Meet Jen Singh | Artist

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

Hi Jen, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
When I chose my pathway as an artist, I didn’t realize how windy a road it would be.

Fresh out of college with loads of optimism, I began work as a freelance illustrator and went through the slow process of promoting myself via postcard mailers and sending transparencies of my art portfolio. This was the early 90s, and waiting for a phone call for an illustration job was the norm. I steadily began getting work and supplemented my income by working as a graphic designer during the day.

There was lots of waiting and hoping. When stretches of time would go by with no illustration jobs, it became very deflating. I kept plugging away, but the competition was pretty fierce. You had to stand out to get an art director’s attention. Instead, I found a way to set myself apart from other graphic designers: I could draw and paint. This helped me with logo designs, creating painterly background spreads for brochures and creating custom illustrations.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
It took me a long time to call myself an artist. I went to art college, graduated in 1991 and began working as a freelance illustrator and designer while painting a little on the side for fun. People would ask what I do for a living, and I would reply graphic designer because that seemed to be a creative vocation most folks would understand easily. Only in the last 5 years, when I prioritized my fine art, did I start saying “I’m an artist” Curiously, ever since I started saying that, people have responded differently. Maybe it’s become more acceptable, with Instagram and social media giving a place for artists to express themselves. But I’ve learned to be more comfortable with who I am, and practicing the art of speaking about my art has been a valuable practice.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My new favorite place to frequent is Commune, a vinyl listening bar in Avondale Estates. Located in the new Pine + Olive development in the Rail Arts District, it’s a cozy vibe with delicious drinks (also NA options, which is my fave) and tasty bites. Tacos have to be in the itinerary, and Tres Ninos in Decatur is the place to get authentic street tacos-their queso and housemade chips are the most delicious I’ve had. Most importantly, I would show off some amazing trails just minutes from downtown, like Sweetwater Creek or the Cherokee Trail at Stone Mountain.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Bill Mayer, illustrator. He was one of the first professional illustrators I met when I moved to Atlanta. He gave me feedback on my illustration portfolio and was an inspiration to me.

Website: https://www.jensingh.com

Instagram: @jensinghcreatively

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-singh-173a64a7/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jensinghcreatively/

Image Credits
Liz Stubbs