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Find out moreIn 2015, Forbes magazine included Jessica Walsh in the list of "30 creative designers of the future under 30." Having started working in web design at the age of 11, she interned with renowned designer Paul Scher at 21. At 25, Jessica became a partner at Stefan Sagmeister's studio, and at 32, she opened her own agency. Jessica Walsh continues to inspire the next generation of designers with her experience and creative approach to projects.
Jessica Walsh turns 36 on October 30th. She is a recognized artist whose work has received numerous awards. Exhibitions of her works have been held in prestigious museums in the USA, Germany, France, and Austria. Jessica Walsh's work is distinguished by a unique style and a deep conceptual foundation, making her one of the most prominent figures in contemporary art.
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- working with Print magazine;
- collaboration with Stefan Sagmeister;
- the "40 Dates" and "12 Types of Kindness" projects;
- the "Girls, Wine, and Design" community;
- the &Walsh studio.
Childhood and Youth
Born in 1986 in New York City to a family of entrepreneurs, Jessica Walsh showed an interest in drawing from an early age. Although her parents had nothing to do with the arts, they actively supported her creative interests. They regularly took her to performances and museums in New York, and also bought her paints, brushes, and art kits, which contributed to the development of her talent. Jessica grew up in an atmosphere conducive to creative expression, which later positively affected her career in design and art.
When Jessica was five years old, she and her sister decided to start their first business. They got creative: they collected rocks, decorated them with moss, wrapped them in plastic, and made brightly colored labels with the words "Magic Rock Moss." This original idea caught the attention of their classmates, and the girls began selling their creations for the money their friends usually spent on lunch. Soon, other parents found out about this unusual business, which led to a big scandal at school.
At school, Jessica showed an interest in programming and web design. At the age of 12, she created a learning website dedicated to HTML and CSS, where she posted her own free graphic templates for blogs. This resource quickly gained popularity, attracting about 15,000 visitors a day. Jessica also decided to try monetizing the site by placing Google ads, which brought her a good income.
I never imagined that I could make money from my creative hobby. I always assumed I would have to work a standard job in business or finance. That's why I decided to go to design school to turn my passion into a full-time career.
Jessica Walsh is a renowned designer, entrepreneur, and partner at &Walsh design studio. She has gained recognition for her innovative approaches to graphic design and branding. Walsh actively works in the field of art and design, creating unique visual solutions for various companies. Her work has been repeatedly recognized at international competitions, which confirms the high level of professionalism. Jessica is also known for her activities in the field of education, sharing her experience and knowledge with young professionals. Her influence on the design industry cannot be overstated, and she continues to inspire new designers with her creative approach and bold ideas.
Jessica Walsh attended the Rhode Island School of Design, where the emphasis was on painting, woodworking, and sculpture. For her, accustomed to working in a digital environment, this was a new challenge. However, the combination of classical artistic approaches and modern digital technologies had a significant impact on her development as a designer. This unique experience allowed Jessica to expand her horizons and create a unique style that blends traditional and contemporary elements.
During her freshman year, she interned at Apple, and after graduating, she was offered a position as a graphic designer. Despite the attractive living conditions in California and the high salary, Walsh chose New York. She believed that more interesting design challenges awaited her at the Pentagram design studio, where her idol Paul Scher worked. Therefore, she decided to take the internship at Pentagram, despite the significantly lower pay.
To pay rent, the aspiring designer had to work nights and weekends, as well as participate in freelance photography projects. It was a challenging period, but, according to her, it was an excellent opportunity for learning and growth. Scher noted that Walsh was an outstanding intern: "Jessica displayed incredible energy, determination, and skill – three key components necessary for success in design."
Print Magazine
There were no available positions at Pentagram, so after the internship ended, Paul Scher recommended Jessica Walsh for the position of Assistant Art Director at Print magazine. This recommendation was an important step in Jessica's career, opening up new opportunities in the world of design and graphics.
