JESSIE STARKE

Jessie joined the JS Creative team as a graphic designer in 2009, bringing an impressive arts portfolio and pedigree. She grew up under the influence of creative parents who made their living in photography and design, so she credits genetics for her early interest in art. A second-grade teacher sealed Jessie’s career destiny when she predicted that the eight-year-old would one day become a “famous artist.”

Jessie is proficient in a wide range of design programs, including Adobe Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator, as well as 3D animation programs such as Lightwave and Maya.

She graduated magna cum laude with honors from the University of Georgia after majoring in Graphic Design. While there, she was recognized with the Mary Rosenblatt Scholarship, a faculty-selected honor based on her academic achievements, moral character and student leadership. She did concentrated work in computer animation, a skill she hopes to further hone in the coming years.

Jessie spent a summer studying art in Cortona, Italy, the setting for “Under the Tuscan Sun.” Her time there coincided with Italy’s World Cup win, a memory made permanent by local fans who literally painted the town red by spraying wine into the celebrating crowd.

A native Atlantan who grew up in Virginia Highlands and graduated from Paideia School, Jessie still lives in-town. She spends her “off” time with friends she’s collected since childhood and new friends made through her various volunteer activities.