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

Hi Jessica, can you share the most important lesson you’ve learned over the course of your career?
That believing in yourself and the life you dream of creating is the key to success. Once you begin to visualize what you want, and see it as a reality the universe will bring it to you. But it takes constant self-love and self-belief despite the rejections, failures and negativity you may experience. When you combat those low periods with continued self-affirmations coupled with hard work anything is truly possible.
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Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My success as an artist relies so much on my daily practice of positive thinking, visualizations and affirmations. Every big client I have had come to me, because of my art-I first visualized it happening. Clients like Target, Starbucks, Sephora, Jimmy Choo and IKEA are all brands I dreamed of working with. And then…they magically sought me out. Dream collaborations with brands like CHANEL & Oscar de la Renta I visualized before they contacted me. I believe it’s because my story, and my message are powerful and need to be shared to you. I started from nothing. No connections. No investors. From 0 sales in my online shop to 10,000. So you, yes you, the one reading this right now, remember you also hold infinite possibilities and power to live the life you dream of. Your life will be a mirror of your thoughts. So stay positive even in the darkest of times.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I live in a vibrant community in Atlanta with lots of old historic homes, so we would probably start our day walking around the neighborhood. Grabbing brunch at La Petit Marche. They have an amazing shrimp and grits stack! Then take them on a drive around the city, and my favorite view of the city at SCAD FASH museum and check out the current fashion exhibit. For dinner I would take them to Decatur Square for either Leon’s or Iberian Pig and follow that with tiki drinks at SOS. My favorite bar in all of Atlanta. Get the Pain Killer and hang out in one of the coolest lounges in town.

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?
I would say I met a wonderful group of female artists who became my mentors early in the stages of my career and throughout my career. Some of those fabulous women include Michelle Armas, Laurie Forehand, Khristian A. Howell, Halley Semo, and Sarah Watts.

Website: www.jessicadurrant.com
Instagram: jessillustrator
Facebook: Jessica Durrant

Image Credits
Jessica Durrant

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