Hi! I’m Jen, the illustrator and surface pattern designer of By Jen. I’m one of a zillion Jennifers from the 70s and for as long as I can remember, I’ve loved creating. Currently my favorite way to create is drawing on my iPad, with a hot cup of tea and the company of our quirky dogs, Sprinkles and Bailey, and our mischievous cat, Loona.

As creative as I am, I haven’t always worked in a creative profession. I spent many years as an optometrist, helping people see clearly everyday. But it took surviving breast cancer in 2020, for me to see my life more clearly. Breast cancer was a big reminder that there are no guarantees in life and every day we have is a gift. So I decided to follow my heart and make a career switch into this exciting field of illustration and design.

In my art, you’ll see positive themes, happy colors, and playful imagery. I love all things sweet, Christmas, and Disney. I’ve collected teddy bears since I was eleven and our home is overflowing. Mid century art and illustration resonates with me, probably due to countless childhood trips to Disneyland and my love of White Christmas and Bing Crosby. I love hearts, love (I’m a pisces), and I am lucky to have married my best friend. And we have the two most amazing daughters.

Thanks for taking the time to visit and learn more about me. And remember, as I once heard a speaker say at a local cancer event, You don’t just live once. You die once and you live everyday ♥️