Welcome back to the What Creativity Looks Like series. Every week this summer, I’ll be introducing you to some amazingly creative women. My hope is as you read these interviews and virtually meet these ladies, you’ll be inspired to create more in your own life.
Let’s get started!
What’s your name (and business name, if you have one)?
Jessica Anderson / Jessica Anderson Designs
Tell us about YOU. How is your creativity expressed?
I design quirky and fun knitting patterns. I use knitting to express my whimsical, geeky, colorful self in wearable pieces for adults, kids, and babies.
How did you get started in your creative practice? (“Practice” is just a fancy word for all the fun creative things you do. :))
When I was pregnant with my 4th baby, I kept envisioning this romper that I wanted to put on baby right after birth. I looked and looked but there was no pattern that was just right. So I made my own, and then just kept creating more to fill the gaps in my wardrobe and theirs—longies with monkey faces on the bum, sweaters that reminded me of my favorite movies, and pieces inspired by my favorite TV characters.
What keeps you going?
There is always something that gets me sketching—color, buttons, a drawing my kids made for me.
What is your greatest joy?
My family!
What’s a “typical” day (or week) like for you? In other words, how do you incorporate creative projects into your life?
I have art supplies all over my house! My Preschooler is always doing “art” and begging me to join her. I homeschool the older kids in the mornings, and try to fit it some office time (emails, typing, marketing) for about an hour after lunch. I spend most of my evenings knitting and snuggling the baby.
What would you say to someone who wants to be creative but can’t find the time?
There is always time! Keep supplies handy, and fit in what you can. I always have knitting in my purse, and a sketch pad nearby. It is amazing what time you find when you leave the phone alone and spend some screen free time.
What do YOU think creativity looks like?
A blank canvas with lots of color to splash on it!
Isn’t Jessica’s work ah-mazing?! It’s so fun to have two knitwear designers in a row here on the blog, and to read about their views on creativity. I particularly love how Jessica mentions she has art supplies all over house; that’s one of my favorite ways to be able to create at a moment’s notice. 🙂 To learn more about Jessica, you can visit her blog or stop by her Ravelry shop to see her gorgeous patterns.
Have a lovely {and creative} day!
