Jessica Jones describes herself as a woman who loves — and lives — to create.
You’ve probably seen her work before, even if you’ve never heard her name. Her artwork is abundant around downtown Conway and Little Rock, and you don’t even have to go to an art gallery to see it.
Jones is a muralist. Instead of creating art on a conventional canvas, she creates artwork in seemingly unlikely places: the sides of buildings, storefronts and alleyways.
“Being a public artist really allows me to immerse myself in the community on the streets,” Jones said. “I travel all over the country to various cities and get to meet so many vibrant communities. I see the good that is in the world through the people I encounter in those places.”
Jones said street art differs from traditional art in that it’s not meant to last forever.
“Street art is temporal in nature. While I use high quality paints that withstand years of weather, often building tenants may change and that opens the opportunity for the murals to be painted over,” Jones said. “You have to, as an artist, hold them with a loose grasp.”
Jones says that although street art is temporary, it is meaningful.
Because street art is created outside in public areas, it is accessible to those who may not be able to afford buying a piece of artwork or visiting a gallery.
“Street art is viewed by everyone equally, regardless of their socioeconomic status,” Jones said. “Murals being in public and not in a gallery really brings art to the people. Art is for everyone.”
The process to create a mural for a business can often take months, depending on when the budget and design is approved by the client and is relatively simple, although a lot of love and effort goes into it.
“Typically, I create a design digitally and mock it up on a photo of the wall. Once the design is approved then I begin working on the wall,” Jones said. “Sometimes the wall needs some prep and a base coat. Then I transfer the design to the wall using many various techniques depending on what the design and location allows, then I paint it all in.”
Jones says some of her favorite murals she’s created are ones she painted for a festival in Memphis.
“I will always be really proud of the murals that I have painted at the street art festival ‘Paint Memphis’ as I have had complete creative freedom, my most recent one being a tiger I painted in honor of the year of the tiger.”
Jones has been interested in creating art since she was a child.
“I have always enjoyed being creative for as long as I can remember. I started painting very young but didn’t really pursue it with intention for a long time, just more of a cathartic thing,” Jones said.
A chance encounter at an art walk led Jones into the world of murals.
“About eight years ago I had a booth set up at an art walk and someone approached me about painting a mural. I decided to give it a shot and realized that I really enjoyed it,” Jones said. “This led to more gigs and the whole thing snowballed into what is now a full-time career.”
Jones says her career as an artist has changed how she perceives her artwork and the art industry throughout the years.
“As I have gained experience using art as a means to make a living, that passion has changed forms in many ways. I hope to allow for more opportunities for other artists, to set an example for artists to not undervalue their work, and to cultivate an environment of communal support rather than competition.”
The most important thing for aspiring artists to remember, Jones said, is to never undervalue yourself or your work.
“It can feel defeating at first and giving up is easier than pushing through. The line of success and failure is drawn between those who give up and those who keep on even when it’s hard, of this I am convinced,” Jones said. “Never do work for free, this hurts not only yourself but other artists trying to make it, exposure is a bold face lie. Don’t compare yourself with others, I know, easier said than done, we all have something unique to offer and the world needs to see it.”