Jessica Pettway
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I’m a New York-based photographer that uses humor to create fun and provocative images. I specialize in creating playful compositions and surreal environments that play with the boundaries of nature and explore our desire for the artificial.”
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
I took an interest in photography while in high school, and from there went to SVA for Photo & Video, did a couple internships, and assisted to figure out exactly which part of photography was for me.
How do you stand out in your field?
I think I stand out simply by being myself. I shoot my interests, hobbies, and the people and things that I connect with. I stand out just by offering my unique eye and perspective.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
Currently, I’m finishing up some images for Salty and making mock-ups for another fun project that I’m super stoked to share more on later this year.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
My style is playful, humorous, and surreal, with a bit of seduction and I think all of my work speaks to this.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
I love doing things with my hands so I have always been super interested in learning more about set-design and furniture design! Sometimes I take on projects where I focus solely on prop & set and it’s fun to have a moment to switch up my practice a little.
I also want to get back into digital sculpture and laser cutting and bring it back into my practice.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
Some housekeeping tasks keep falling to the bottom of my list, even though they are still pretty important:
I could use some help with organizing my props and fabrics in my house.
I’m bad at setting aside time to enter receipts for personal projects.
I need to back up more of my past projects on Dropbox & organize my archive a bit better.
I would love new business cards & newsletter designs.
Every single one of my jeans is too long and I need to get them hemmed or something.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
Always trust your instincts! Always go with your gut! Stop doubting yourself!
Do the math & don’t forget about receipts and taxes!
& I am currently still telling myself to tell impostor syndrome to fuck off.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
I really want to ask Rihanna how she manages to have her hand in every single pot (& everyone’s pockets) at all times! What is her creative process and how does she stay on-track! I’m super interested in her creative journey and how she went from being an artist that seemed to be on a certain track with her team telling her what to do, to where she is now fully directing a team to attain her vision.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
I love alignment and things that make sense! I love working with brands that have similar values as mine and are open to experimentation and taking risks! Also, I’m always down for a travel assignment ;)
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
Again, any travel assignment is an ideal assignment! I love shooting my interests, so anything that gets me working with astrology, food, nails, sneakers (hey Nike), cannabis, accessories, sex & sex toys is an ideal assignment.
WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE?
My rate depends on the scope of the project! I like to collect as much info as I can from the client so we can work together to allocate the budget accordingly and make the best images possible. Some things that affect my rate are if I have to do motion/gifs, if I will also be prop styling and prepping, how much retouching is needed, the turnaround time, and where the images will live.
WHO IS A CREATIVE THAT HAS HELPED YOU ELEVATE YOUR WORK?
Samantha Cabrera Friend! Partner in crime, travel, food & photo adventures!
samanthamariafriend@gmail.com
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
Shoot me an email! contact@jessicapettway.com
Let me know if you just want to chat, or if it is for a specific project/idea include as much info as you have on hand about the project and maybe throw in a meme for good measure?
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
TV, memes, hair videos on YouTube, reading, photo archives, good playlists, snacks, cartoons, journaling & scribbling
This member profile was originally published in February 2019.