Today we’d like to introduce you to Janessa Bork.
Hi Janessa, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
At a young age I was obsessed with making, crafting and painting things. I decided after high school that I wanted to study design and enrolled in Pacific Northwest College of Art in Portland, Ore. I graduated with a Bachelors in Fine Arts with a major in Illustration in 2011. For many years I did freelance projects as I honed in my skillset. Around 2016 I learned about the sign painting trade. I watched you tube videos and taught myself how to transfer and paint graphics and letters onto large scale walls and windows. After a few years of merging my studio practice with sign painting I got my first mural job! It was challenging and exciting. A few years later I had enough work to paint walls full time so I started an LLC. Vivi Design Co. in 2018 in Bend, Ore. I’ve been working full time as an illustrator and mural painter ever since!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I don’t think any artist has a smooth road. Its meant to be bumpy, verging off path, experiencing challenges, figuring out financial stability while working hard towards success and putting all of your time and energy into your practice inspires creative approaches making process, progress and dedication successful.
When I was younger, I would work in my studio most of the day, drawing, painting, designing for myself and for low paying clients while working a few un-paid internships, then I would work as a waitress in fine dining at night. After years of honing my skills and style I slowly exited the stability of working in restaurants and committed to being a full time professional artist. That’s when it all fell into place! Since being a business owner I have faced a few learning curves with contracts and clients, but every lesson just furthers my education and understanding of being an entrepreneur and professional artist.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a witch’s brew of illustration, traditional sign painting techniques and creative grit. Fueled by the outdoors and relentless pursuit of adventure, my work lives at the intersection of art and environment, where brush strokes become trail markers and color palettes echo the shifting seasons of the Pacific Northwest.
As a muralist and illustrator, I create visually engaging experiences that tell stories rooted in place. Whether on a towering multi-story building wall, digital poster rendering for print or a sketch book page, my recent projects reflect a deep connection to nature. Celebrating natural rhythms, wild landscapes and the native animals inhabiting the land surrounding us. Influenced by the raw poetry of the natural world, each brushstroke carries the memory of moss, mountain and moonlight. acting as a visual reminder of the natural worlds presence and power.
I hope that each piece I create invites viewers to slow down, reconnect and remember where we come from, influenced by the raw beauty of nature,
I specialize in illustrative design, murals and signs. I work with a vast group of commercial clients and business owners. I’ve branded cocktail bars and restaurants, designed murals and signage for multi-story apartment buildings, painted aged and distressed signage on textured walls, posters for action sports events, beer labels and merchandise designs for breweries and much more.
I’m most proud of my dedication to detailed illustration and vivid color. I’m obsessed with making a boring space beautiful and full of life.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
When I was in art school I read the book ‘The Creative Habit’ by Twyla Tharp. it forever changed my approach to what creativity means.
For design inspiration I’m constantly flipping through old natural science books, I have a large collection of Bird Photography books I inherited from my grandpa, hiking in the mountains and taking photos, growing flowers in my garden, studying astrology and watching the seasonal lighting shift in the sky.
When I’m designing on the computer I love to watch youtube videos from other artists, designers and sign painters. I also have a soft spot for skateboard and snowboard videos.
When I’m painting on a wall for hours I listen to audio books and podcasts about design and business or astrology!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.vividesignco.com
- Instagram: @vividesign_co
