Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessie Gibbons.
Hi Jessie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Recently free from corporate life! I’m the founder of Papergarten and a partner at XOXOart & Company.
I officially declared myself an artist after I won first place in my kindergarten coloring contest. I hold degrees in advertising and digital marketing and I’ve worked professionally in the advertising industry as an art director for over six years. I learned many things from undergraduate and graduate school, but my greatest teacher is undoubtedly my mother. She is a classically trained illustrator and graphic designer who placed a paintbrush in my hand before I could walk. She is an entrepreneur and was the one who inspired me to go out on my own and run Papergarten full-time. Last May, I quit my corporate job and join her at her wholesale apparel and accessories company, XOXOart & Co.. We get to create art together, which is honestly a dream for me.
Papergarten is a boutique design shop specializing in watercolor wedding stationery and paper goods. I work to capture love stories on paper. Five years ago, my cousin-in-law asked if I would paint for her wedding invitations. I fell in love with the process, despite having no idea what I was doing. From there, Papergarten was born.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
The main challenge for me was deciding when and how to make the leap into self-employed life. I was balancing a full-time job that was extremely taxing. After a few years of juggling Papergarten and my job in advertising, I knew I needed to make a choice. The opportunity presented itself when my aunt retired and left the company she and my mom founded back in 2012. I joined XOXOart & Co. in May.
I’m working on time blocking and scheduling and getting into a rhythm.
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 specialize in watercolor and acrylic. I’m known for watercolor wedding maps, venue illustrations and painted champagne bottles. I also work in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, Fresco, InDesign, etc.) and ProCreate.
All of the art you see produced by both companies is done by hand. I grew up watching my mom illustrate from scratch–starting with pencil on paper. She instilled that mindset in me. Every piece of art that is printed on a wedding invitation or a t-shirt starts as an idea in our heads.
What matters most to you? Why?
Time with my husband, Jake and our dog, Lou. Quality time is difficult to come by these days and we cherish that time with our family and friends.
Right now, I’m especially thankful for our new house, where I’m finally able to have a room dedicated as my art studio.
Contact Info:
- Email: jessie@papergarten.com
- Website: www.papergarten.com
- Website: www.xoxoartandcompany.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/papergarten
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/xoxoartandcompany
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/papergartengoods
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/xoxoartandcompany
- Tik Tok: www.tiktok.com/@papergarten
