For our latest limited-release kombucha, Just Peachy, we partnered with artist & designer Jordan Kay to create a vibrant and juicy label showcasing this delicious fruity flavor. We sat down with Jordan to learn a little more about her creative process!
I’m an illustrator based in Seattle, originally from the midwest. I like hiking, and I have two black cats Galaxy & Quozl, who like lounging on my lap while I’m working. I went full-time freelance last year and it’s been a wild ride! As far as my work goes, I love bright juicy color, noisy texture, maximalism and disco vibes.
I’ve been freelancing illustration for about 12 years, but for the better part of the last decade, it’s been a side-hustle. I was a senior designer in the Starbucks Creative Studio for a few years, which was a blast. It’s been amazing this year to pursue my dream of working for myself full-time. I’ve gotten to push my style further, as well as take on a variety of projects from packaging, to book illustration, to murals! I love new challenges and collaboration, and I feel very grateful that I’ve been able to get paid to make art.
I take inspiration from quite a few places. I love hiking and find lots of interesting thought-starters out in nature, from flowers to fungi and plants in general. I love the imperfections and organic quality of foliage in the wild. I also absolutely love all-things retro, especially from the 1970s. My partner spins boogie, funk and disco records at home, so the Studio54 mood feels like a big inspiration to me, specifically the glossy, sparkly quality of the fashion from those days.
Oh man, there are a few quotes that I’ve heard along the way which I find helpful.
“Everyone feels imposter syndrome at some point.”
“Kindness ≥ talent, in most cases. People like working with others who are friendly and uplifting.”
“Adults are just teenagers in older bodies; we don’t have everything figured out.”
I usually go for a walk, hang out with another creative friend or listen to music to get in the mood. Sometimes aimlessly sketching helps drum up ideas. I also really love looking at fashion shows–the shape, color and texture of garments are inspiring and I really like how volume is achieved (which I’ve been trying to infuse into more of my work.)
I do really like the way the Peachy label turned out! But I also made a piece of personal work, based on my favorite flower, anthurium. I love using a tight palette playing around with pastels and vibrant colors, and I really like how this one turned out.
Oo yes I love kombucha–typically spicy gingery things get me going!
I love using loose overlapping shapes and color, which lends a feeling of movement to a piece. I also love the imperfections that come out during the process of making and always enjoy a good napkin doodle, from anyone:)
Check out more of Jordan's work online or follow her on Instagram!
