Today we’d like to introduce you to Jill Weddall.
Hi Jill, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in a suburb of Minneapolis in the 70s and 80s. I had artistic talent which my parents nurtured throughout my childhood. I was always drawing and painting and was never short on art supplies. I also had a great teacher who helped me develop artistically and encouraged me to show my art, which was anxiety-inducing to say the least. He gave me the courage to stand out and be proud of what I could do.
I attended college in Chicago as an art major. The program expanded my art education, and I thoroughly enjoyed what I learned there. However, at that time in history, I wasn’t seeing a lot of potential for work as an artist. I absolutely believe today it is much easier to make a living creating art. It doesn’t need to be “just a hobby”. But because we were on the cusp of the internet days the only real way to be an “artist” was to get an agent and show in galleries, which felt limiting to me. Ultimately I decided to get a degree in graphic design. I could use my art skills and make a good living. So I returned to Minneapolis the continue my education in Graphic Design. I absolutely loved the medium and couldn’t wait to start my career.
After finishing my formal education. I was employed in creative agencies, publication, and corporate environments. I worked my way up to Art Director level and was given opportunities to grow professionally and creatively. However, management was reorganized at the company where I worked, and I discovered this growth opportunity was not encouraged under the new Creative Director. At this time I also learned that my male counterpart, who was at my level as an Art Director was earning significantly more than me. I was learning firsthand that men seemed to be valued more in the workplace. As a result, I felt devalued and stuck. Knowing I needed to find ways to empower myself as a female creative, I began making plans to start my own freelance business. I couldn’t wait for a new opportunity to come along. I had to create one.
I started my business, Moxie Create, Inc. in 2005. Although there were many challenges, I thoroughly enjoyed working for myself, making important decisions for the growth of my business, and choosing the clients and design work that aligned with my values and empowered me as a female creative person.
I learned that being an entrepreneur is a mindset that feeds more entrepreneurial ideas. It’s an interesting thing. As a younger person, I never really imagined that I would own a business that I could make thrive. But having accomplished this, I started thinking of new business ideas I could do in tandem with my graphic design business. After launching a few creative business ideas using Etsy and Shopify, I put those aside and ultimately decided what I wanted to do was paint again. I hadn’t done so since college and truly missed it. So alongside my graphic design business, Moxie Create, I started a fine art business selling my original paintings and prints. I have an online shop (JillWeddallFineArt.com) as well as a booth at several summer art fairs in Minneapolis. I feel truly blessed that I have been able to create these two successful businesses adding value to companies by helping them grow through my Moxie Create design services, and adding joy to individuals who buy and display my artwork.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Some of the biggest struggles for me were that I didn’t have a team. If I had technical issues I couldn’t just call the IT department. I had to figure it out or pay to have someone else fix it. I had to spend wisely since I didn’t technically have a “budget” for anything. It all came out of my bottom line, which also included continuing education. Technology changes quickly and if you don’t keep up, you are left behind. I also learned that much of the time I spent working on my business was not billable time.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
One of the things that I feel sets me apart as a graphic designer is my artistic abilities. Not everyone going into this field can create original illustrations nor do they know design nuances. As a lifetime artist, this is something that comes naturally for me.
Any big plans?
I would like to continue to grow my client base for my design business for the next ten years alongside my painting business. Ultimately, I would like to travel and focus more on my painting business and have that carry me through retirement.
Contact Info:
- Email: jweddall@moxiecreate.com
- Website: moxiecreate.com | jillweddallfineart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillweddall/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JillWeddallFineArt
Image Credits
Forte Real Estate Partners
CMA/SIMA Halzelden
Betty Ford
Margie Photo
