AMBER JESSUP

ART DIRECTOR + DIGITAL DESIGNER

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

5 favorite musical artists of all time? 

1. Lauryn Hill

2. Tyler the Creator

3. Biggie Smalls

4. Jhene Aiko

5. Kanye West

What inspires you? 

I'm eco-activist and social justice leader. Alot of my creative style reflects ethical sustainability practices. I love taking on cultural expositions that highlight the many disparities against environmental and human welfare happening today. It is my hope to continue producing intentional art experiences that will inspire audiences in a truly meaningful way.

What advice would you give to your younger self? 

The leaders, the movers, the shakers are all different. You were meant to be different. Don't allow anyone to guilt trip you or torment you about being your authentic self. You'll get paid to be just this one day so you might as well embrace it.

What industry blogs/websites/podcasts do you enjoy?

Somewhere Good - is like twitter spaces for black people

Dr. Thema Bryant, The homecoming podcast - great for generational trauma healing

Bateson Waves - mentorship for WOC

What do you think the future holds for people of color in creative industries?

I think we are opening up the doors to being seen and I think that in itself holds a lot of power. We're controlling the narrative which allows us to be supported and support those around us that have felt as though their voices and their lives didn't matter. Seeing other black folks in these spaces, will show others its possible. I sense a revolution coming.

What is your dream job?

$80k+, modern setting, new age cultural. Accounts for life endeavors and real human integration rather that be through systems, approaches or just philosophies. I shouldn't be ashamed or made to feel like I'm wrong for wanting to have a social life. I want a company that embraces my human-ness -- my emotions, my mistakes, my truths and uses it in a way to curate a setting of welcome and creativity. I want to feel comfortable being expressive and seen when that expression works well. Remote work is cool. Traveling to do behind the scene photoshoots and commercials are even cooler. I want to work in a setting where I'm not being so harshly judged or made to feel like I'm a super stuffy office. I want to be in flow, nothing stuffy or pushed. I want to be an asset to the company.

What skill(s) would you develop if you had more time? 

I would love to develop and familiarize myself with digital inputs:

UX/UI Designs | Adobe Premiere Pro | Web 3 | NFT

What is the last thing you learned? 

I'm constantly learning. What I think is relevant here when it comes to my artistry is that... how people receive it after you've put it out there is not my responsibility. I know that my intentions are well.

In terms of school -- thinking deeper is reaching a bigger concept but thinking wider talks about the ways your concept could be received.

What are you working on right now?

I have two creative projects that Im working on right now that center around what it means to be ethical in a society rooted in consumerism and trends. One is a newsletter about social impact on the web and the other project is an app concept on how communities can exchange goods and services through sustainability measures.

These are personal passion projects of mine and I'm excited to be a pioneer, pushing the culture forward.

I'm fascinated with color psychology and pride myself on a clean, minimalistic design aesthetic. My most recent work and studies have led me to UX Research and Design, explicitly focusing on equity in design as the topic intersects with my personal experiences and projects advocating for wellness, chronic illness, and disability issues.

If you could talk to your favorite creative for an hour, who would it be? Why?

Abi Connick -- She does beautiful art work and is progressing without a degree or certificate. She doesn't need validation. I love learning from her. She's inspiring and successful.

What advice would you give to creatives of color looking to pursue their passion full-time?

Don't be fearful of your power. We are the next generation that owns the capacity to pivot and shift society the way we see fit. It's through our unapologetic expression, that will create the catalyst in our uprising as a collective. We're in a time where our art work can do more than just sit on display. It's a reflection of our background and representation of our future. Never allow yourself to think that "you're too much" or that your expression needs dimming. Show up as your full self without inquiry of how other will receive it.

How do you keep your creative drip going? 

I have loads of creative projects that I work on in my personal life. They serve to be passion projects and I love spending time working on things that could probably change the world or at very least the behaviors and thinking of a group of people in a positive direction. It’s in my heart to make a pivotal impact on people and being creative while doing it, lights me up the most.

Contact: amberrjessup@gmail.com

Check out her portfolio for more of her work!