Life & Work with Jessica Mullis

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Mullis.

Hi Jessica, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I have been a graphic artist for the last 20 years, but it wasn’t until 2017 under the influence of a broken heart, magical timing, (more on that in a second), and me stepping out of my comfort zone and into the incredible free art scene in Atlanta, GA., that my Moondrop art and persona were born. I started painting in the spring of 2017 to distract myself from my feelings at the time. Just like the advice offered from the late Carrie Fisher, I took my broken heart and made it into art. I also firmly believe I was in the perfect place to be receptive to a magical download of an idea. I relate it to what Elizabeth Gilbert describes in her book, “Big Magic”. In her chapter “How Ideas Work”, she calls the creative process “both magical and magic.” And that ideas are constantly floating around us, waiting for us to say yes. I happened to be in a place in life in that moment where I was, as she said, “open and relaxed enough to actually receive something”. I was given a set of used watercolor paints and brushes and decided my very first painting would be of the moon. After I found myself in a groove with these circular cosmos-inspired paintings, I decided to frame a set of 3 and set them outside in well-known places in my Cabbagetown neighborhood in Atlanta. The hope was for them to be picked up by fellow free art enthusiasts in the area. (If you’re unfamiliar with the free art scene, check out the hashtag #fafatl on Instagram to get a glimpse of the free art magic.) Since my free art “drops” were moons, the name “Moondrop” felt natural and most fitting. I started getting contacted for commissions, and from there, the moons led the way. I just had to listen, show up, and paint. Since then, I’ve moved to Ohio, I have built a website around my moon art, created and sold many moonscapes, and still follow their lead completely, (and of course, frequently drop free art). I’ve added resin to the mix and even dabbled in some light jewelry making. Last fall I packed up everything into storage and traveled for several months to take a break, get outside, rest, and be inspired, and am now returning to my art space to create again. Now that my travels have ended, I am settled in Cleveland and am excited to plug into the art scene here, meet new folx, as well as share the love of the free art that started it all.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I would say the road was paved with an average number of bumps that being an artist may bring up for someone. Learning new skills, not liking what you make, being afraid to share it, but one of the biggest hurdles was me getting out of my own way. And coming to believe, admit, and claim that I am an artist. Fine art and graphic art were clearly delineated at the college I attended, and I allowed that thinking to carry into my start as a painter. I still get struck with impostor syndrome from time to time, but try to be mindful and affirm often that I am indeed an artist. I think that’s what fuels my passion toward free art. Aside from it welcoming me so freely, I see it as a space where anyone can enter, both artist and receiver. It takes the fussiness out of the experience of art and makes it accessible. I believe anyone can jump in and be part of it.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As a professional, I’m a graphic artist for the CDC’s National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. I adore my “day job” as it feeds the part of my soul that needs the work I do to be meaningful. I’ve been a graphic artist for 20 years and have had such an amazingly diverse set of experiences. Ranging from an advertising agency in Florida, a small publishing house, freelancing in Atlanta with the most talented creative partner creating pitch decks for start-ups (among many other projects), to now serving the world at the CDC. I’m most proud of my work and growth both as a designer in my current role and what I call my “lunarverse” as an artist with my Moondrop art. I think an important lesson I’ve learned along the way is trusting in my intuition as an artist and a designer. Creativity is a conversation, with self, the story to be told, and the medium. And to be willing to flow and adapt is important. Working in a public health arena has allowed me to take a step back, relax, and see things outside myself, as the work is for the greater good. And as an artist, working with watercolor has taught me to slow down, go with the flow, and trust and enjoy the whole process, not just the end piece.

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Oh, so many things make me happy. Finding beauty in the small, everyday, and seemingly unnoticeable things. One of my most favorite quotes is by Roald Dahl which says, “And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it”. And as a nod to that quote, I am always finding four leaf clovers. I have an uncanny knack for it, and I’m always looking when I’m outside. I don’t ascribe meaning to them, they are just another reason and excuse for me to believe in everyday magic. My pets also make me so happy. They are pure love and joy. If I’m having a down day or moment, I can always look to them to be completely adorable and loving. Nature makes me happy. Being in it alone or with friends. It reminds me how small I am, how there’s something larger at work, and how much there is still to see and explore. The moon and the night sky make me happy. For reasons similar to my feelings for nature. My family and our sweet connections make me happy. To see how we all continue to grow and stay connected. My friends make me happy. The ones who have been with me for more than a decade, to the ones I keep picking up along the way. They remind me how important human connection is and teach and inspire me to see and think in new ways. The happy list goes on, but those stand out to me at this moment.

Contact Info:

• Website: moondropcollective.com
• Instagram: moondrop.collective

Image Credits
Gabe Aragon