Meet Jessica of The West Bottoms

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica.

Hi Jessica, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up surrounded by creativity. My mom is an artist, and she introduced me to art at a very young age. Whether it was painting, drawing or just making things with our hands, creativity was a part of everyday life. I was raised in Southern California where the skate and surf culture had a huge influence on me. It still does. That blend of expression and laid-back style made a lasting impact on how I see the world and approach design.

I always knew I wanted to do something in the arts, but it wasn’t until my last few years of high school that I discovered graphic design and something just clicked. I realized this was the path that could let me do what I really wanted; design apparel, skate decks and all the stuff I grew up loving. From that point on, I was hooked.

In college, I fell in love with screen printing. That passion led me to my first job; a screen print shop in New Jersey where I eventually became the art director. I spent 14 years there gaining hands-on experience in both design and production. Everything from ink systems and separations to understanding how artwork translates to different garments and print methods. That time really shaped my approach to design. I wasn’t just making things look rad. I was making sure they worked for the medium they were going on.

While still working full-time, I started freelancing on the side for large apparel printers around the country. As that work grew, the opportunity came up to move to Kansas City, and I decided to take the leap, go full-time freelance, and launch my own business, Studio42.

Now I work with a wide range of clients, from high-end manufacturers and furniture fabricators to apparel brands, aviation companies and lots of local KC businesses. I specialize in brand design and apparel graphics, bringing not just creativity to the table, but years of experience in how design translates to the real world, especially in the screen print space.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Definitely not a smooth road, but I don’t think it’s supposed to be. The biggest challenge was taking the leap from full-time employment to running my own studio. Leaving a steady paycheck, benefits and structure to go out on my own was exciting, but also terrifying. There were a lot of late nights, a lot of second-guessing and a whole lot of learning as I went. Do I have no sick days or unlimited ones?

Another challenge has been finding that balance between creativity and business. I love design, but being your own boss also means being your own project manager, bookkeeper, marketing department, etc. That can be overwhelming at times, especially early on when you’re trying to do everything yourself.

And then there’s the education piece, particularly in the screen printing world. Not every designer understands the intricacies of designing for apparel and production, so I often find myself stepping in to help clients and even other printers, make sure their artwork is truly print-ready. It’s a niche skill set that I’ve spent years developing, but it can also mean extra legwork to make sure things are done right.

All that said, every challenge has made me stronger and more confident in what I do. The road’s been bumpy, but it’s led me to a place where I get to do what I love every day, and that makes it worth it.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in brand design and apparel graphics. This means creating visuals that capture the essence of a brand while making sure they stand out in the market. From custom typography to bold, one-of-a-kind illustrations, I work closely with clients to develop designs that speak to their identity and resonate with their audience. Whether it’s a classic, timeless look or something more modern and edgy, I focus on creating designs that are as unique as the brands I work with.

What I’m most proud of is the trust I’ve built with my clients. Many of them have been with me for years, and that speaks volumes about the relationships I’ve cultivated. I’m not just a designer to them; I’m a trusted partner who understands their vision and helps bring it to life. There’s nothing more satisfying than when a client comes to me with an idea, and I’m able to guide them through the process and deliver something that not only exceeds their expectations but also drives their business forward. That’s the real reward for me.

What sets me apart is my combination of creativity and technical knowledge. While many designers focus solely on the aesthetic, I understand the how: how designs translate to different mediums, how they’ll print, and how to make them production-ready. This comes from years of experience, which means I can offer my clients a level of expertise that ensures their designs not only look good but also work in the real world. What good is a t-shirt design if your customers don’t want to wear it out? I know the ins and outs of print processes, fabric choices, and file prep. This helps clients avoid common mistakes and save time and money along the way.

As for what I’m known for, I think it’s my ability to adapt to different styles and create work that’s versatile and tailored to each brand. I don’t stick to one style because I believe that every brand has its own identity, and my job is to bring that out in a way that feels true to them. Whether it’s a bold tattoo-inspired design or a more refined, minimal look, I’m known for creating designs that fit the brand, not the other way around. I also still use a mouse (yes, a mouse!) to draw custom letterforms, tweak type, and build illustrations. It’s old-school, but it works for me, and I think it speaks to the level of precision and care I bring to every project.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My advice would be to stay curious and keep learning. You don’t need to have it all figured out at once, just focus on getting better, staying consistent, and being open to growth. Every project will sharpen your skills, and over time, you’ll find your own rhythm and voice as a designer. Look for inspiration everywhere. It doesn’t just have to come from other design work. Pull from vintage signage, photography, music, fashion, nature—whatever speaks to you. The more you observe the world around you, the more unique and personal your work becomes.

Networking and building relationships is another key piece of advice. It’s not just about what you know, but who you know. The connections you make can open doors and help you learn from others in the industry. Don’t underestimate the value of mentorship and collaboration, both are crucial for growth.

And finally, if you’re working in design, especially with apparel or print, learn the technical side. Understand how things are produced, how colors behave and how to prep files correctly. That knowledge will make your work stronger and your collaborations smoother. It’s a skill set that will absolutely set you apart.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.studio42kc.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicarenna
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/studio42designco
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicarenna-studio42