Jess Gilliam is an artist and illustrator known for creating vibrant, playful characters and whimsical, nostalgic worlds. Her work invites viewers to pause, reconnect with their inner child, and rediscover the magic in life’s small, often overlooked moments. Favoring tactile mediums and a handmade aesthetic over polished digital styles, Jess brings warmth, texture, and personality to every project. Her artwork has been shown in galleries across Los Angeles. Her illustrations span print, merchandise, video, and digital media—with her animated GIFs garnering over 8 billion views on GIPHY.com. Jess has a background in Visual Communications from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising and over a decade of experience in creative direction, including leading brand and artist-driven production at GIPHY. Whether illustrating for editorial, campaigns, or character-driven content, Jess approaches every collaboration with a thoughtful, design-forward mindset and a deep belief in art’s power to spark connection, joy, and curiosity.

Jess Gilliam is an artist and illustrator known for creating vibrant, playful characters and whimsical, nostalgic worlds. Her work invites viewers to pause, reconnect with their inner child, and rediscover the magic in life’s small, often overlooked moments. Favoring tactile mediums and a handmade aesthetic over polished digital styles, Jess brings warmth, texture, and personality to every project. Her artwork has been shown in galleries across Los Angeles. Her illustrations span print, merchandise, video, and digital media—with her animated GIFs garnering over 8 billion views on GIPHY.com. Jess has a background in Visual Communications from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising and over a decade of experience in creative direction, including leading brand and artist-driven production at GIPHY. Whether illustrating for editorial, campaigns, or character-driven content, Jess approaches every collaboration with a thoughtful, design-forward mindset and a deep belief in art’s power to spark connection, joy, and curiosity.

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Jess Gilliam is an artist and illustrator known for creating vibrant, playful characters and whimsical, nostalgic worlds. Her work invites viewers to pause, reconnect with their inner child, and rediscover the magic in life’s small, often overlooked moments. Favoring tactile mediums and a handmade aesthetic over polished digital styles, Jess brings warmth, texture, and personality to every project. Her artwork has been shown in galleries across Los Angeles.

Her illustrations span print, merchandise, video, and digital media—with her animated GIFs garnering over 8 billion views on GIPHY.com. Jess has a background in Visual Communications from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising and over a decade of experience in creative direction, including leading brand and artist-driven production at GIPHY.

Whether illustrating for editorial, campaigns, or character-driven content, Jess approaches every collaboration with a thoughtful, design-forward mindset and a deep belief in art’s power to spark connection, joy, and curiosity.

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Media & Entertainment
    paper Salad Days of Skateboarding x There Will Be Coffee collab

    Illustrated this Peanuts inspired character for Salad Days of Skateboarding non profit coffee collab with coffee brand There Will Be Coffee.

    paper Kaleb & Ms Kelsey Short Video Series

    In a world where we need joy & bridging the communication gap between generations, this show is here to help be that bridge. We want to make learning as an adult fun again!