Today we’d like to introduce you to Jackie Sanders.
Hi Jackie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been drawn to the relationship between people and place. Growing up, I spent a lot of time in my parents’ architecture studio, where I watched them thoughtfully design spaces that shaped the way people lived and interacted with the world around them. That early exposure planted the seed for my own interest in how environments influence our experiences.
I went on to study Studio Art and Art History at Virginia Tech, followed by a Master’s degree focused on Material Culture and Public Humanities, where I studied how people assign meaning to objects and spaces. Throughout my career, that idea has remained at the center of my work.
Today, through J Sanders Studio, I create custom murals and public artwork that transform everyday spaces into places of curiosity, connection, and discovery. Whether I’m working with a business owner, a school, a municipality, or a community organization, my goal is always to create artwork that feels authentic to the people who experience it.
I love that murals have the ability to interrupt our routines in the best way. A person may walk the same path every day on their commute, but a thoughtful piece of public art can make them pause, look closer, smile, or notice something new about a place they thought they already knew.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
One of the challenges I have discovered in my work is that many people have never commissioned a mural before. There can be uncertainty around where to begin, how the design process works, what decisions need to be made, or what the installation process will look like.
That realization has shaped how I approach every project. I understand that when a client hires me, they are trusting me with a valuable part of their space and their brand, so I prioritize education, transparency, and communication throughout the entire experience.
Long before paint ever touches the wall, there is a thoughtful process in place to ensure that my clients feel informed and confident. Every project begins with a site visit and discovery conversations to understand the goals of the space, the people who will experience it, and the overall vision for the artwork. From there, I provide a detailed scope of work that outlines the project expectations, timeline, and investment, followed by custom design renderings and presentations where we collaborate, discuss feedback, and refine the final direction.
Once the design is approved, clear contracts and production timelines establish expectations before the mural installation begins. My goal is to remove the mystery around the process by providing structure, clear communication, and opportunities for collaboration so my clients feel secure, empowered, and excited from the first conversation to the final reveal.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
J Sanders Studio specializes in creating custom murals and public artwork that help businesses and communities tell their stories through meaningful, site-specific design.
My work is rooted in the belief that a mural should do more than simply decorate a wall. A successful mural reflects the identity of a place, creates memorable experiences for visitors, and fosters a stronger sense of connection between people and their environment.
Every project begins with listening. I spend time learning about the client’s goals, the history of the space, the people who use it, and what they hope visitors will feel when they encounter the artwork. From there, I translate those ideas into a visual language of bold color, thoughtful typography, organic forms, and abstract references to the surrounding community.
What I am most proud of is seeing the impact after a mural is complete. Watching people stop to take photos, point out details they recognize, or gather around a space in a new way is a reminder that public art can change how we experience our everyday environments.
I believe what sets J Sanders Studio apart is the combination of artistic vision, research, and a strong understanding of placemaking. My academic background focused specifically on how people interact with spaces, and I bring that same thoughtfulness into every project.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
One thing I would like readers to know is that I believe great murals begin with great conversations. Some of my favorite projects have started with a simple question: “What could this space become?”
Whether it’s a business looking to create a stronger identity, a property owner wanting to enhance the visitor experience, or a community hoping to celebrate its history, I love partnering with people to imagine what is possible.
The most meaningful part of my work is not just the finished mural, it is seeing a once overlooked space become a place where people gather, interact, and create new memories.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jaclynsanders.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jsandersstudio
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jsandersstudio
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandersjaclyn/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHEfWvmFXZZ6Z_SW2lMSwCg
