Nothing good comes with redundancy. But for Jane Jensen, luckily, she’s found a way to bounce back in her career by committing to her love of art full-time.
The Aberdeen illustrator runs her own business called Purplejain.
From Highland cows to otters and majestic stags, Jane’s love of what she affectionately calls her “Scottish beasties” is at the forefront of her eye-catching artwork and gift items such as cards, notebooks and neck warmers.
A former Gray’s School of Art student, becoming a full-time artist has been one of Jane’s longest-held ambitions.
Now that she’s gone out and done it, she couldn’t be happier.
“Being made redundant earlier this year was heartbreaking, to be honest,” says Jane.
“But I’m a believer that everything happens for a reason.
“So many friends and family encouraged me to look at the potential of where I could go with my artwork.
“As much as it’s terrifying, it’s also unbelievably exciting!”
Drawn to drawing
Jane’s affinity for putting pen to paper came about from a young age.
She recalls a funny story from her childhood of her dad finding a detailed portrait of a horse that Jane had drawn, which he refused to believe.
“Apparently, being my stubborn little 10-year-old self, I ripped it up in front of him and drew it again to prove to him that I had done it,” she laughs.
“He was so amazed that I’d been able to do it!”
From then on, there were certainly no doubts of Jane’s illustrating abilities.
Studying graphic design at Gray’s School of Art, Jane was later inspired by surrealists like Salvador Dali as well as the graphic realism of MC Escher (Maurits Cornelis Escher) in her own work.
However, it was more than 20 years later, after a career in retail, the birth of her two children and a further job at Albyn School, that Jane finally reconnected with her love for art.
Since then, she hasn’t looked back.
‘Confidence boost’
“I’d say during the last seven years I’ve been getting more into my artwork again,” Jane says.
“I needed to do something which would stimulate me and make me feel good about myself.
“It all started with the drawing of a lily that my friend brought me.
“I thought ‘will I?’ Eventually, I couldn’t resist.
“Then I posted it up onto my Facebook and the number of responses from that one drawing really helped me build back up my self-esteem.”
Having been made redundant this year, Jane has spent this summer turning her business from her part-time pursuit into her full-time career.
It’s a position she didn’t think she’d be able to be in. But with events and exhibitions already coming thick and fast, her boldness has certainly paid off.
Prints with personality
“It’s a combination of exhibiting work in art galleries to having local independent stockists as well as events that I cover with my work,” Jane explains.
“I have art giclée prints, tea towels, cards, posters, framed pieces of artwork and many more pieces of my work that people can buy.
“Artwork can be very much a luxury, especially at the moment, but everyone should have something that’s bright and colourful in their house.
“I like to have work which is practical and useful and it’s an ever-evolving collection.”
Her creative illustrations of ‘Scottish beasties’ have won the hearts of many customers across the north-east.
“I’m no good at drawing humans!” she laughs, but one thing she’s certainly good at is her old-school approach to drawing and customer interaction.
“I draw in biro pen – that’s my weapon of choice,” says Jane.
“My skills are definitely through using paper and pen, which I guess is old school, but it’s a traditional skill and it makes my work unique.
“It’s also great to be out there and interacting with people in person – I love to chat.
“Some people have come up to me and said ‘you’re Purplejain, I follow you on Instagram!’ which is so lovely!”
Supportive creative community
As well as her own artistic talents, Jane adds that the support of friends and family, as well as those involved in Aberdeen’s creative community, have given her the confidence to go out and fulfil her dream.
She plans to seek advice from Business Gateway to become more “business savvy” as well as gain new TikTok skills from her 12-year-old son to further expand her online reach.
But at the heart of the operation is Jane’s vibrant personality, and it’s this that will no doubt carry her onto future success in her new career.
“We’re really lucky to have such a strong creative network here in Aberdeen,” Jane enthuses.
“There are so many amazing creative people here and everyone is just so kind, supportive and encouraging.
“All I’ve ever wanted to do was draw, and this is now me fulfilling my dream.”
Conversation