Meet Jenn Sneary | Illustrator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jenn Sneary and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jenn, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I’ve grown up creating art in some form or another my entire life, so when a friend asked me to join her in a local art show, I accepted. I hadn’t shown my work publicly before, so I was nervous but excited about the opportunity to get my art in front of strangers. I really didn’t think I would sell any work – I framed my original drawings and hung them on the wall, and offered just a few prints. To my surprise, I got my first customer within the first few minutes of the show opening! Since then I’ve created a wide range of illustrations and turned them into prints, bookmarks, notebooks, pins, and stickers. I really don’t think of what I do as a “business”. I make art that I would love to have in my own house, and if it resonates with other people it’s an added bonus. I work a full time job separate from my online art store, so creating these illustrations is truly a passion project. It’s how I spend most of my free hours, so I use that time to have fun rather than treating it like a second job!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a designer, illustrator, and printmaker inspired by folklore, mythology, and fantasy. I create nature and fantasy inspired art using fine lines and lots of detail. I grew up enjoying books, movies and games based in magical worlds, and love recreating that enchantment and wonder in my illustration work. I work out of a home studio, and illustrate, print, and package my work myself. Lately I’ve been diving more into the fantasy themes I’ve played with only briefly before, and it’s been so rewarding to see others loving this change in my artwork too. Growing up, my friends weren’t really into the same books or video games that I was obsessed with, the ones filled with mythical creatures and magical lands. It definitely influenced the art I wanted to create, and now that I’m older I’ve found people who love the same fantasy themes I do! I’m so happy when I get someone messaging me to ask when the next dragon print is coming out – middle school me would never have thought I’d be here! I’ve learned to create the art I love, and not what I think others will be drawn to. By creating the art I would want to hang on my own walls, it’s more authentic and honest and I think people can see that.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Being able to show work at Art for the People Gallery and the Blue Genie Art Bazaar were immense stepping stones for me last year, as well as the East Austin Studio Tour hosted by Big Medium. I’m so excited by any opportunity to talk with fans of my artwork face to face, and it’s one of the things I miss the most during this crazy year! Throughout my whole artistic career my friends and family have been supportive and always willing to help when I need advice or inspiration. The other artists and makers that I’ve met at local markets have always been so friendly and welcoming to a newcomer like me, and I’m so grateful to be involved in a community that cares so much about helping others advance their craft.

Website: jennifersneary.com
Instagram: jenn_sneary
Facebook: jennsnearyillustration
Other: jennsnearyart.etsy.com

Image Credits
Jenn Sneary Art