My greatest intention in creating artwork is to tell stories — so I love working with small businesses, local artists, and entrepreneurs to help tell theirs. Here, you'll see a handful of illustration projects I've done over the last little while — ranging from watercolour illustrations of character-filled storefronts, to whimsical postcards, custom stickers, and botanical album art for an emerging artist.
As I move forward, I would love to explore the world of book cover design, packaging, booklets, editorial illustrations, tote bags, and custom prints — with a focus on creating for partners in the gardening world, for natural and/or sustainability-oriented small businesses, local cafes, shops, and restaurants, and more. No matter what the project is, my work will remain rooted in storytelling, connection, and sustainability. Do you have an idea for a project and want to explore the idea of working together? I would love to help you bring it to life.
May 28
Cheesecake, figs, and pinot noir.
Wine & Dessert Party
vintage market postcards
One of my favourite things about the spring is the abundance of markets: art and antiques sprawled along country side roads and city parks. As an ode to this seasonal serendipity, I designed these square postcards for Pure Boutique's vintage market with a storybook feel in mind.
DIY furniture painting kit
These "workshop in a box" kits are complete with all the materials you need to complete your furniture painting project. In designing the illustrated how-to booklets for the kit, my aim was to cultivate the same sense of community, connection & creativity felt during the boutique's in-person workshops.
portrait sticker
This custom portrait captures Lori & Paula — the ones breathing life & laughter into Pure Boutique — in the midst of smiling big and their hands full! The portrait can be spotted on stickers on top of their packages so nobody has to go too long without their welcoming "hello there's."
"the other side" cover art
I designed the cover art for this local musician's debut single, using black and white botanicals to highlight her song's message — with moonflowers symbolizing growing through darkness, and silver dollar eucalyptus representing resilience and quick growth. Now this artwork follows her song along!
local shop illustration
This custom print captures the beautiful storefront of The Painted Estate in Downtown Littleton. This sweet shop is rooted in hope; finding the potential in things others often overlook. This illustration commemorates their unique way of seeing the world, and all that has been created behind its doors.
watercolour storefront postcards
I designed these postcards to be slipped inside Pure Boutique's orders with a sweet hand-written note to channel the local shop's welcoming energy and warmth into their packages. If you sneak to the link below, you'll receive one of these postcards, printed on textured card stock, with a little note!
build-your-own birthday box
Make a wish! This "build-your-own" birthday gift box was created to make gift giving simple yet personal for your loved one's special day. To honour what makes them so special, you are able to completely customize the items inside their birthday box from a curated collection of hand-picked items!
teacher appreciation gift box
This "build-your-own" teacher appreciation box was created to celebrate all of the teachers that did the impossible this year. To commemorate an A+ school year and say "thank you," you can choose all the items inside your teacher gift box, from much-needed self-care products to note pads and stationery.
build-your-own father's day box
To wish dad a happy father's day, this "build your own" gift box was created to celebrate all that dad does. With father's day around the corner, you can choose from a curated collection of items from beard care products to apparel, beer glasses, "pap bear" mugs, and candles for a simple yet personal gift.
While I pour bits of myself into my art, writing has always felt like the opposite to me: it's restorative, and a release of sorts. I spend most of my days immersed in the illustration projects you see here, however, when I find myself with small windows of time to be idle, I love to sit down to write; making sense of what I'm seeing and thinking about all the while. Below, you'll find a collection of articles I've written for Canadian publications (among the likes of House & Home and Flare), and book reviews I've written as a part of a tiny project I began called "The Literary Journal." You're welcome to peruse through whichever writings catch your interest!
Do you have an illustration or writing project in mind that you'd like to potentially work on together? I would so love to hear from you! Fill out the contact form here or send me an email at jessieborsellino@gmail.com so we can have a non-obligation chat and brainstorm.
PS. it's most definitely not uncommon for people I work with to receive a little something in the mail.
