—Jessie CROSS

Hello! I’m Jessie Cross, a graphic designer and illustrator from Nampa, Idaho. I am soon to graduate with a BFA in Graphic Design, and a minor in Art History. I specialize in package design, pattern design, and
book illustration.

As a designer, I aim to add a human touch to everything I create. In such a digital world, it’s important to remember to design for real people, and by real people. I believe creating graphics by hand is a valuable way of infusing the joy of creating into the products people love. Whether it be by using watercolor or traditional pen and ink in my illustrations, or playing with wonky hand lettering, I strive to bring a sense of whimsy into everyday design.

When I’m not in front of a computer or a sketchbook, I can often be found reading a library book with a cup of tea in hand, or watching
sci-fi movies.


SUCH BEAUTIFUL THINGS

Femininity in graphic design is not respected. From being brushed off as childish or frivolous, to being ignored altogether for the sake of an ideal male audience, the devaluation of designs that are made with women in mind is a major issue. I explored multiple studies and surveyed dozens of female designers to learn more about the history of feminine design, why it gained the negative connotations it has today, and what can be done to restore feminine design as being a viable, and valuable style of design. I compiled this research into a hand-painted book with original watercolor illustrations, aiming to show how wonderful feminine design can be.