“If Tim Burton had a baby with Rainbow Brite, their love child would be you.”
Born July 17th, 1989 in Atlantic City New Jersey, Denver-based artist Jessica Rowell discovered her talent for the arts as an adolescent; unlike a majority of her peers Jessica struggled with what her parents and teachers had assumed to be a learning disability. What had seemed like a detriment in Jessica’s understanding in obtaining the proper names of ‘colors’ soon unveiled a camouflaged talent for the arts. Though a mere child, she revealed that the color red could not simply be called ‘red’ as this particular shade showed traces of purple, so rather it was red with a hint of this and that. Thus, the artist inside was born.
Emerging from a prominent background in traditional art, Jessica was first honored in 1995 at the tender age 6 with an “Honorable Mention” in the Primary Visual Arts category where her work was displayed in a public art collection at Dillard’s in Aurora, Colorado. Jessica’s adolescent artworks continued to garner attention and success as she subsequently achieved honors in 1996, 1997, 1999, and in 2000. Amidst her preliminary years as a student Jessica participated in several extracurricular activities including sewing club. Oblivious to the active role sewing would yield in the near future, Jessica’s passion for creating art strengthened as she sought out opportunities within the art field. Her first endeavor consisted of auditioning for animation classes at Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design (RMCAD) where she received a waiver to participate in a high-school entry level course. Jessica soon realized that animation was not the right route or environment for her, so she sketched independently. Her urge to create began to manifest into other art forms and outlets as she started to express herself through Fashion, Hair, and Makeup by embracing various alternative lifestyles.
In the fall of 2003, Jessica started studying Japanese as a second language in high school. Her Sensei, a Native of Japan, exposed her class to the language, traditions, customs, culture, theatrical art forms, and modern sub-cultures prominent in Japan. Jessica was enchanted and inspired; she developed a love for Japan and spent countless hours researching and studying their culture when she discovered the Japanese performance art known as “Cosplaying,” (Costume Role-playing). Although active in her traditional art, pursuing courses both within and outside of the school district, Jessica at age 14 found her true passion in costume design and debuted her first “Cosplay” costumes at a local Anime Convention in Colorado called Nan Desu Kan. Receiving a huge response for her first works, she quickly developed a name for herself within the cosplay circuit. Nearly less than a year later, clients were advertising Jessica’s costuming talents word-of-mouth, and after receiving multiple costume requests, Jessica formed her costume business: J-Chan’s Designs.
In 2005 and 2006, Jessica primarily focused on expanding her customer-base regionally and nationally, while working on her Advanced Placement Art portfolio, a fairy-themed costume collection. At the end of 2006, Jessica submitted her portfolio to a panel of judges, and she received a low 2 points out of possible 5, which was a huge disappointment for her but not diminishing to her spirit. In her graduating year, 2007, she decided to produce another portfolio. Re-establishing her roots in traditional art, she acquired a unique “lowbrow” style in her artwork and produced over 50 paintings during the span of her second Advanced Placement Art course except this time she obtained 4 out of 5 on the final works submitted.
Since graduating Jessica has worked exclusively behind the scenes as a designer and stylist with varying top alternative models, photographers, performers, and entertainers. She continues to define her objective: “To bring your vision to life in the process of translating an idea or concept into a tangible 3-dimensional item,” through her one-of-a-kind designs. Although Jessica expresses herself through “J-Chan’s Designs” she still considers her work ethic to be that of a painter. Some of the highlighted talent Jessica has worked with includes Nina Flowers (RuPaul’s Drag Race), Danni Daniels (Transsexual Porn Star), Lisa D’Amato (America’s Next Top Model), and Prince Poppycock (America’s Got Talent) to name a few. Her work has also appeared on Pit Boss Season 2 (Animal Planet) and RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 3 (VH1), and more recently in Escape the Fate’s “Gorgeous Nightmare” music video and in Pop Evil’s “Monster You Made” music video. Consistently active in her passions and pursuits, you will never know what to expect next from Jessica!
Jessica, your biography is incredible. I am curious, why do you think you initially scored low on your fairy-themed collection?
