jess, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
I think everyone secretly struggles with imposter-syndrome and feeling inadequate. Especially for us artists, we are very good at presenting a persona online to sell our work, but I think underneath that we are always struggling with feeling like our work is never good enough or like we aren’t true artists. Because of social media, now more than ever people are able to present only the best parts of their process, work and mindset. However, in doing so, I feel like it can be difficult for us to find community and relate to each other at times. I think everyone can relate to feeling jealous of others, inadequate and like their work won’t matter, but no one wants to show that side. In my experience, a lot of other artists that I look up to also deal with the same feelings of stagnancy and low self-esteem that I’ve struggled with, but it is not often talked about.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Jess Vosseteig and I am a queer Colorado illustrator who makes art that centers around queer, feminist, and inclusive themes. I have partnered with brands and organizations like Dr. Martens, Lush, Ulta, GLSEN, Facebook/Meta, and more, and my work focuses on inclusivity, empowerment, and creating conversations surrounding feminism and the queer community. I’ve also had the pleasure of writing and illustrating my own book “Affirmations for Queer People”, and I’ve also illustrated numerous book covers for other authors. I love illustrating to empower all genders, break stereotypes, and promote body positivity/neutrality. I want my audience to feel seen and heard in my work, be empowered to be themselves, educate others, and push societal norms. You can find more of my work and shop at JessVossart.com and on socials @JessVoss_Art.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
I would say my parents taught me the most about work. My dad has run his own optometry business since I was little, so I grew up with him and my mom (who worked in the office) as strong examples for work ethic. I picked up on my dad’s entrepreneurial spirit and he really showed me that it is possible to run your own business if you work hard and make smart decisions.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering has taught me a lot about myself. As a freelance artist, my work is often very unstable and unpredictable, and sometimes that can lead to suffering mentally and financially on occasion. The “suffering artist” trope is real to an extent, but because I am so committed to making art as a career, I’ve found ways to make these periods of suffering work for me. Suffering without work forces me to become creative in the ways I make money, and how and why I make art. I think the times I’ve had the least work are the times I have been forced to think of new ideas and make new things the most. Suffering has pushed me into thinking of new ideas I wouldn’t have had to think of if I was constantly successful.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I am committed to the belief that I can make art a full-time career someday. I know all artists say this, but for me, I’ve never had another idea for my career and life that fits me. Ever since I was a little kid, I saw myself doing art as my career, and no matter how long that takes, I know I can make it happen for myself. I think a lot of artists, me included, struggle with the idea that we are “failing” if we have to get another gig on the side, but I’ve had to put my ego aside and realize that nothing that lasts long-term happens immediately. So no matter how long it takes me, I am committed to working on my art and my business.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
I’m not the best at tap dancing, but I have literally jumped for joy at receiving projects before! I remember when I got the email asking if I would like to write and illustrate my own book to be published, I felt a rush of excitement and joy that I can’t even describe. I’ve always wanted my art to be in a book, and I just couldn’t even believe my childhood dream was coming true! I think I cried I was so excited, and I felt like I was being recognized for art that people would want in their homes which felt amazing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://JessVossArt.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessvoss_art/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jess-vosseteig-864151249/
