Conversations with Jessica Rigsbee

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Rigsbee .

Hi Jessica, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for sharing your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
I always knew how to draw. I didn’t think much of it. It was easy and I had a vivid imagination. I doodled while riding in the car, waiting at the doctor’s office, and during recess at school. My upbringing wasn’t smooth or serene, so drawing (and reading!!) was an escape. Life happened, and I grew out of my drawing habit. But, when the pandemic struck, I found myself teaching English from home. It was hard. My anxiety went through the roof, and I entered a severe depression. I, once again, needed an escape. So, I started drawing again. The only thing I could do was draw. I’d seen people draw all these cool graphics online but had yet to learn how they were doing it! So, I investigated and found digital art. I bought an iPad and an Apple Pencil and downloaded Procreate, a drawing application/program. I doodled during Zoom meetings, while watching TV, and during dinners at home. It was comforting and easy to lose myself in my drawing. I was addicted. My Depiction Addiction had come to life!

Digitally drawing and sharing my art online (Instagram: @mydepictionaddiction) got me through the pandemic and depression. And my online business and commission work grew over two years to a point where I knew I wanted to pursue art full-time. I left my English teaching job after 7 years in the classroom in November 2021. And I took the big leap to dedicate myself to my art business in April 2022. These days, I go to local markets every week to sell my work in the form of stickers, prints, bookmarks, greeting cards, tote bags, and more. I also draw all kinds of commissions for the people I meet at markets and those who find me online! If you want it, I can draw it!

I create art to uplift bigger and more diverse bodies, which are normal and worthy. I love creating happy, busy art with bright colors and empowering messages. They can be sassy but are always meant to bring a smile to someone’s face. Aside from body positivity, I also address mental health awareness, space, nature, humor, and female empowerment themes.

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One initial obstacle to becoming an artist full-time was the vulnerability of sharing your art. I was so nervous before my first artisan market in April 2022! I got nice feedback and support from my online artist community. Still, I constantly compared myself to other digital artists, and I was nervous to be out there in the world! But, I was pleasantly surprised when I was flooded with positive praise from people in real life! They were amazed at my style and unique messages and creations. I decided to embrace my talents and not let my fear of acceptance get in the way of sharing my art. Also, working for yourself can take time and effort. Being your boss is nice, but there are income inconsistencies month to month, so determining my budgets monthly and making sure I have savings to balance any income deficits has been a learning experience. But, the freedom of working for yourself well outweighs all that.

Please tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others.
I specialize in digital art, which I create on my iPad using Procreate. I create art to uplift bigger and more diverse bodies because I saw a deficit in representation online and when exploring artists in the area. I love creating happily busy art with bright colors and empowering messages. They can be humorous and sassy but are always meant to bring a smile to someone’s face. Aside from body positivity, I also address mental health awareness, space, nature, humor, and female empowerment themes. I am most proud of the originality of my pieces. I always brainstorm and craft slogans or sayings for greeting cards or stickers that I know people will relate to. I also love experimenting with colors and making sure every piece of the canvas has balance and something interesting to look at. My humor, relatability, and ability to capture feelings of empowerment, strength, and humor set me apart from other artists.

Networking and finding a mentor can positively impact one’s life and career. Any advice?
Social media has made mentorship and networking very easy for an artist. The art community is so welcoming, and artists who have made it big like Charly Clements, Jess Miller, and Jessica Hische are very willing to share their secrets and answer any budding artists’ questions about sharing and marketing their work, as well as the best ways to build an art business. I also share many behind-the-scenes tips and tricks regarding what I have done to thrive in pop-up markets. I saw a lack of information on that and wanted to help others! Also, feel free to contact brands you want to work with. I sent cold emails AND Instagram messages with proposals to several big companies for doing original art or licensing my work, and I have gotten some pretty big illustrating contracts that way!

Pricing:

• People Portraits start at $35
• Logos start at $50
• Commercial Illustrations start at $150
• Pet Portraits start at $35
• House Portraits start at $75

Contact Info:

• Website: www.mydepictionaddiction.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mydepictionaddiction/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mydepictionaddiction
• Other: https://linktr.ee/mydepictionaddiction