Jess Soffian is a comic artist and illustrator based in Cary, NC. Jess graduated from VCU’s Communication Arts program in December 2023. Since then, she has been tabling at art markets and conventions in NC and the DMV area and working on further developing her comic skills and portfolio. When not working on comics or illustration, Jess is a part-time instructor at the Cary Arts Center and full-time owner of a rambunctious kitten. Jess is currently looking for work as an illustrator and comic artist. She works primarily digitally in Clip Studio Paint, and her main interests are in the sci-fi/fantasy genres, with a particular interest in folklore. View Jess' portfolio here: _Website not available. Sign in: https://www.twine.net/signup_

Jessica Soffian

Jess Soffian is a comic artist and illustrator based in Cary, NC. Jess graduated from VCU’s Communication Arts program in December 2023. Since then, she has been tabling at art markets and conventions in NC and the DMV area and working on further developing her comic skills and portfolio. When not working on comics or illustration, Jess is a part-time instructor at the Cary Arts Center and full-time owner of a rambunctious kitten. Jess is currently looking for work as an illustrator and comic artist. She works primarily digitally in Clip Studio Paint, and her main interests are in the sci-fi/fantasy genres, with a particular interest in folklore. View Jess' portfolio here: _Website not available. Sign in: https://www.twine.net/signup_

Available to hire

Jess Soffian is a comic artist and illustrator based in Cary, NC. Jess graduated from VCU’s Communication Arts program in December 2023. Since then, she has been tabling at art markets and conventions in NC and the DMV area and working on further developing her comic skills and portfolio. When not working on comics or illustration, Jess is a part-time instructor at the Cary Arts Center and full-time owner of a rambunctious kitten.

Jess is currently looking for work as an illustrator and comic artist. She works primarily digitally in Clip Studio Paint, and her main interests are in the sci-fi/fantasy genres, with a particular interest in folklore. View Jess’ portfolio here: Website not available. Sign in: https://www.twine.net/signup

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Work Experience

Teaching Artist at The Cary Arts Center, Town of Cary
January 1, 2025 - Present
Planned and taught summer camp, track-out and afterschool art classes for youth and teens (primarily ages 10-14). Subjects included drawing, painting, digital art, comics, and zine-making. Consulted on software and technology needs for digital arts classes. Managed classroom to ensure engagement and respect; adapted planned outlines to student interests and experience levels. Participated in basic inclusivity training for neurodiverse or special needs students.
Teaching Artist at The Visual Arts Center of Richmond
January 1, 2023 - January 1, 2025
Taught summer camp and afterschool art classes (comics, digital art, concept design, illustration) to youth aged 9-18, including some neurodiverse students. Proposed new classes and wrote class outlines; determined appropriate class size, age group, and materials requirements. Managed classroom and adapted outlines to student interests and experience levels.
Tabling Artist at Various Markets/Conventions
January 1, 2021 - Present
Sold original art at Artist Alleys and markets. Maintained stock, designed engaging table displays, and interacted directly with customers to improve sales and gauge future demand.
Sales Associate at The Spice and Tea Exchange of Richmond
January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024
Developed a high level of customer service. Maintained a friendly, welcoming attitude and provided detailed recommendations. Worked “tea-bar” brewing and serving beverages; performed related maintenance and sanitation tasks.
Editor at Jurgen Comics Contest, VCU Libraries
January 1, 2022 - January 1, 2023
Managed the 2022-23 Jurgen Banned Art Comics Contest; organized submissions by category; communicated with judges and applicants. Designed marketing materials; compiled winning entries into a final contest publication and designed the front page with theme information, artist bios, and editor’s note; prepared files for printing.
Assistant Editor-in-Chief at PWATEM Literary Magazine, VCU
January 1, 2021 - January 1, 2023
Organized and ran the student literature magazine via VCU’s Student Media Center with a small editorial team. Juried submissions, edited accepted works, contributed page illustrations, and planned final publications (one per semester).

Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communication Arts at Virginia Commonwealth University
August 21, 2023 - December 23, 2025

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Education, Media & Entertainment, Retail, Professional Services