Meet Jan

As a licensed artist and designer, I’ve had the pleasure of seeing my artwork turn up in some pretty amazing places, from Target, Walmart, Kohl’s, Hallmark, Macy’s, Cracker Barrel and Lowe’s to thousands of gift and quilt shops across the country. I’ve designed bestselling fabric collections, illustrated an award-winning children’s book, and created everything from home décor to gifts that hopefully make people smile.

I call myself a creative chameleon because I rarely stay in one artistic lane for very long. Trends change, colors come and go, and what was yesterday’s hottest look might be tomorrow’s garage sale find! Keeping up with the ever-changing marketplace is part of the challenge, and part of the fun. I’ve learned that a successful creative career requires equal parts imagination, adaptability, business sense, and a willingness to try something new.

And that last part?

Well, I’ve taken that pretty seriously! I’ve jumped out of airplanes, gone hang-gliding, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, rappelling, explored caves, hiked 32 national parks, and spent two exciting fall seasons working in Yellowstone. Some people collect shoes. I collect adventures, and usually a few good stories along the way!

In the studio

My “Made in the Shade” studio is on the outskirts of Huntsville, Alabama, where ideas start as acrylic paint on Bristol board and finish in Photoshop, ready for fabric, packaging and product. Along with licensing, I help companies with product development and package design.

Whether I’m designing a new collection or heading down an unfamiliar trail, I believe the best ideas, and the best stories, often begin when you step outside your comfort zone. Life’s too short to stop learning, stop laughing, or stop wondering, “What’s around that next corner?”