A cute little house by Jen Kennedy

When we first began looking for artists, Jen Kennedy was one of the first to jump on the bandwagon.  Her fun, contemporary style and whimsical designs quickly caught our attention and we knew we had found a perfect match!

Her paintings were all bright and colorful, and the few photographs she submitted were very unique from others we had seen.  And, since many of Kennedy’s designs are consistent with each other, once you find a piece you absolutely love, it’s easy to find similar items that match… for your home, for your jewelry, or both!

We contacted Jen to give us a little info about herself.  Her response was not only a great insight into a creative artist’s life, but contained good advice for other artists as well.

Here’s what she had to say:

“I love color, art and designing.

I was fortunate to have grown up in a household with a very creative mother. She was always making unique things and it really fostered my creative side. I have enjoyed painting for many years. Like many artists, I have this inner burning fire that keeps me creating and painting things. Plus, it beats folding laundry! The main reason you sell your goods is so that you can make more and more and hopefully make a little money in the process.

I studied advertising and marketing in college and worked in advertising sales for 7 years. I started painting clothing in the evenings as a creative outlet. I’d buy white children’s clothing wholesale and dye them in my washing machine, and then paint different designs on them…such as snowmen, pumpkins etc.. This was a successful hobby and I sold them to local boutiques and online. It was, however, physically exhausting and labor intense. Not to mention I think it drove my husband crazy when he’d arrive home and find 25 little outfits hanging up in our dining room.  My husband has been so tolerant of my “projects” and jokes that eventually all my old hobbies end up in our craft cemetery in the basement storage room.

About five years ago, I discovered that a white canvas was like having a blank “page” where I could paint any design and bring any idea to life. I also loved colorful, modern, whimsical décor and found it hard to locate just the right piece of art for my home. I figured I’d paint it myself.

As an artist/crafter if you want to sell your items,  you cannot only be creative, but you must also understand how to market your goods. You have to be an excellent photographer of your items and be somewhat computer savvy.  Lucky for me, I had an advertising /marketing background.  I have sold my paintings in art galleries, online, and through interior design stores.

In an effort to raise my kids in a creative environment, as my parents raised me, I buy my kids small canvases and paints at the art store.  When I paint, I love to have my kids, alongside me, painting little masterpieces of their own.

I’d like to say I have a flashy art studio in a loft, but the truth is I am a suburban, minivan-driving Mom who paints in her kitchen when she has a free second. (Which isn’t many).  If the art looks good…it sells…when it’s not so good, it ends up in the craft cemetery.”

–  Jen Kennedy

We hope you enjoy Jen Kennedy’s work as much as we do!  Her home decor makes a bright and cheery addition to any room, and her pendant designs are our most popular jewelry so far.  Whether you want colorful and girly, or fall colors to match the season, you’ll find something to love in Jen Kennedy’s artwork.

“I really like your new artist Jen Kennedy. She has such a sassy comtemporary look.  Way to go.  I will be ordering more, I’m sure.”

- Nancy, IA

Jen Kennedy’s work can be found in her Etsy store online, and is also featured in galleries, including:

The Niche – 11th & Howard , Omaha, NE
Dundee Gallery – 50th & Underwood, Omaha, NE

She also has a new interior design website which we highly recommend you check out!  It showcases her work beautifully.

We highly recommend you check out Jen Kennedys interior design site

And, of course, you can find Jen Kennedy’s fantastic artwork on our Scrabble Pendants at the Bite Size Jewelry shop!

Crafty Plates pendant artwork by Jen Kennedy