COWGIRL Empowered: Sierra Jade

The perfect mix of urban and western, Sierra Jade has used the skills and talents she learned from her family, high school rodeo career, and online videos to find her home on the Denim & Velvet team.  Her inspiration stems from the world around her, from billboards on the side of the road to art, music, and her artist-filled family.  She enjoys and excels at helping small business owners bring their goals and visions to life, one design at a time. 

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?

I start my day by looking at where I left off on the last drawing from the day before and seeing what needs to be changed. Once I have a game plan on it, I start emailing customers and getting my inbox cleared out. When it is down to zero, I can focus on designing and not worrying about customers feeling in the dark or curious about the status of their project. Then I spend my day working as many logos or designs that I can. I usually have several open at once because it keeps more inspired that way. I have my music going and like to keep my office nice and clean so that I can stay focused. I have the only office that closes off from the others, so I don't get distracted. We are a pretty fun group that loves to chat and laugh, so I need my little cave to get everything done.

WHAT STRENGTHS DO YOU BRING TO THE COMPANY?

 My strength is drawing. I am an artist to the core, and I think that is what makes my job unique. I can help businesses get creative and brand themselves. Many people have great ideas but are unsure how to get them on to paper, and that is where I come into the rescue.

HOW DID YOU HONE YOUR SKILLS FOR YOUR POSITION?

Traveling, I get inspired when I go. Graphic design is everywhere from billboards, road signs, menus at a restaurant, and graffiti on buildings. When I am on the road, I see how others piece and place items together, and it gives me a new perspective on building my next logo.

TELL ME ABOUT WHERE YOU ARE FROM AND A LITTLE BACKGROUND OF YOUR FAMILY AND EXPERIENCE GROWING UP THAT HAVE SHAPED WHO YOU ARE TODAY:

I grew up with a super fun younger brother Braedon who is my built-in best friend. Braedon is a badass sculptor, and I get continually inspired by the art he creates. I am from a somewhat city that meets the country's background. I have lived in apartments in Austin to a cute little farmhouse in tiny Bluff Dale, TX. I was on the rodeo team in high school, and even though it wasn't something I pursued later in life, it taught me a lot of incredible values. I have a great mix of urban and western. The two have allowed me to see things uniquely but never be afraid to get in there and work hard. My mother is also a business owner. Seeing the hours that she puts in to be successful is inspiring. It makes me appreciate the piece that I play with other entrepreneurs when doing design work.

TELL ME ABOUT YOUR EDUCATION AND WHY YOU CHOSE THE CAREER PATH THAT YOU DID:

I don't have a formal education when it comes to art. However, I have an extremely talented family in all different mediums, and we all teach other new skills and techniques. I have learned all of the adobe computer programs via YouTube and Google; I am grateful for the free videos online. They allowed me to become an expert at each of the programs they offer.  School is not always necessary when you have the right drive and creative mind; you can genuinely take the skills you were blessed to create magic.

WHAT INSPIRES/MOTIVATES YOU?

Art and music, most people appreciate both, but I genuinely feel them. They can inspire me to create in so many ways. It doesn't have to be art in the traditional sense, either. It could be as simple as how two cars line up when parked next to each other and make a shadow or the way a lyric makes me feel in that moment. You can't manufacture inspiration happen. You have to let it find you.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A WOMAN/GIRL TRYING TO BREAK INTO THE INDUSTRY OR CAREER ADVICE IN GENERAL?

Be YOU. No one else can be you. When you are truly comfortable being yourself, no matter what career path you are chasing after, you will easily find success. You will have the confidence and drive to tackle anything that comes your way.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST OBSTACLE YOU HAVE OVERCOME?

It was deciding to let my art be my job. I had a very secure job in the finance portion of Real Estate, and when I applied for this position, it was from the push of great friends. I have always drawn and made art for family and friends, but to have it as my JOB was a scary change. I am very thankful that I leaped into it.

WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT, AND WHY?

Pursuing my dream career. Before working for Denim & Velvet Marketing + Design, I never thought I was talented enough to make a career from drawing. Thanks to some great friends for pushing me to apply for this position.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FUTURE CAREER GOALS?

I want to create art for significant musicians. Music is a massive inspiration for me, and to be able to listen to an album and draw what the music makes me feel would be a major win.

WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU?

I grew up on the ice; yes, even in Texas, we play hockey. And I have played on several leagues with my brother.

WHO ARE SOME OF THE PEOPLE THAT HAVE BEEN THE MOST SUPPORTIVE/ENCOURAGING THROUGHOUT YOUR LIFE, CAREER, ETC.?

My little brother Braedon, and my Papa. The two of them have always pushed me to be my best. Braedon shows me tough love and makes me better at what I do even when he tells me things that are not always easy to hear. I believe you still need someone in your corner that gives you the hard truth.

WHAT IMPACT DO YOU HOPE TO HAVE ON YOUR FOLLOWERS/COMMUNITY/READERS?

Just to inspire others. You can live out your dreams no matter where you come from. Your upbringing and status do not define you. The work ethic that you have is what will be the most significant driving factor.