Meet Rebecca J. Jones | Animation, Illustration, and Fine Art

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rebecca J. Jones and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rebecca J., what role has risk played in your life or career?
Taking chances and going into things without any knowledge of how to do them is part of the fun for me. There have been plenty of times I have told someone “Sure! I can absolutely do that!” and then once I sit down to do it, I think to myself “Shoot! How the heck am I gonna do this?!” I learn by doing and collaborating with others. And as long as you know making mistakes along the way is part of the learning process, you’ll be ok. It is risky to put all you have into something new and to put yourself out there in areas that are outside your comfort zone. For me, dreaming big and taking chances not only launched my animation company but also opened the doors to my illustrations and fine art.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is more about a relationship than just something pretty. It’s a bond between you and it. A conversation. My art tells stories. Stories about inclusivity, empathy, and sharing positive moments. As someone who has spent most of her life in animation, I have always loved telling a good story. I gravitate towards simple moments that are impactful and I am a sucker for the happy ones… the ones that make me smile.

My Illustration/Fine Arts started with the need to start doing something for myself. Something I enjoy. I pulled out my paper and drawing pencils and drew something. My mind started dreaming. “What if?” I wondered what would happen if I entered it in a show. Would it get in?

So… I entered my drawing in a show without really looking at the fine print (that stated first place wins a solo show at the beautiful Lewisville Grand Theatre’s Main Art Gallery in Lewisville, TX). Eh… I wasn’t gonna win first place. But I did! Ooops! I had 10 months to produce at least 30 pieces of art on top of my animation business and carting my two kids to all of their activities. I’m not afraid of rolling my sleeves up and working hard. I completed the task, producing at least 1 piece of artwork every 2 weeks, and had my first solo show in June 2023. This experience has made me stronger as an artist physically, and mentally. It has catapulted me into Illustration and Fine Arts in a way I never knew was possible. In the short 3 years, I have kept up the momentum elevating my skill level and being fearless to enter my work gaining awards and recognition locally and nationally including Creative Quarterly, The Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles, and The American Artist Professional League to name a few.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I moved to the DFW area in 2016 from North Carolina. So my take on this might be a little touristy! lol! The first place I take all of my out-of-state guests is to the Fort Worth Stock Yards to see the Longhorns walk through the streets. Let’s grab some lunch at Joe T Garcia’s! From there you should see the 30′ Giant Eyeball in Dallas! Let’s catch a game at either AT&T, Globe Life or the American Airlines center. For eats and drinks, I’ll stay a little closer to home and go to Marty B’s in Bartonville, TX, or Prairie House in Lewisville, TX. While we are over in that area, Let’s check out the art scene at the Lewisville Grand Theatre Art Gallery or listen to some live music in the square. We’ll stop in at BENDT Distilling Co. in Lewisville, TX for a nightcap.

But if it’s Christmas time, we need to include a trip to the Gaylord and some shopping on Main Street in Grapevine! (And of course, check out the art at R. Town Gallery while you are there!)

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My family has always been my biggest motivator pushing me, supporting me, and guiding me along – no matter how crazy my dreams are.

With animation, my work partners and I have been together for several decades, and the degree of trust, imagination, and collaboration is unmatched. We have survived by word of mouth for 25 years. I am so grateful to have worked with people in a variety of industries who have become friends. It’s fun to hear their voices say “I’ve been looking forward to this meeting all day!”

In my fine arts and illustration world, my biggest shoutout goes to the DFW Art Leagues/Guilds. What an amazing collective of imaginative minds! My dad used to tell me “If you want to be better, surround yourself with people who are better than you. Look at really great art!” That’s easy to do here. The support and camaraderie from these local creatives are electric!

Website: https://rebeccajjones.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebeccajonesshenanigans/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-j-jones-5868947/

Image Credits
All images were drawn/made by me (Rebecca J. Jones)