Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Artice.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
First and foremost, authenticity is my jam and I believe all you need is love. To elaborate a little – life is just too damn short to fake anything… so just be you… perfectly imperfect you. And spread love! I got a BFA from Texas State University in Communication Design. I spent a decade in graphic design, but it never spoke to my soul—you see, photography was always there – I just got so good at ignoring it. Oh the excuses…there are too many photographers, I can’t afford a nice camera, I am a graphic designer…am I good enough? will I be good enough?
The passion laid dormant for years and years. That time finally came to an end and I decided to follow my heart. I’ve been shooting professionally for six years now and I couldn’t be more in love.
I am married to my best friend – he is, hands down, my number one fan – and for that, I am very thankful. We have a son who is seven years old – he was the inspiration and catalyst behind my photography journey—that’s right, becoming a mom significantly changed my life – (shocker). We welcomed our baby girl into the world four years ago. So here I am, juggling life with two young children, grieving the loss of my mother and my growing business; meanwhile, trying my hardest to embrace the chaos and to cherish these crazy times.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Smooth road? What even is that?!
Financially speaking, photography is NOT CHEAP. Holy cow. The business expenses are wildly uncomfortable at times… I remember buying my first ‘real’ camera…I thought I was going to have a heart-attack. Then it just gets more expensive!
Time-consuming. This running-your-own-business thing is NOT for the weak. If you let it, it will consume you. So finding work/life balance is essential.
My mother passed away in 2020. That, by far, has been the toughest life challenge to date. She and I could not have been much closer, so I am swimming in the depths of grief.
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?
I am a photographer specializing in family and children. I have been shooting professionally for six years now, but I was the girl with a camera in her hand since I can remember. It has to be my ability to capture true connections and raw emotions that I’m most proud of. I want to tell your story… authentically.
What are your plans for the future?
Honestly, I don’t have any long term future plans or big changes coming that I can think of at the moment… with that said, I never stop learning and growing – I get a kick out of trying new things and evolving my artistry.
Contact Info:
- Email: jessica@theblackbirdflies.com
- Website: www.theblackbirdflies.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theblackbirdflies/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theblackbirdfliesphotography