Jessica joined the magazine in 2008, just after the economic crisis. At that time, the publication was facing budget cuts for external photographers and illustrators. Walsh, with her skills in photography and illustration, decided to do as much of the work herself as possible. This allowed her to not only save resources, but also to incorporate a unique style and vision into the project.
At the magazine, Jessica was involved in developing concepts for covers and spreads, creating Visually engaging and informative content. Her work helped attract readers' attention and highlight the publication's uniqueness.
One of Walsh's significant works is the cover for the issue dedicated to young artists, titled "20 under 30." This cover focuses on emerging artists and demonstrates the author's creative approach. Walsh designed a neon sign with some of the text cut off, creating an interesting visual effect. She photographed this sign on black plexiglass, and the reflection complemented the missing fragments of the numbers. The cover has a modern and attractive appearance, but the backlit frame and visible cable adapters emphasize that this is not simply 3D graphics, but a physical object intentionally imitating digital aesthetics. This work exemplifies Walsh's unique style and her ability to combine traditional and contemporary techniques in art.
Walsh began her interest in photo illustrations while in art school, where she combined design and photography to create vibrant visual concepts. Jessica admits that she enjoyed coloring everything around her, and she often used paint, found objects, or even her hands as props. While working at the magazine, she developed her colorful and slightly surreal style, gradually gaining recognition in the industry.
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Working at Print proved to be a pivotal moment in my career, as it provided a unique opportunity to develop and strengthen my individual style. This experience became the foundation for my professional growth and allowed me to realize my creative ambitions.
Jessica Walsh is a renowned designer and art director working in the fields of graphic design and visual communications. Her work covers a wide range of projects, from branding to illustration. Jessica has become popular for her unique style and innovative approach to design. She actively uses modern technologies and trends, which allows her to create original and memorable works. During her career, Jessica has collaborated with many well-known brands, which has contributed to her recognition in the design community. Her work often explores the themes of visual perception and emotional connection with the audience, making it relevant and in-demand. Jessica Walsh continues to inspire the younger generation of designers with her creativity and professionalism.
Sagmeister & Walsh
Jessica has always had a passion for working in a magazine, but her true desire was to design in a studio, developing identities and brand strategies. In 2010, she sent her portfolio to renowned designer Stefan Sagmeister, hoping for constructive criticism and advice on starting her own agency. Sagmeister's studio was a model for her, inspiring her with its ability to create emotionally charged work. Stefan noticed Jessica's enthusiasm and approach to work. During the meeting, he offered her the opportunity to develop several projects for his studio, Sagmeister Inc. Although the meeting was not initially intended as an interview, Jessica came for advice, and Sagmeister had no plans to expand his team at the time. This incident highlights the importance of passion and creativity in a professional field, as they can open up new opportunities. Two years later, Walsh became a partner in the studio, which led to its name being changed to Sagmeister & Walsh. Sagmeister and Walsh made an unusual announcement about the renaming of their studio by publishing a provocative photo of the two of them naked in an office setting. The piece is a modern reimagining of a poster Sagmeister released in 1993 to celebrate the launch of his company, Sagmeister Inc. The new project highlights not only the designers' boldness, but also their desire to experiment in art and design.
The studio has collaborated with such famous brands as Levi's, Adobe, Aïshti, Jay-Z and Barneys. One of the most memorable projects for Jessica was work with the Aizone department store in the United Arab Emirates, which lasted for several years. The first advertising campaigns were black and white, with models wearing clothing featuring monochrome patterns and inspirational quotes. Over time, the design shifted to color, while maintaining the emphasis on contrasting contrasts. The images evoked psychedelic and avant-garde worlds, complemented by optical illusions, which created a unique atmosphere and attracted the attention of customers.
Walsh and Sagmeister collaborated on the rebranding of the Jewish Museum in New York. Their goal was to create a new identity that would harmoniously combine historical and modern elements. This approach allowed them to highlight the rich heritage of Jewish culture while introducing fresh ideas and contemporary design solutions, making the museum more appealing to a wider audience.
