Jess Smiley: Crafting Joy and Growth Through Creativity
For me, something I think about constantly, is I mean, if you're doing something hard or difficult or that you don't want to do, but you're investing your time and your effort, you better make it worth it.
What happens when creativity meets intentional living? In this episode of 'The Well-Tended Life Podcast', host Keri Wilt sits down with Jess Smiley, a talented creator of graphic novels, picture books, comics, and zines. Jess shares his journey of turning artistic passion into a fulfilling career, and how his great-great-grandmother's unexpected insult played a role in his story. Curious? You'll have to listen in for that one!
Jess is not just an artist; he's a mentor who's guided over 2,000 children, teens, and adults in creating their first comics. His work has graced the pages of DisneyPixar, Cartoon Network, Penguin Random House, and Top Shelf Productions. In this chat, Jess and Keri explore the challenges and rewards of investing time and effort into difficult tasks. Jess offers a piece of wisdom that resonates deeply: 'you better make it worth it'.
The conversation delves into the joy and goodness found in creative pursuits, whether it's through music, drawing, or crafting stories. Jess discusses how activity books and comics can be powerful tools for learning and personal growth. His reflections are both thoughtful and inspiring, making this episode a treasure trove of insights for anyone looking to blend creativity with intentional living.
Whether you're an artist at heart or someone seeking joy in the little things, this episode promises to leave you feeling uplifted and motivated. Tune in to hear Jess Smiley's unique perspective on living a well-tended life through creativity.