Today we’d like to introduce you to Jo Morrow.
Hi Jo, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have always been interested in art and inspired by animals and nature. I love painting portraits of animals and of nostalgic themes (like characters, toys, and brands). When I was in second grade (grew up in Garland, TX), I placed second in a contest hosted by Crayola where I received a lot of Crayola art supplies as a prize. This, and my third grade teacher who asked me to illustrate her children’s book, inspired me to continue drawing and exploring art as I grew up. I thought I would be a teacher or working with animals in some capacity (not a vet because they had to treat hurt and sick animals which I would be too heartbroken to see) but I always knew I’d have my own art business on the side. I started applying for art markets after attending anime and comic conventions and enjoying admiring all the artists’ booths and work. At first, I had no idea what I was getting into and had a really sad tiny table with very niche prints that no one wanted. I’m still figuring it all out; how to market myself, what draws people’s attention, how to make my own products by myself (especially in a cost effective way) but I’ve grown a lot since I started! Every time I vend at an event, I learn something new and get to meet other amazing artists who are always willing to help boost each other up and help out. And I’m getting better at photoshoots each time. I love meeting new animals and chatting with their owners about their relationships with their pets and livestock while taking their pictures. I’m appreciative to be a part of a local art club now, called Creative Vision Collective, where we all can collaborate and support each other in our own unique artistic journeys.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I’m a recent graduate from UNT with two majors (photography and drawing/painting). It took me ten years to finish college; there were many times I thought I was about to finish school but was delayed or thrown off course for one reason or another. I worked at Disney World for their college program for a semester at one point. I had to bring my pet rabbits with me (I have always been a doting pet mom) so I had to live off-site where pets were allowed. Since the start of my college career, I have usually always been working two jobs while also doing gigs on the side (babysitting, dog-sitting, floral arrangements for family and friends, the occasional art commission) in order to pay for school and living expenses. When I came back home from Orlando, I had to start all over with my savings and jobs. I had turned down UTD to go to Disney but when I came back, they no longer would accept me. I went to UNT as my second option (a blessing in disguise as Denton has an awesome art community) but had to start during COVID completely online. Instead of learning how to use DSLR cameras or vintage view cameras, we had to use our smart phone cameras and whatever drawing or paint supplies we had on hand or could get access to (especially with so many layoffs, many students were struggling financially). I found it convenient to navigate classes this way, but it was hard to network and learn as easily. When I finally got to attend UNT in person, I was able to learn more effectively (hands-on) and was inspired by getting to know my creative classmates!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am an artist who specializes in nature photography and animal portraits, as well as digital and traditional drawing and paintings (which are usually cute, nostalgic, or animal themed!). I am most known for my series “My Cats 2000s Pop Idols” and my “TV Dad” series. I also made a series of paintings for horror movie imagined as househusbands (such as Wolfman cooking, The Mummy as a plant-dad, and Creature from the Black Lagoon having a self-care candlelit bath moment). I’m most proud of my creative color palettes and unique themes. The series I’m most proud of is my pop idol cats because it’s the most personal to me (obviously I’m obsessed with my pets- like pet owners should be).
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I love Adobe Fresco to draw and plan paintings in. I use Lightroom Classic for all photography editing and organizing. I love exploring lots of animated or vintage 1950s-60s movies and shows for inspiration. I love analyzing old Disney movies and picking apart what I like and don’t like about them or comparing an old series to its new remake. I will write essays about them for fun and sometimes share them with friends and family. They usually think I care too much and are surprised I can even have so many thoughts about an animated movie. But my friends get it! That’s what’s fun about it- you pick apart something that is usually known to be light hearted and low stakes (watching tv or movies) for no real reason. But in return, you probably get to know your preferences better and notice why you like other shows or movies better/what works about them, for yourself. Including art and animation styles. I like to follow local Denton artists and collab if possible! It’s always a unique experience each time and I learn something from each artist.
Pricing:
- Digital painting commission- $50
- Basic digital commission-$35
- 8×10” painting commission- $75
- 11×14” painting commission- $85
- Photography session (people or animal portraits)- 30 min for $75 including 20 photos
Contact Info:
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/bunnyjoart and www.instagram.com/bunnyjophoto
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@bunnyjoart
Image Credits
Jo Morrow