Simply put, I’m difficult to categorize! When it comes to my art, personal limitation in any capacity is unacceptable to me, I have an all or nothing attitude and my mentality is to “out-do” my last. My fairy-themed collection was an immense risk at the time; neither my instructor nor I knew how it would be received or if it was allowed. I was very stubborn (I still am). My High School did have a “Fashion Program” but the course was more like home economics, and at the end of the semester you would be able to make your own pair of pajama pants. Well…I had “already been there, done that,” so I never took the course. Instead I looked for other options. Within the AP (Advanced Placement) Art program there were few categories available to complete a portfolio under, and the closest category I could meld into was “sculpture.” Although the designs and headdresses were 3-dimensional, the pieces were judged against criteria as a sculpture- not as fashion. I think my low score was mostly due to that factor. My instructor also insisted that my pieces were photographed on a mannequin; because of this I lost my creative voice in expressing the strong artistic element in my collection that is presently seen in my work today. The pieces from my collection were later awarded and published several times; I also received my first magazine cover with my “Fall Fairy” piece which affirmed any doubt from my initial low score.
At the time do you think your disappointment drove you in a certain direction or towards a different goal?
No, I wasn’t really disappointed in myself and I never saw it as a failure. I felt shocked! I was confident in my hard work and also in the results that I had produced, the lack of recognition was a set-back but if anything it helped me motivate myself in showing my collection elsewhere in the light that I had originally intended. I definitely pushed myself to set up photo shoots with the limited resources that were accessible to me at the time, and I tried to compete in any fantasy/sci-fi themed costume competitions I could find. My focus in costuming continued- I didn’t do many “original” designs afterward. Cosplay was such a prominent part of my life at the time; a majority of my costumes from that point forward were all character-based.
Your interest in Japanese culture and Cosplay in particular is interesting. What interested you in it at that time?
This sprung from my courses in the Japanese language. I’ve loved anime since I was a child, but I never knew that it was “anime” until I took Japanese as a freshman in High School. I was completely oblivious. But, thankfully I met a couple interesting, obsessive “otaku” people that showed me the way! LOL…when I later discovered cosplay I was locked. A friend of mine introduced me to our local convention, Nan Desu Kan, and I knew that I had to attend. It was one of those gut-wrenching feelings, instinctive…something that you just have to act on! I crafted around 6 costumes for my friends and me with my amateur sewing abilities and a hot-glue gun (my savior!). The latter portion of my teenage years was dedicated solely to the art of cosplay, my incredibly supportive parents even pulled me out of school so I could fulfill my costuming obligations around the convention season! I think the originality, color, and idea of bringing something fictional to life amidst celebrating your love for the culture and craft with friends and other individuals really captivated me. It was a great niche!
You do so much. Makeup application, body painting, hair styling, wardrobe styling, and creative/art directing. How would you describe yourself and your work?
In person I’m the polar opposite of what is conveyed via my artistry. I’m quiet and reserved (I’ve been told I have a strong, regal presence)… I say very few things and I usually appear calm and collected on the surface. I tend to think that my body of work reveals all that’s hidden, and shows more of what’s on the inside…how I’m feeling and what I’m thinking. It’s loud and bold. I’ve recently described it as chaotic. I’m a huge fan of contrast in art, especially when it becomes symbolic- I try to use this in my work often. My art, at its base though, is just a form of release and the only way I know how to thoroughly express myself.
How do you go about conceptualizing your work?
It depends. I’m really vague…I’ll have an idea or vision set as a starting point, but the fruition of my thought isn’t complete until I’ve finished the piece. Sometimes, it goes completely wrong and becomes something entirely different than what I had in mind. Improvisational skills are essential! If I’m working with a muse or close collaborator we’ll discuss some options, but the results are usually completely unique to my aesthetic. When doing character work, I treat it as a tribute- I want to present my interpretation with as much accuracy as possible while honoring the source in a respectful manner.
Do you work at home or in a studio?
I work in a home studio, I have both a work-room and a show-room set up, and I love it! I strongly believe in the impact and influence of an artist’s space and I feel that your surroundings can affect the work you produce; I treat my space as if it’s an entity or a creation of its own. I think having a space within the home puts things at ease for me. A store-front might be interesting in the future, but I haven’t had any reason to make that transition especially with the lack of market or industry for my genre of work within Colorado.
What inspires you?
I’m heavily inspired by nature, it’s rejuvenating and needed. I’m unconventional in that I will rarely look at a fashion ad or a designer’s collection and become inspired or compelled to create. I admire the work of Tim Burton. My favorite designers are Eiko Ishioka, Coleen Atwood, and the late Alexander McQueen. I look to artists such as Yoshitaka Amano and Aya Kato, and I also have a love for Pablo Picasso and Frida Kahlo- their words and works always inspire me. Several other people who inspire me are from the past, deceased, or historical characters.
