Behind every intricate illustration is a story that goes beyond what we see on the page. There are years of practice, creative blocks, competing responsibilities, and the determination to keep going even when success doesn't come overnight.

For Jillian Nichole Anderson, art has been part of her life since childhood. Originally from the Pacific Northwest and now based in Baltimore, Maryland, she has always been the kid carrying a bag full of art supplies, coloring books, notebooks, and “OH SO MUCH PAPER” wherever she went. But while creating art came naturally to her, turning that lifelong passion into a profession took time.

Today, Jillian is an illustrator and surface pattern designer whose intricate, whimsical work draws inspiration from nature, folklore, fairytales, and mythology. Her art is filled with the magic she sees in the world around her, but the journey behind it is grounded in something far less fantastical: learning to navigate the realities of a creative career, finding ways to make art work alongside motherhood, and continuing to put herself and her work out there even when the path forward isn't always easy.

Jillian is candid about what it takes to build a life around art. She speaks openly about creative blocks, the importance of giving herself room to make imperfect first drafts, and why persistence has mattered more to her journey than overnight success. With the encouragement of her husband and a deep-rooted need to create, she continues to pursue the work she loves while finding new opportunities to bring her illustrations into the world of publishing.

In this conversation, Jillian shares the less visible side of her creative journey: the challenges, the adjustments, the people who believe in her, and the determination it takes to keep showing up as an artist. Because while the finished artwork may be what catches our eye, there's a whole other story behind every piece.

Meet Jillian Nichole Anderson

1. Is there one moment you realized you were (or wanted to be) an artist? Describe that moment.

I think, like many others before me, that I always wanted to be an artist. It was innate in my being from the time I was very small. I was the kid who was carting around a huge bag of art supplies and coloring books and notebooks and paper – OH SO MUCH PAPER – everywhere I went. I never really thought it would be something I could do professionally, though, until only a few short years ago. I am literally living the dream!

2. What has driven you to be an artist?

The very fact that I live, breathe, and would literally eat art if I could has driven me to be an artist. It’s in my soul, it’s in my blood. I MUST make art or else I will languish! Not to be dramatic or anything.

3. What is your favorite medium to work with?

I primarily work digitally on Procreate, however, I do love a water-based media. When I was a young mother with a very small, very curious little person running around, I realized how difficult it was to find the time to paint. Or really, it was difficult to find the time to set out and then clean up all the painting supplies to keep tiny hands out of things. Working digitally became a sort of necessity for me, and I’m just so comfortable with it now that it’s my preferred medium.

4. What are you currently working on or excited about?

I have had the absolute pleasure of being able to work on a few special edition books - both doing cover design as well as custom sprayed edge design. This marries my love of art with my obsession with books and reading, and it is the most fun thing I’ve been able to do! I want to do so many more projects in publishing.

5. How do you get through a creative block?

Sometimes, I think creative block is your body’s way of telling you to take a breather. So sometimes, I do not force myself through a creative block. However, sometimes you have a deadline to meet, am I right? In that case, I try to give myself grace with my design and let it be a first draft that doesn’t go anywhere. I think having the space to sort of work out the kinks is a nice, low pressure way to slowly recover from a creative block.

6. Is there one person in your life that particularly inspired or encouraged you as an artist?

Oh, definitely. My husband Kaleb has been extremely supportive and encouraging to me as an artist. He’s such a rational, logical, down-to-earth thinker that it means a LOT when he tells me he really thinks I can “make it.” It’s not some head-in-the-clouds dreamer (like me!) saying it, it’s someone who would definitely tell me not to quit my day job if he really thought it wasn’t a viable option for me. He’s been amazing. Don’t we just love a supportive partner?

7. What’s one piece of advice that’s shaped your creative journey? Is there one piece of advice you’d give to new or aspiring artists?

I think my advice for new artists is to be tenacious. For me, nothing has really come easily. I was not innately talented, I was not an overnight success, I have never gone viral, etc. BUT! I am absolutely the most stubborn woman on the planet and I will be here, creating artwork and pitching long after the others have given up. Tenacity over talent, babes. It wins out every time.

8. What are 5 things currently inspiring you? (e.g., music, books, artists, places, objects)

I am ALWAYS inspired by books. I am an avid reader and love fantasy. I also get really stuck on Celtic music - it is deeply inspirational for me and my love of folklore and whimsy.

9. Where is the best place to view your art?

The best place to view my art is probably Instagram! @jillian.nichole.illustration I post almost everything I create over there, so it’s a real look into my creative process.