What’s your name? Pair it with an adjective that has the same first letter.
Jonquil Jess
What classes do you teach at CraftJam?
Modern Calligraphy, Hand Lettering, Block Printing, and Pom Pom skills.
How long have you been crafting?
Since the other kids in my kindergarten class asked me to draw cats for them because mine were better than what everyone else could draw. So, 20 years? I’m dating myself now. Calligraphy for 7.
What is your favorite thing about crafting?
While crafting, the sense of zen. When it’s done, the reactions from whomever I’ve gifted it to/created it for.
What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever made?
I designed a typeface that wrote “For You” as my BFA thesis. For part of that project, I reprinted Moby Dick in text-speak. You can play with the typeface online here.
What do you like about CraftJams?
I love watching newcomers come to calligraphy having never held a nib before and leaving the studio four hours later eager to hit the craft store to buy more ink and pens because they can’t get enough of their new skill.
If you could CraftJam with anyone, who would it be?
I hear Meghan Markle put herself through college as a amateur calligrapher. I bet she has some stories to tell.
When you aren’t crafting, what are you doing?
Obsessing over fictional characters who may or may not be in love with one another, co-hosting an online bookclub, baking the perfect chocolate chip cookie, watching my cat slowly destroy every hair tie in my apartment, and staring blankly at my computer screen trying to convince myself to finally finish writing my novel.
Best music or playlist to listen while crafting?
Spotify’s Retro Pop playlist is a jam.
Describe yourself with a gif.
Say hi to Jess on Instagram and peruse her portfolio and beautiful book covers on her website! And stay tuned for more updates on our blog, including upcoming CraftJams, awesome DIY inspiration, and profiles of the talented JamMasters and Jammers who make our community awesome.