Are there any particular designers, stylists, painters or models you admire or you want to work with in the future?
Yes! Presently, the number one contender is Rick Genest (“Zombie Boy”) – I’m completely enamored and fascinated with his look and the contrast I’ve seen in his modeling work. I find his tatted skeletal appearance coupled with high-end, emotive couture really unique. I would love to style him! Another person I’m interested in working with is Yolandi Visser of Die Antwoord. At some point I would like to work with Mosh, and one photographer that I’d really like to collaborate with is Chad Michael Ward. The list goes on, but those are a few of my top-picks!
Your work is very painterly. Do you view the body as a blank canvas or does the concept dictate what you do?
Yes. My roots are planted in traditional art, and although my medium has evolved from paper to fabric I still function as a painter. I see the body both as a canvas and also as the character or subject matter of my painting. The only difference is that now I make my paintings a reality… instead of my art internalized on a canvas it’s documented and captured on camera.
I am very impressed with your use of colors, tones and shades. Do you pre visualize your work beforehand?
Thank you! Yes, I sometimes attempt to pre-visualize my color palette before I begin; however once I start shopping for fabrics and supplies I may see something as simple as a brooch or pendant that will serve as the inspiration for my color palette. The funny thing is…I rarely use the actual inspirational source in the final design. I love the idea of stacking colors within the same family and creating layers with the texture, pattern, and design. I borrow this from director Zhang Yimou who is responsible for the “House of Flying Daggers”, “Curse of the Golden Flower”, as well as the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics. Several scenes in his movies share colors within the same family, but create distinguished depth and emotion by varying textures and tones. It’s genius, and as an artist it challenges and allows me to tell a story through a different vessel.
How closely do you collaborate with the models and photographers you work with?
Closely…there are occasions where my participation is limited to a one-time meeting of artists, but I generally prefer collaborations with some substance and longevity. To me it is more than “working with names” I distance myself from the superficial nature and inclination of many working artists in this industry. For me it’s the biggest let down, regardless of their stature or talent. I take a direct, honest approach to my work and I like to grow and evolve in my art alongside collaborators with a similar disposition. I’ve known several of my collaborators for many years and some of them have become dear friends, the process is really special. For example, the first photographer to shoot my work in 2007 is the same photographer that I will be doing my first shoot of the New Year with!
Have you always been happy with the work you have collaborated on with others?
Not always. I think this has nothing to do with the images…at some point all my work eventually grows on me. I’ll look back at old photographs and think, wow…that wasn’t so bad! Yet, when I first looked at it I might have thought it was the most horrendous thing I’ve ever seen! I have an exacting eye, and I love to analyze, so I see a lot of flaws in my images. There are moments, when I feel like I’ve completely outdone myself also. I’ll look at the image, and just feel accomplished and proud! Either outcome helps me strive to better my art.
What is the best thing about what you do?
I would narrow it down to meeting extraordinary humans, and gaining first-hand experience. I’ve learned a lot, and have walked away with perspective and new friends.
When you are not working what do you do for fun?
I love camping and traveling. Museums and exhibitions are always of high interest, anything artistic. Late night dinner dates with friends or family and spontaneous outings! You can usually find me at all the drag shows too, I love drag queens!
How do you see yourself expanding your work in the future?
I’m not really sure. Right now I’m enjoying the now! I really hope to continue to work with high caliber artists and more celebrities. My ultimate goal is to find a way into the film industry, or even theater. I also like the idea of designing for Cirque du Soleil or Broadway.
Would you have any advice for a young artist who might want to follow in your footsteps?
My best advice is to be you. Criticism can hurt, but if you have to suffer at least you are suffering for being yourself not a second-rate version of someone else. At the end of the day you will have your integrity and self-respect. Do not compromise your art, ever. Whoever expects you to do so otherwise are not a supporter and definitely not a friend. If you want something, get it- work for it. Spend time researching, networking, and building resources. Learn from your disadvantages and discouragements, even when your time is at the utmost worst take it as an experience. Anyone who has a direct question for me, please do not hesitate to e-mail me with your questions (jchansdesigns@gmail.com) or you can ask via my tumblr (http://jchansdesigns.tumblr.com/).
Where can we find out more about you and keep updated on your work?
The best way to keep up with me is through my facebook fanpage: http://www.facebook.com/jchansdesigns. I’m consistently active on facebook. My website is always incredibly behind when it comes to updating, but it is a great source for information and a more comprehensive view of my work: http://jchansdesigns.com/.
PDF 
