Meet Jessica Maraschiello | Painter, Designer, and Muralist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessica Maraschiello and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessica, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My journey into the art and design world unfolded somewhat serendipitously. While I didn’t initially set out to become a fully independent, freelance artist, the path I’ve taken has been both unexpected and rewarding. When I first enrolled at Middle Tennessee State University, my goal was to pursue art therapy. However, with no art therapy courses available, I opted for a major in graphic design paired with a minor in painting, which seemed like the practical choice. But halfway through my studies, I found myself drawn more to the creative freedom of Studio Art, ultimately switching my major to focus on painting, while keeping minors in graphic design and printmaking.

During my time at MTSU, I began selling my artwork and accepting commissions, particularly for pet portraits. After graduating, I continued to build my career by taking commissions, selling original pieces, teaching at a local sip and paint studio, and even running my own screen printing business under the name Printy Printy Princess. Alongside this, I worked at a local craft vinyl warehouse, where I learned the ins and outs of vinyl production and design software. This knowledge allowed me to expand my work into creating custom t-shirts, cups, decals, totes, and hats, while also completing several mural projects from 2016 to 2020 for nurseries and a local non-profit animal sanctuary. At that time, my goal was simple: to earn enough through my art so I could leave behind the 16 years I’d spent working in the restaurant industry.

The pandemic brought a unique set of challenges, as my paint studio closed and I faced medical issues that prevented me from working at the warehouse. Determined to continue my work from home, I launched Paint With Jess—virtual sip-and-paint-style classes. I began offering a calendar of online classes, where participants could register to paint along with me via Zoom. To enhance the experience, I created DIY kits with all the necessary supplies: pre-sketched canvases, brushes, paints, palettes, and disposable aprons. These kits could be shipped anywhere in the US and allowed students to either join live sessions or paint at their own pace with written instructions. The classes quickly grew, with attendance ranging from intimate groups to larger sessions of up to 75 students. Paint With Jess flourished, offering both public and private virtual paint parties for nearly two years.

In the summer of 2023, I was contacted for my first mural commission for a downtown Nashville Airbnb. That project led to more opportunities, and I now regularly paint murals for Airbnb properties in the Nashville area. Today, I continue to work on murals, commissions, and original artwork, while occasionally designing logos and t-shirts. It’s been an incredible ride, and I’m grateful to have built a career that allows me to fully embrace my passion for creativity.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Building a creative career is never easy, but I recognize that the road can be longer for some than for others.

When I create art for myself, I gravitate toward bold, colorful, and often playful designs. The world can feel overwhelming—dark and daunting—so I love injecting vibrancy and levity into both my own space and the spaces of my clients. My art isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about creating moments of joy. I also use proceeds from my work to support nonprofits and charities that align with my values. The phrase “A riot of color in a dreary, grey world” resonates deeply with my artistic style and mission.

I’ve been painting for 20 years, yet imposter syndrome still creeps in. When I speak with new artists who doubt themselves, I always remind them: almost no one has it all figured out. We’re all navigating this journey as we go. Even the best-laid plans can shift because life has its own ideas.

There are three quotes I love to share with fellow creatives:

Zig Ziglar: “You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.”

Andy Warhol: “Don’t think about making art, just get it done. Let everyone else decide if it’s good or bad, whether they love it or hate it. While they are deciding, make even more art.”

Joseph Chilton Pearce: “To live a creative life, we must lose our fear of being wrong.”

These words have guided me throughout my journey, and I hope they inspire others to embrace their creativity without hesitation.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Okay, I’ll admit it—I’m a bit of an introverted hermit, and nothing makes me happier than chilling at home with my dogs. But if my best friend came to town, I’d absolutely come out of my shell for an unforgettable week!

First stop: art and culture. We’d hit up the Frist Museum for some inspiration, wander through art crawls and markets, and soak in the creative vibes. Of course, we’d balance that out with some music, catching a concert if any of my favorite bands were in town.

For outdoor adventures, we’d lace up our hiking boots and chase waterfalls—there are so many gorgeous ones around here! Then, after working up an appetite, it’s all about eating our way through the city:

🍩 Doughnuts from Five Daughters Bakery (because 100 layers of flaky, buttery goodness = heaven)
🍦 Ice cream at Jeni’s (always worth the line)
🍕 Rocket Pie from Five Points Pizza (cheesy, crispy perfection)
🥖 A banh mi from Vui’s Kitchen (the ultimate flavor bomb)

Somewhere in between all that, we’d stroll the farmer’s market, discover hidden gems, and probably laugh way too much. It’d be a week of great food, great art, great music, and just enough adventure to make us feel like we earned all those treats.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to a number of people and groups who have played a pivotal role in my journey. First, my time in the art department at MTSU was incredibly formative. I was fortunate to connect with several professors who continue to inspire me to this day, including Sisavanh Houghton, Melissa Newman, Bob Durham, Nick Satinover, and Erin Afinson. Their guidance and mentorship shaped not only my artistic growth but my professional path as well.

I also owe a great deal of gratitude to my family, whose unwavering support and encouragement have been crucial to my creative journey. As a family of creatives themselves, they nurtured my artistic spirit in ways I’ll always cherish. A special shoutout goes to my sister, Lisa, and her husband, Jeff, who graciously opened their home to me and provided a studio space while I was figuring out my next steps before deciding to attend MTSU. My mom, too, deserves recognition for her endless support—she welcomed me back home during my college years and even allowed me to transform the entire garage into a fully-equipped studio, complete with painting stations, a screen printing press, a light table, and a makeshift darkroom.

Lastly, I have to give credit to my husband, Brandon Thomason. We met in my final year of college, and without his emotional and financial support, I wouldn’t be able to pursue my art career full-time as I have been. His belief in me has been an essential foundation for my success.

These individuals and their contributions have been instrumental in helping me get to where I am today, and I’m beyond grateful for their love, mentorship, and encouragement.

Website: https://www.paintwithjess.com

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Paint-With-Jess-101543118492650

Other: tiktok

https://www.tiktok.com/@jesszillarose?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc