About
Jess Smith is an illustrator, artist and ecologist based in Surrey. Her love for art started from an early age, alongside her passion for wildlife and the outdoors.
Jess studied art to A-level but left it behind when she chose to study BSc Environmental Geography at University College London (UCL). After graduating, Jess volunteered for many different wildlife charities and organisations before training as an ecologist.
Whilst volunteering and training, Jess started up Silverpasta Crafts, as a way of combining her creativity with the daily inspiration from the natural world. Jess sees a lot of British wildlife in her day job, including bats, reptiles, dormice, butterflies and newts on a regular basis.
All of her illustrated products are inspired by wildlife and created using a digital illustration tablet. The illustrations are then collated, designed and printed onto products such as tea towels, cushions, aprons and coasters. Jess also makes ornaments which are completely handcrafted and unique.
Jess is passionate about conservation and preserving the natural environment and sends out all orders with eco-friendly, plastic free packaging. She has also partnered up with charity 'One Tree Planted' and plants a tree for every 10 items sold.
She lives with her partner Johnny who is a musician, as well as their rescue budgie named "Bean" and their new baby daughter. Jess is a keen open water swimmer and, when not working or being a mum, you are likely to find her swimming in the Thames.