Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Dorrell.
Jessica, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far. I have dreamed of being a creative entrepreneur since childhood. One of my earliest memories was drawing, writing, and constructing books out of cardstock and yarn and trying to sell them on my street corner.
My creative passions and skills have always remained a hobby while I pursued a more straightforward approach to life. In 2017, I finally took the advice of the Universe and all the supportive people around me and started my own business as a side hustle to my full-time job, Initially, I started Babes Never Die as a way to create and sell handmade embroidery to (and for) my friends and family. I craved an outlet where I could create whatever I wanted and have it seen, received, and appreciated.
I have always tried not to put myself in a box as an artist, which hasn’t been easy in a society that likes people/brands/businesses to be wrapped up in a pretty, uniform package. Having that DIY-outside-the-box-heart means I like to have my hands in every part of the process and dabble in different mediums. Because of that, I can now proudly say Babes Never Die has grown from selling only embroidery to a full-on brand, a home and lifestyle blog, and I still have my online shop where you can find different home goods from embroidery to a hand-printed tea towel.
Can you give our readers some background on your art? I create a little bit of a lot of different things. As I said, I love to dabble – which results in a lot of knowledge of different mediums. This has been such a benefit to my development as an artist. I create hand embroidered apparel, hand embroidered vintage textiles, hand embroidered pet portraits, and hand embroidery hoops. I love embroidery as a medium the most because it lets me mix a classic medium with more modern styles and colors. Each design I embroider is created and drawn by me.
Embroidery has also led me to a love of illustration. I create prints and digital illustrations using my iPad Pro. It is such a fun way to try new color palettes, play with lettering, and accidentally techniques! Throughout all my work you can see a love of textiles, vibrant colors, and customization. I love working with my customers and creating a special piece of decor just for them. I hope people are able to feel something from my artwork. Whether that’s nostalgia for a pet they lost, empowerment from a “Work Hard” t-shirt, or joy when they look at a bright illustration I posted on Instagram – I consider that a win as an artist.
Do you think conditions are generally improving for artists? What more can cities and communities do to improve conditions for artists?
I think as a community, it’s important to look at our city and make sure that the thriving artists represent the demographics of our city, and not just a section that is privileged enough to be able to do this work. I think it’s become a lot easier for people to become artists and in recent years with the evolution of technology and art – and while I LOVE and support this because it’s literally how I taught myself, the community needs to make sure we’re really offering resources and support to the entire artistic community and not just those that can afford studio space or an expensive set of oil paints. I think Dallas desperately needs a central, physical space for artists to come learn, make, and create a community with our fellow local and visiting artists.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
I sell my work on Etsy on www.etsy.com/shop/babesneverdie, If you’re in the DFW area, you can also support in September by stopping by my booth at Pinners Conference in Arlington.
You can view my past work, illustrations, and blog at www.babesneverdie.com.
You can view my work anytime through any and all of my active and positive social media accounts (Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook)
Contact Info:
- Website: www.babesneverdie.com
- Email: babesneverdie@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/babesneverdie
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/babeneverdie
Image Credit:
All images credit of Babes Never Die
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
