Jessica Bird is an award-winning Scottish artist and fashion illustrator based in London. She has a talent at capturing the pace of the people and objects she draws, ensuring everything is alive through her spontaneous, improvised strokes. Working with highly pigmented paint, brightly coloured chalk pastel and willow charcoal Jessica's intuitive hand is guided by her medium, the environment of her subjects and colour. A girl after our own heart!
What do you love most about your job?
The flexibility and the unpredictability - working with many different clients means no two days are the same. There’s always a new challenge or a new opportunity and that keeps me on my toes.
Where's your favourite hangout?
It may sound creepy but Abney Park Cemetery. It's right by my studio and it’s beautiful - super old and very peaceful, I love to wander through in the morning on my way to the studio, take a coffee and sit on a bench in the sun there...watch the birds haha.
What's top of your playlist right now?
Oh it’s super eclectic over here haha…I could be listening to a the Pride and Prejudice soundtrack in the morning, eminem by lunchtime followed by house music while I draw in the evening. Artists on repeat recently though have been Phoebe Bridgers, Johnny Flynn, Self Esteem, AC/DC…
What's your most loved piece in your wardrobe?
I have this red knit Roksanda dress which I wear ALL the time, it’s the perfect item of clothing - cosy and comfy but also looks great and most importantly makes me feel great too.
How many pairs of shoes do you own?
15-20? Including multiple pairs of converse, studio (and studio only) ugg boots and a pair of Bottega red heels. Another Eclectic mix…only about 4 pairs get worn on regular rotation.
What do your Rogues say about you?
Despite my best efforts to be practical, I, like a magpie, will always be seduced by pretty colourful things…esp with pom poms and bows!
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.