Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Marquez.
Hi Jessica, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
Many people knew me as simply “Jess”, Miami’s #1 nightlife promoter but now, you will know “Jess Marquez”, visual artist and all-around creator.
I was in the nightlife business for about 15 years and I’ve created a platform for bigger and better opportunities. Building my brand and The 400 Club in Miami was a passion of mine. I love the fact that I held the responsibility of making sure all guests have an enjoyable and memorable experience. I’ve learned that something as simple as hanging out, surrounded by people can make a difference in someone’s life. You never know what someone is going through and a single night of dancing, laughing and just enjoying yourself can make such a difference.
That time in my life was great but I had to step back, observe and find what truly makes me happy. I had to really go back and think of what that little girl enjoyed the most growing up and that was creating. Art has always been a part of my life when it came from designing my barbie dolls clothing through my brother’s inspiration or creating special custom birthday cards for family and friends. That joy of just spending hours and creating was therapeutic and exciting!
My life goal wasn’t to be a promoter, but as they say, “when life throws you lemons, you make lemonade”. My goal was to be an artist and designer. Growing up, most people wrote in their journals to vent their feelings. I didn’t, I drew my feelings. I started dabbling in the art world as a youngster in elementary school. I remember staying behind after class just to finish drawing! Art not only gave me something to do in my spare time, it became an outlet for me in my time of distress. It gave me a chance to escape from reality and delve deeper into my creative zone. It is no coincidence that I’m so attracted to the art world as the creativity bug runs in my family. I have both my brothers who are Fashion Designers, a Chef and a DJ! My little sister Jennifer F. also picked up on the family creativity as an up and coming photographer/Artist.
Although circumstances took me down a different route in life, I never lost sight of my goal! I’ve always made it a habit to be involved with the art and design process when it comes to my brand. Everything from creating on photoshop to social media postings display my artistic side. I’ve also never stopped drawing or creating! Art Basel 2015 was the first time I got to introduce everyone to Jessica, The Artist and all-around creator. It felt so good to finally broadcast my pieces and show the world there is much more to Simply Jess!
I developed Visuals By Jess as my creative production company. Visuals By Jess is my showcase of all my creations from my art, wearable art, photography, videography and content creation! I plan to continue down this artistic route because it is truly my calling!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s definitely had its challenges. I went through a whole transitioning phase from nightlife to full time artreprenuer (yes new word, lol) it was definitely hard.
I really wasn’t happy with the direction my life was going. I lost The passion within that game. I really felt empty and needed to find myself. Why Am I here? what am I meant To be doing? I kept asking myself, god and the universe.
So I did a lot of spiritual healing, meditations, disconnected myself of people, places and projects. I literally had to fall back from the world and realized I had to reconnect with myself. I went thru so much throughout my transition like depression, financial problems and more. As the journey continued I felt I kept getting messages thru out my day, dreams, etc with my art/creating. Like people randomly would ask me what’s up with my art before even asking how am I doing. I couldnt stop thinking about it, I had so many ideas in my head that sometimes it would drive me crazy but same time put me in a happy place.
I was doing my art/designing before but I really didn’t have faith. The fear really held me back a lot. At this point, I found a job at a restaurant called bar one which was owned by Peter Thomas. He was actually the first person who gave me a chance and took me under his wing. I learned with him and about myself during this period but it came to a point where I just had to do my own thing. I needed to get back to my grind and push my passion. I’ve always put a lot into other people’s dreams but never on mine so I did it!
I realized what I loved to do and went to it! I stopped working at bar on January 2021 and launched my Visuals by Jess in April 2021 and it’s been up from there. I still can’t believe it’s only been a few months and I’ve accomplished a lot. I look forward to what the future has in store for my brand!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Visuals By Jess brings a collective of all my creations from ART, Wearable ART, Photography to Visuals.
Right now, I’m known for the message I am pushing thru my line and art DO WHAT U LUV!!! This message helped me get to where I am now! I want Others to feel the same. I have a clothing collection, artwork and I have more coming also!
My proudest moment is when I was featured as a Visual Artist for the art of furniture event which was sponsored by city furniture. It was my first time painting a piece of furniture but it came out amazing! I proved to myself that I am capable of doing anything once I put my mind to it. I had such a strong reaction from that event alone. I even had 2 students come from Care Elementary school and help paint parts of the sofa with me. It’s definitely important to let the youth know that art can be a career and even healing. Special thank you to Damien Peppers and techedx for this opportunity.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was always outgoing, class clone but don’t mess with me type of girl. I definitely was half Tom boy and had my gurly side.
Always was best in art class! Since I was able to lift a pencil I was drawing and creating. Anything that had to do with creating I was with it. My brother is a fashion designer and back then he would teach me and give me fabric so I can make clothes for my barbies. lol
My others interest was cooking and filming.
For my birthdays, I would always ask for either sketchbooks, markers, cooking supply’s, even a sewing machine! Give me all the tools so I can Build. lol
I’ve always been a woman of many hats. 🙂
Contact Info:
- Email: Visualsbyjes@gmail.com
- Website: www.visualsbyjess.com
- Instagram: Visualsbyjess and iamjessmarquez
- Facebook: Visualsbyjess
- Youtube: Visualsbyjess
Image Credits:
Robert Antonio
Timeshift Studios
Ss_Hoc
World Red Eye
Letha N.