The designers explored the origins of the Star of David and applied the principles of sacred geometry, which posit that the universe was created according to a geometric plan. Inspired by diverse symbols and shapes, such as the flower of life and elements of the tetrahedron, they developed unique icons, typography, patterns, and illustrations. Blue was chosen as the primary color due to its significant significance in Jewish history. Thus, branding based on historical heritage has become modern and relevant, combining tradition with innovation.
Jessica has been involved in two significant Stefan Sagmeister projects exploring the themes of happiness and beauty. These projects explore profound aspects of the human experience, emphasizing the importance of inner well-being and aesthetic perception in life. Jessica's involvement in these initiatives demonstrates her commitment to exploring and reflecting on key issues surrounding happiness and beauty in contemporary society.
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Stefan Sagmeister: A Study of Beauty and Happiness
Stefan Sagmeister is an outstanding designer and creative person whose path has always been associated with the search for aesthetics and harmony. His work reflects a desire for beauty, making it unique in the world of art and design. Sagmeister explores the interplay of forms and colors, creating works that inspire and delight the eye.
In his practice, he focuses on how beauty can influence our perception of the world. His projects explore not only visual aspects but also emotional perception, making each of his pieces not only aesthetically appealing but also filled with deep meaning.
Stefan Sagmeister believes that the search for happiness and beauty is not only a personal journey, but also a common task for all of society. His works inspire us to seek harmony in the world around us and strive for better. Sagmeister continues to amaze the world with his innovative ideas, emphasizing the importance of aesthetics in our everyday lives.
In 2013, a joint exhibition of the designers entitled "Six Things: Sagmeister & Walsh" was held. By this time, Stefan Sagmeister had been researching the phenomenon of happiness for four years, which subsequently led to the creation of a film on this topic. The exhibition "Six Things" marked a significant milestone in his research. It featured six video works using quotes Sagmeister selected from his diary. These quotes reflect his attempts to answer the question: "Can you train your mind as well as your body?" Together with Jessica Walsh, they visualized these phrases using unexpected materials such as plants, balloons, and chicken eggs, and then captured the process of breaking down the words on video. This art project not only demonstrates a creative approach to exploring happiness but also highlights the importance of the interaction between art and psychology.
Following the release of "The Happy Film" in 2016, several exhibitions titled "The Happy Exhibitions" were held, with Walsh serving as art director. Stefan and Jessica sought to visualize the concept of happiness by creating an atmosphere that promoted joy and positive emotions among visitors. Their goal was to not only demonstrate what happiness looks like, but also to ensure that every guest left with a smile and a boost of positive energy.
The Russian translation of the film "Happy Film" was presented at the 24_DOC cinema.
The book "On Beauty," published in 2018 by Phaidon, explores the concept of beauty and its impact on everyday life. The authors, Sagmeister and Walsh, draw on historical arguments and Instagram survey results to demonstrate that beauty, lost in the 20th century due to an emphasis on functionality, actually plays a key role in our lives. Design should consider not only convenience but also aesthetic value, emphasizing the importance of harmony between form and function.
The book "On Beauty" was translated into Russian in 2019 by MIF Publishing House. This work offers an in-depth exploration of the concept of beauty, examining it from various perspectives and in the context of cultural and historical changes. The publication attracts readers seeking to understand how aesthetic norms influence society and individual perception.
The designers' reflections were continued in a series of exhibitions entitled "Beauty." The materials collected during the book's development were enriched with interactive installations and objects, creating a unique space for visual and emotional perception. These exhibitions represent a synthesis of theory and practice, allowing viewers to gain a deeper understanding of the concept of beauty in contemporary design.
"40 Days of Dating" and "12 Types of Kindness"
In 2013, designers Jessica Walsh and Tim Goodman launched a unique romantic experiment called "40 Days of Dating." This project became a real phenomenon, drawing attention to the issues of love, relationships, and social interactions. Jessica and Tim decided to spend 40 days dating different partners to explore the dynamics of dating and discover what is really important in romantic relationships. Their experiment became popular and inspired many people to reflect on their own relationships and how to improve them. «40 Days of Dating» remains a relevant example of how to explore love and relationships in the modern world.
