Rising Stars: Meet Jen Crom

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jen Crom.

Hi Jen, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I have always enjoyed doodling, fonts, and painting. While working as a crew member at Trader Joe’s, I realized all the artwork, signage and shelf tags for every product was created within each store. I passed a test (writing a shelf tag in less than 8 minutes) and began working in the art room in November of 2013. What a learning experience! There was very little training and not much for guidelines. Working with other seasoned artists, I got paid to practice and learn for 7 years. I have taught online calligraphy classes and then branched into signage for businesses and events.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
For 7 years, every single thing I made was disposable, often having a life expectancy of about a month. OUCH! Not getting too attached to any one project is a challenge. My biggest goal is always to please my client. Whether it was my store captain, fellow crew member, parent of a student, bride, business owner, or mother of a graduate, learning what my client wants is the key to everything. There is no list of questions provided that will work for everyone or every situation. Listening is key. I have found that a quick starting sketch really helps get things rolling in the right direction.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I feel uniquely positioned to help a wide variety of clients. My training with Trader Joe’s allowed me to learn different fonts, but it also required me to work smart and use the proper tools for the job. I love being able to walk up to a business owner, listen to their idea for window signage and have it completed in about an hour (obviously, different requests can take less time, and some are longer)! Creating signage for special events is fun and all about the guest of honor. Again, working with shelf tags at Trader Joe’s was excellent practice for work like addressing envelopes, place cards, menus, and writing keepsakes. The rhythm of the smaller-scale work is soothing as well as rewarding. Finally, I understand due dates and estimating how much time a project will take. I am here to make your event as memorable as your journey to it. And business owners, let’s make you stand out with insta-worthy signage!

How do you define success?
I define success as a smiling client! I want raving fans (did anyone else have to read that book for an employer?!) and work to make each project bring a smile.

Pricing:

• Envelope addressing starts at $3.50/ea
• Chalkboard 18×24 starts at $45/side
• Chalkboard 24×36 starts at $60/side
• 5×7″ signs start at $10
• 8.5×11″ signs start at $15

Contact Info:

• Email: jen@jencrom.com
• Website: www.jencrom.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jencromstudios/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jencromstudios

Image Credits
@norwaypinephoto
@zoecromphoto