About me …
Drawing on experience and creating with joy.
I’m Jodi Whalen, an illustrator and artist splitting my time between Vermont and Nashville. I create images that are both personal and connected to the world around us, inspired by landscapes, stories, humor, and quiet moments of observation.
With years of experience as a graphic designer, I’ve learned how to bring ideas to life, whether they are my own or someone else’s. After years of printmaking, I’ve transitioned to focusing exclusively on illustration, with a special love for digital work that blends creativity with precision.
My work often tells stories — whether through book illustrations, custom commissions or personal projects. From playful, heartfelt designs to pieces that inform and inspire, I aim to create art that feels authentic and thoughtful.
My journey with art began in the little town of Gibraltar, Pennsylvania, where my grandfather, a sign maker, introduced me to the art of layout and lettering. Those early lessons turned into a lifelong love of creating.
Before computers revolutionized design work, I was a sign maker for IKEA, hand lettering signs for the store. I later worked in marketing for trailblazing microbreweries Catamount Brewing and Magic Hat Brewing, and for non-profits like Champlain Housing Trust. These experiences taught me the value of storytelling through design — an approach I carry into my illustration work today.
My art reflects the dual influences of nature and urban life, drawing from the forest, cities, and quiet moments that inspire me. When I’m not drawing, you might find me exploring the woods, foraging for inspiration, or alternately exploring thrift stores and estate sales, foraging for a different kind of inspiration! I simply love life, and see each moment as an opportunity to find meaningful stories that I can bring to life through art.
CV
JODI WHALEN / 802-578-7477 / JODIWHALEN@GMAIL.COM
ART-RELATED WORK HISTORY:
August First Bakery & Cafe / Owner / 2009-2022
In addition to operating the business and overseeing a staff of 22, I designed all marketing materials for August First, including logos, labels, stickers, t-shirts, totes, mugs, signage, advertisements, banners, etc.
Graphic Designer / Marketing Director / Champlain Housing Trust / 2008-2009
Designed all marketing materials for large non-profit housing organization, including annual reports, brochures, signs, posters, mailers.
Graphic Designer / Marketing Sourcing / Magic Hat Brewing / 2000-2002
Responsible for designing point of sale items including poster, coasters, and other merchandise.
Sweet Greetings / 1997-1999
While at home with my first child, I launched a business called Sweet Greetings. I designed custom labels for candy bars, to celebrate weddings, births, or other significant events. I taught myself how to use Illustrator and Photoshop in order to start this business.
Sign Maker / IKEA / 1988-1989
In the late 80’s, all of IKEA’s signs were made by hand. I was raised by my grandfather, who was a professional sign painter. I learned the skill from him, and worked as a freelancer in my teens. At IKEA, I made large signs by hand, using markers. The style is still used in their stores today, but created digitally, of course.
SHOWS AND EXHIBITIONS
BETWEEN BLOOMS / Solo Show / Frog Hollow Craft Gallery / September 2024
FAMILY TREE /Solo show / Main Street Landing / 2012
THE ART OF GIVING / Shelburne Farms / May 2011
BRIDGE: GROUP SHOW / Studio V / Vergennes VT / August 2010
MUDDY WATERS / Burlington, VT / April - May 2010
GROUP SHOW / Borough Gallery / Burlington, VT / July 2009
GALLERY V / Group Show / Vergennes, VT / August 2009
ARTS ALIVE / Juried Show / Burlington, VT / 2009
VERMONT WOMENS MAGAZINE / Comic Strip Feature / 2009-2010
FAUVE GALLERY / Group Show / St Albans VT / 2004