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Artist

Jess Cruickshank

Artist

Jess is an Australian illustrator and letterer currently based in Kitchener, Ontario. Originally working in graphic design and advertising, she now spends her work day illustrating for book covers, editorial publications, and advertising campaigns. She's been represented by The Jacky Winter Group since 2015.

Is there a topic or issue that you wished we all talked about more openly?

Mental health, especially getting treatment for mental health issues. It took me almost 10 years to get treatment for my anxiety and OCD. If it had felt okay to talk openly about mental health, I probably would have gotten help much sooner. I think things are better now though, in that it's not so taboo to have these conversations. But there's still progress to be made!

What does success look like to you?

Being able to do whatever makes me happy without fear of judgement. Also, a house in the country with a garden and chickens and dogs.

If you had the chance, what’s something you’d like to tell your 16 year-old self?

Things will never be perfect, but they will be better!

Can you talk us through one of the challenges you’ve faced during your career?

I think my biggest challenge, which I still face daily, is dealing with imposter syndrome. I never thought I'd be a full time, self employed illustrator, and despite the success that I've had in my career, I still sometimes wonder how I am able to do what I do. I think that I am getting better with this as I get older and more experienced, though.

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