Exploring Creativity and Adventure with Jess from Cars & Crayons
Meet Jess: a part-time writer, full-time creator, and the driving force behind Cars & Crayons. Her passion for vintage automobiles, adventure, and art fuels everything she does, turning nostalgia into tangible pieces of creativity. Through her work, Jess captures the magic of timeless cars, the roads they take us on, and the memories they evoke.
A Lifelong Journey in Art |
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Jess’s artistic journey began before she can even remember. Drawing and creating have always been second nature to her, and over time, she surrounded herself with like-minded individuals who introduced her to different techniques and mediums. While she appreciates digital art, her heart lies with traditional methods—paintbrush and pencil—because of the depth and texture they bring. As she puts it,
For Jess, art isn’t just about making something beautiful; it’s an immersive experience where she completely loses herself in the creative flow. |
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Jess painting and drawing as part of a collaboration with Casia
Cars & Crayons: More Than Just a Project
Cars & Crayons isn’t just a brand—it’s Jess’s way of sharing her love for vintage cars, handcrafted artistry, and adventure. Every piece she creates is infused with personal meaning, designed to be cherished for a lifetime.
“I love that people connect with my work, and when they purchase something, I want them to feel like they’re receiving something truly personal, something they can enjoy forever.”
As she navigates the challenges of being a maker—from design to execution—she embraces growth, constantly pushing herself outside of her comfort zone.
Fueling Creativity Beyond the Studio
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Even when she’s not working on art, creativity finds its way into Jess’s life. Photography, her first passion, still plays a significant role in her process, helping her document inspiration and preserve memories. When she’s not behind the camera or at her desk, she’s outdoors
Movement and fresh air help her reset and fuel new ideas. |
Jess adventures with her dog and her Andes |
The Intersection of Photography and Illustration
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Jess and her camera, wearing her Teca bag |
For Jess, photography and illustration are deeply connected. Every photo tells a story, and capturing moments through the lens often serves as inspiration for her artwork.
What once started as a personal passion has now become an essential tool in developing new ideas and exploring unexpected artistic directions. |
A Mindful Approach to Sustainability
Sustainability is an important value for Jess, influencing both her lifestyle and creative philosophy. She gravitates towards second-hand finds, appreciating the beauty of waiting for the right piece rather than indulging in impulse purchases.
“Most of what I own is second-hand, and I love the idea of waiting for the right piece to come to me rather than immediately buying something new.”
Reducing unnecessary consumption and supporting craftsmanship are key aspects of her approach. Looking ahead, she dreams of creating a space where people can share skills, grow food, and embrace a more resourceful way of living.
"Sustainability isn’t just about personal choices; it’s about building a community that values longevity, craftsmanship, and thoughtful living."
The Importance of Slow Fashion
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For Jess, slow fashion embodies timelessness and quality. She admires brands that prioritize craftsmanship over fleeting trends.
Her philosophy revolves around investing in fewer, well-made pieces that seamlessly fit into everyday life.
For her, slow fashion is all about intention. |
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Casia Bags: A Perfect Fit for Every Adventure
Among her favorite accessories, Jess swears by her Teca leather sling bag in black—a go-to piece for everyday life and travel alike.
“It goes with everything and fits everything! It’s my go-to for busy days when I’m constantly on the move, but it’s also been the perfect travel companion, coming with me across Holland, Sweden, and the UK.”
She also loves her Andes L backpack, which has stood the test of time and weather, proving that well-made pieces truly become part of one’s story.
“It’s been through all kinds of weather and still looks as good as the day I got it. That’s what I love about well-made pieces—they become part of your story.”
Jess with her favorite Casia pieces
Exciting Projects on the Horizon
This year, Jess is diving into exciting collaborations with independent brands, creating illustrations for various products—including some of Casia’s pieces.
“One of my favorite projects has been illustrating some of Casia’s beautiful products!”
She’s eager to see how her art continues to evolve and connect with people.
With new creative ventures on the horizon, one thing remains constant: her passion for storytelling through illustration, photography, and adventure.
Illustration by Jess, featuring Andes L backpack, Teca fanny-pack, and Rivera toiletry bag
Jess’s journey is a testament to the power of creativity, passion, and embracing the unexpected. Whether through Cars & Crayons, photography, or her dedication to sustainability, she reminds us that artistry is not just about what we create—it’s about the stories we tell and the memories we preserve along the way.
Follow Jess and explore her work at Cars & Crayons. For more timeless, handcrafted accessories, check out Casia’s collection.
All photographs displayed on this blog were captured by Jessica Jackson.
