Need a quick pick-me-up? Take a scroll through artist Jade Purple Brown’s Instagram feed. The self-proclaimed color-obsessed illustrator works to create new, dynamic worlds of optimism and empowerment through vibrant and—you guessed it—colorful art. As we celebrate the start of Stress Awareness Month today, we caught up with the artist to find out more about her stress-reducing pastime and her latest project, a collaboration with skin-care brand Murad.
How and when did you become interested in art?
“I’ve been interested in art since I was a child. Growing up I was constantly drawing and painting, and pretty much being creative in any way I could. I started taking things seriously in college once I discovered I could really make a career out of my love for art and design.”
Adult coloring books became really popular a few years ago as a calm-inducing activity of sorts. Do you feel a sense of calm or Zen when you’re creating your artwork?
“I definitely do! My art is a safe place for me to explore and step away from the stresses of the world. Creating for myself is almost like a form of meditation for me because I’m able to take time for myself and block everything else out.”
I’m curious, do you have a favorite color?
“Orange is my absolute favorite and I try to use it every chance I can get. Orange is known to evoke feelings of joy and optimism, which is perfect because I want people to experience those same emotions when they see my work.”
You emit such positive energy. What tips do you have for staying positive in such a down environment like the pandemic?
“Taking time to remember all of the good in my life has really helped me stay positive through everything. On a weekly basis, I try to write down a list of things that I’m grateful for. This simple practice really helps put things into perspective and remember that things will always get better.”
You’ve created unique prints for several beauty brands. Are you a beauty lover?
“I’m a huge fan of all things beauty. I love trying out new products and watching YouTube videos on skin and makeup routines. I also love looking through editorial beauty shoots to get inspiration for my work.”
Do you have any products you swear by?
“Laneige’s Lip Sleeping Mask is my go-to for keeping my lips extra soft. I also love Urban Skin Rx’s Purifying Pumpkin Pore Detox Mask and Scrub to keep my skin in check when I have bad acne flare-ups. And of course, Murad’s Intense Recovery Cream has been my recent go-to to keep my skin feeling super moisturized!”
I love the print you recently created for Murad to reflect its new Intense Recovery Cream (pictured below). What do you do when you or your skin seem stressed?
“That was a fun project to take on, as Murad tasked me with designing a coloring sheet inspired by their Intense Recovery Cream, which is really a dose of calm for your face. I hope everyone feels this sense of calm as they color their way through it! When I’m most stressed out, I like to indulge in simple things I enjoy! Doing things like binge-watching my favorite TV shows or catching up with friends always helps take my mind off of things. When it comes to skin care, putting on a nice moisturizing mask always feels like a treat and helps my skin feel rejuvenated.”
What upcoming projects are you excited about?
“This year I jumped into the Textile Design world and launched two colorful throw blankets. I look forward to expanding my line of offerings with brand-new products this summer.”