Walsh and Goodman, facing completely opposite problems in their relationship, decided to conduct an experiment by dating for 40 days to find out if they could fall in love. Every day, the designers met and filled out questionnaires to document their emotions, and once a week they visited a couples therapist. As part of the project, they created a blog where they published diary entries about each date, and also supplemented them with videos and illustrations. This experiment became not only a means of self-discovery but also an interesting study of relationship dynamics, which may attract the attention of those interested in the psychology of love and relationships.
The project, distinguished by its attractive format and frank content, gained immense popularity, attracting more than 25 million visitors to its website. A year and a half after the experiment ended, a book was released describing life after 40 days. The publication features diary entries Jessica and Tim kept for a year after closing the blog. In addition, the book collects other people's dating stories and their reflections on love, making it even more valuable for readers interested in relationships.
In 2016, Walsh and Goodman presented a joint project called "12 Kinds of Kindness," which was dedicated to the development of empathy. This project aims to study the various aspects of kindness and its impact on interpersonal relationships and society as a whole. The main goal of the work is to raise awareness of the importance of empathy and inspire people to act kindly in everyday life.
The designers conducted an experiment, the purpose of which was to reveal human responsiveness and develop empathy. The project was based on the 12-step program used to treat addictions. Over the course of a year, participants practiced adapted "12 steps to combat selfishness and apathy." By engaging in acts of kindness and examining their self-centered habits, they sought to cultivate kindness and empathy. This experiment was an important step toward a more empathetic society and demonstrated how mindful actions can change the perceptions of others.
Jessica and Tim posted their stories on the project's website, along with animations, videos, letters, and photographs.
The experiment culminated in the creation of a "wall of kindness" around Trump Tower in New York City. This project was Jessica and Timothy's response to then-presidential candidate Donald Trump's proposal to build a wall on the Mexican border. The designers emphasized that "exclusion leads to discrimination, hatred, and even terrorism." Participants gathered together and held signs with letters that spelled out the words "Build Kindness, Not Walls." This event has become a symbol of the fight against hatred and a call for unity in society.
"Girls, Wine, and Design"
With each new achievement and recognition in the design world, Jessica Walsh faced a growing wave of criticism on social media. She was surprised that a significant portion of the dissatisfied commenters were women. Walsh believes this highlights one of the reasons why it is so difficult for women to reach leadership positions: a lack of support from each other. This phenomenon requires attention, as mutual support can be a key factor in increasing female leadership in the industry.
In 2015, Jessica Walsh launched the Ladies, Wine & Design project, which aims to support women in the design field. This professional community provides women with an opportunity to exchange ideas, experiences, and establish connections in the creative industry. Project participants can attend free masterclasses, meetups, and conferences. Initially, meetings were held in Walsh's apartment, but today the project covers more than 285 cities around the world, creating a platform for inspiration and collaboration among female designers.
Ladies, Wine & Design in Russia is represented in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Tomsk. The Moscow branch is actively developing an audio podcast, having released three seasons to date. The podcast covers topics related to design, art, and entrepreneurship, bringing attention to important issues in these fields.
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An interview with Katya Shashina, art director and curator of the Ladies, Wine & Design project in Moscow. In this interview, Katya shares her experiences in the design field and talks about the role of women in the creative industry. She discusses the importance of networking and support among female designers, and shares her views on current trends in art and design. Find out how the Ladies, Wine & Design project fosters creative initiatives and helps women find their place in the art world. The interview also addresses the challenges women face in the profession and how they can overcome these obstacles to build successful careers in design.
