ABOUT JEN BISHOP
My work is a pendulum existing between structure and spontaneity. From my formal architectural training to the textures of mosaic and clay... I explore layers of moments, presence, and transformations across mediums.
Beyond the studio, I work full-time as a user experience designer, balancing human and digital stories. You’ll also likely find me at the gym strength training or unwinding with a favorite episode of Star Trek.
TLDR JOURNEY
My creative journey began with the magic of watching my dad draw. From architecture school, to discovering painting to launching Architette Studios, I navigated multiple career changes.
I currently work full-time as a user experience designer in finance and healthcare. As a way to decompress from the demands of the field, I’ve found myself rediscovering my roots in art. The journey taught me that nothing is final and continual growth and development of skills is what makes us deep, curious, successful and multi-dimensional people. ☀️
MY DESIGN JOURNEY
1981 - 2000
My love for drawing and art began with the magic of seeing my dad draw. His ideas came to life on paper and I wanted to learn. I skipped right over children’s books at the library with my mom, and straight into adult-level art and design books. 🚀
2001 - 2007
I left for college, feeling comfortable with my artistic abilities. I completed my first painting in 2004. During downtime while studying architecture school at Pratt Institute, I’d paint.
I began to receive commissions and invitations to exhibit in small gallery shows. I coded my first portfolio website in 2005 to help my audience reach. 👩🏻💻
2008 - 2013
After graduating, I found the need to sell my art while practicing architecture to make any semblance of a living in New York City. 😅 This caused a shift from abstract paintings to blending architecture and urban design into detailed illustrations.
I launched Architette Studios in 2009 - a moniker I had come up with for myself as a blend of being both female and an architect. I successfully freelanced for over a decade in illustration and design.
Most commissions came from the USA, Europe and Australia. I was featured in interviews and articles both online and in print. The City Skyline Series and Construction Series were so successful that by 2011, I was able to leave the field of architecture and pursue art and illustration full time.
2014 - 2020
To learn more about marketing and brand development, I made a successful career shift into graphic design in 2014. I learned the industry from those who lived and breathed finance, technology and marketing. My portfolio was very diversified by now.
I experienced tumultuous times beginning in 2018. The passing of my continuously supportive Great Aunt Laverne, some earth-shifting personal moves, the pandemic and yet another desire to shift my career. I felt uprooted, tired and uninspired. I closed Architette Studios to reconnect with myself, family and what I really wanted. ❤️
2021 - 2025
I felt my years of graphic design and illustration lent itself well to digital storytelling and it wasn’t long until I discovered the world of User Experience Design (UX) where I could challenge myself and bring all the disciplines I had learned, together into a rewarding apex career.
In 2021 I immersed myself into the industry of finance and healthcare as a UX designer. The stakes are high and the work is intense but am feeling more alive and thriving than ever. 🔥
TODAY
I experienced more tumultuous times with the sudden passing of my dad just before the holidays in 2024. Colleagues, family and friends have been extremely supportive. As a way to decompress, I’ve found myself finding solace and reflection in art, hiking and travel. In many ways, it's wholesome to come back full circle.
The only constant is change... nothing is final and continual growth and development of skills is what makes us deep, curious, successful and multi-dimensional people. ☀️
Thanks for reading! Now to write a TLDR for those who didn’t make it reading this far. 😉