Today we will be learning all about one of our wonderful Creative Designers Jess Slack! You may recognise Jess from the wonderfully creative Sizzix YouTube videos, from her TV appearances on Create & Craft, or from the Ellison Virtual Events. Keep on reading to learn more about Jess…
Name: Jess Slack
Job title: Creative Designer
What do you do?
I am creative designer for Sizzix and create projects and inspiring content on a daily basis to be showcased across our different social media platforms from Instagram to YouTube to Blogs as well as contributing to content for our catalogues and even hosting workshops and events with customers across the globe. I also contribute towards die designs and new product ideas throughout the year and often go onto TV to promote our new releases.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
I enjoy getting to be creative every day and get to experiment and play with new ideas and products all the time which means I am constantly developing. Every day is different at Sizzix, so you never get bored!
How did you get into crafting?
I have always had a love for art and crafts from a very young age and was really inspired by my mother’s creative flair and really followed in her footsteps as I grew up. After university, where I studied textile design, I went on to work in high schools within the art and design department, working with students to mentor them and progress their talents within a creative field which later led to teaching art, textiles, design technology and photography.
What is your favourite making type and why? Is there a make you’ve made that you’re really proud of?
Since my degree is in textile design, I have always enjoyed adding texture into projects and mixing medias to create really tactile, three-dimensional pieces. Since coming to Sizzix I have narrowed those mixed media techniques into my love of nature and florals and have helped to create many large florals instalments for tradeshows and events.
What is your favourite product from the Sizzix Product range and why?
I really love our floral dies and our crepe paper that work alongside each other to create realistic looking flowers that even a beginner can achieve with minimal effort.
What’s favourite current making trend?
I am really enjoying that people are embracing the trend of crafting your own flowers from paper or crepe paper so that they will last a lifetime as opposed to real flowers that despite being beautiful will die in a matter of weeks. Paper flowers can be used for home décor to wedding bouquets to cake decorations and really make a long-lasting statement.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
I take a lot of inspiration from nature as I love anything floral and often translate this into my projects. I also have a great love for travelling and have spent many years of my life travelling the world, seeing new places and experiencing new cultures so when I can use those experiences and that love of travel within the projects I create.