&Walsh
In 2019, Jessica Walsh founded her studio &Walsh, focused on branding and advertising design. Despite launching her own business, she continued to collaborate with Sagmeister. Under the Sagmeister & Walsh brand, they continue to implement exhibition and non-profit projects, combining creative approaches and unique ideas. Studio & Walsh strives to create innovative solutions that help brands stand out in the market and attract the attention of their target audience. Opening her own studio was the fulfillment of a long-held dream for Jessica and confirmation that women can successfully run creative agencies. This step not only demonstrates her professional skills but also inspires other women to believe in themselves and strive for achievements in the creative business. I have many privileges in this life. I am a white cisgender woman in a heteronormative relationship. My family was able to provide me with a quality education without leaving me in debt. I have built a career that brings me joy. I have been given the unique opportunity to work with talented creative individuals who inspire me to implement projects that present new challenges for me and contribute to my success. In the next phase of my career, I intend to use these privileges to give back to society and our wonderful community.
In her manifesto for the launch of Studio & Walsh, Jessica Walsh emphasizes the importance of creativity and innovation in design. She emphasizes that contemporary design should be not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional. Walsh believes in the power of collaboration and the exchange of ideas, which allows for the creation of unique solutions for clients. Her philosophy is that design should inspire and evoke emotion, reflecting the individuality of each project. Studio & Walsh strives to ensure that each new project is not just a job, but a true work of art that will resonate with the audience.
Studio & Walsh's signature style is based on a sleek, curvy ampersand. This typographic symbol emphasizes the studio's collaboration with clients, and does not simply indicate a separation from Sagmeister & Walsh. To create the studio's unique logo, more than 1,200 ampersand variations were developed, and a new design is created for each new project or employee: "The ampersand is one of the most expressive typographic symbols, and we constantly strive to rethink it."
One of the first significant works of the &Walsh studio was the creation of a corporate identity for the Egyptian street food restaurant Zooba, which opened in New York. This project became an important step in the development of the brand, emphasizing the uniqueness and authenticity of Egyptian cuisine, and also drew attention to the street food culture. The brand identity development included a logo, color palette, and design elements, making Zooba distinctive and memorable among other restaurants in the city.
For this project, Jessica traveled to Cairo to draw inspiration from geometric patterns, vibrant tiles, and wall murals. Walsh envisioned a memorable design and an alternative logo in Arabic script that would reflect the establishment's identity while connecting it with a New York audience. The team incorporated contemporary patterns and illustrations, and collaborated with an Egyptian calligrapher to develop a unique typeface. This approach allowed us to create an original visual design that emphasizes cultural ties and attracts customers' attention.
The studio actively develops identities for various companies and services, as well as for events, television series, and social networks. Our team creates unique visual solutions that help brands stand out and attract the attention of their target audience. We focus on modern trends and client needs, ensuring high quality and a creative approach in every project.
The Walsh team has a significant number of women. By opening her own studio, Jessica not only became part of the 0.1% of agencies founded by women, as she herself notes. She made the decision to implement equality principles at & Walsh, ensuring equal opportunities for all employees in training, creative development, and career advancement.
In 2020, Walsh created a unique set of emoji for designers. This sticker pack was designed to help design professionals express their emotions and moods in isolation, as well as add an element of joy and lighten the atmosphere during the pandemic.
Jessica has always felt a connection with surrealism, and as a child, her favorite book was Alice in Wonderland. Today, she is inspired by masters such as Salvador Dalí, René Magritte, and Max Ernst, as well as contemporary artists including James Turrell and Maurizio Cattelan. She acknowledges that her work has a surrealist element, but she most often chooses this style for self-expression.
A year and a half ago, Jessica suffered a serious illness that temporarily forced her to remain in bed. However, she now claims to have regained her health and is full of energy. Jessica continues to design and is actively working on projects. She also runs her studio's TikTok channel, where she shares behind-the-scenes insights into the life of the &Walsh team and answers questions from her followers.
A court has ruled to ban Meta Platforms Inc. from operating in Russia, which deals with the social media platforms Facebook and Instagram. This decision is based on accusations of extremist activity.
Also explore the topic of women in design.
- Zaha Hadid: avant-garde architecture and concrete spaceships
- Hella Jongerius: striking experiments with color and form
- Susan Kare: the legend of pixel art
- Gunta Stölzl: the first female master at the Bauhaus
- Women in global typography
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