Jessica Kopecky, Freelance Graphic Designer / Mural Artist / Illustrator – Jessica Kopecky Design, LLC
What do you do?
I’m a local freelance Graphic Designer, Artist and Illustrator. When I started my one-person company, I wasn’t sure what it would lead to. It was a leap of faith! As it turns out, I picked the right place to do it. The Wausau Area is a big supporter of the arts AND developing businesses, so my work ended up primarily in those realms. I find myself making murals and business graphics. It’s a good balance of left and right brain activity!
Also, at the start of my freelance career I sort of accidentally on purpose came up with an idea for a storybook. Now I’m the self-published Author-Illustrator of a full-color children’s chapter book: Secret of the Starflower – Rainbow of Spectra!
What education, classes or training were helpful to you?
Bachelor of Fine Arts with emphasis in Graphic Design – 2005 – UWSP
Baptism by fire – 2005 to present
Also practice, practice, practice!!
Why did you choose this sort of work?
I’ve enjoyed drawing for as long as I can remember, so I knew I should do something in the art field. When I was 14, I decided my future career would be in Graphic Design because I also enjoy using computers. As it turns out, Graphic Design really has been the best of both worlds. My client work includes a balance of corporate work and art, which allows me to be creative while also feeling productive and helpful. Art and tech also came in handy when I delved into the illustration realm, where I primarily use digital art technology.
What do you like best about your work?
I love writing the stories and producing them, which is a big piece, but it is m
I enjoy solving visual problems. People are genuinely excited about their goals, so when we collaborate I get all excited for them, and then we feed off of each other and it becomes this whole engaging, rewarding experience.
I love ideas. Ideas are cool.
What advice would you give girls who want to get into your field?
Definitely align yourself with an enthusiastic support group. That includes everyone from your husband to your besties!!
And don’t allow your value to be diminished. Reference the Pied Piper. That dude had an axe to grind. Maybe don’t take it as far as he did though (lol).
Also, art can be a bit brutal at times, so you have to be able to handle critiques without taking them personally. And, as they say in the writing world, “Kill your darlings!”
What is an example of something you’ve had to overcome to get to where you are now?
Fear is/was my worst enemy. I had to learn how to just do the thing, take the risk, speak the truth in love and practice trusting God in everything else <3
Anything else we should know?
Jessica is currently creating the “Journey through Progress” mural on a blank wall off of Old Highway 51 and Kowalski Road in Kronenwetter! You can see some images of her progress on Jessica Kopecky Design’s Facebook Page:
Thank you Jessica Kopecky!
To read more interviews with local wonder women, check out the Wunderfrauen Archive.