creative highlight
MEMBER from our community
RACHEL JACKSON
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Hi! My name is Rachel Jackson and I’m always scribbling on something. Big pieces of paper make me super happy, but I’ll happily scribble on anything I can get my hands on: paper scraps, the back of old receipts, notebooks, coffee mugs. I love taking snippets of God’s Word and putting them on things we use every day so that we can be constantly reminded of Who our God is and the promises He has given.
I was born in the Philippines, spent my childhood in Australia, went back to the Philippines and now live back in Australia, in sunny Queensland. As a missionary kid who then became a pastor’s kid, I’ve been blessed to have grown up in a family who loves God and I became a Christian at the age of 12. I can’t think of any better way to live this life than for the One Who died to offer eternal life to all who will receive it!
My prayer is that you would be encouraged by the little scribbles that God gives me, and that you would know with all your heart that He is always, only good.
Instagram: @rach.scribbles
Facebook: rach.scribblesAU
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/rachscribbles
I was born in the Philippines, spent my childhood in Australia, went back to the Philippines and now live back in Australia, in sunny Queensland. As a missionary kid who then became a pastor’s kid, I’ve been blessed to have grown up in a family who loves God and I became a Christian at the age of 12. I can’t think of any better way to live this life than for the One Who died to offer eternal life to all who will receive it!
My prayer is that you would be encouraged by the little scribbles that God gives me, and that you would know with all your heart that He is always, only good.
Instagram: @rach.scribbles
Facebook: rach.scribblesAU
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/rachscribbles
Can you tell us about your introduction to art? How did you know you had a creative gift?
As a child, I took art lessons and loved crafts, so I guess that’s where it all began! As often happens though, I became busy and art fell by the way, but about four years ago I began getting back into art. I was struggling with anxiety and drawing helped me to slow down as I needed to in order to focus on the small details.
Did you ever think you’d be selling your art, or teaching art?
It definitely wasn’t something I was thinking of! It was just a little hobby, something to help me cope, but after about a year of scribbling, a friend said, “You should share these!”
That was followed by another friend a few months later saying, “Oh, these would be lovely as greeting cards or stickers!” It’s been a bit of a slow journey, but three years later, and here we are getting things off the ground little by little.
What are some of the biggest challenges you have in explaining what you do to others who don't find themselves in a creative background or field? Like family/friends/strangers?
My family and friends are pretty supportive actually! I am very blessed to have them. I also work in retail though, so perhaps since this is a side gig. I haven’t come up against many challenges in explaining.
As a child, I took art lessons and loved crafts, so I guess that’s where it all began! As often happens though, I became busy and art fell by the way, but about four years ago I began getting back into art. I was struggling with anxiety and drawing helped me to slow down as I needed to in order to focus on the small details.
Did you ever think you’d be selling your art, or teaching art?
It definitely wasn’t something I was thinking of! It was just a little hobby, something to help me cope, but after about a year of scribbling, a friend said, “You should share these!”
That was followed by another friend a few months later saying, “Oh, these would be lovely as greeting cards or stickers!” It’s been a bit of a slow journey, but three years later, and here we are getting things off the ground little by little.
What are some of the biggest challenges you have in explaining what you do to others who don't find themselves in a creative background or field? Like family/friends/strangers?
My family and friends are pretty supportive actually! I am very blessed to have them. I also work in retail though, so perhaps since this is a side gig. I haven’t come up against many challenges in explaining.
How do you encounter the Lord in your creativity?
I think it’s the opposite actually! A lot of my work is directly inspired from my quiet time with the Lord. Verses, quotes and songs that the Lord uses to speak to my heart usually find their way into most of my pieces. As I meet with Him in the Word, He gives me things to create.
What are your favorite ways to create?
I love digital art! Currently I use the Procreate app to draw directly onto an iPad. It offers a lot of room for trial and error in design, so when an idea pops into mind, I can scribble over and over again until I get it right, keeping the good bits and erasing the not so good.
Is it costly to be a creative/maker?
Oh, yes, ha-ha. The beginning is probably the most costly, as you buy materials and supplies and set everything up, but it’s worth the cost!
Are others in your family creative too?
Yes! My mum actually is a cake maker and runs her own business. One of my sisters is into interior design and my siblings and I are all musical.
What do you feel God is calling you to in this season with your creativeness?
I’ve actually been seeking the Lord about this just recently. He seems to be opening doors for me to grow Rach Scribbles and encourage people through His word in art and crafts.
How did you become productive and abundant in your artwork/and where do you see it going from here?
It’s hard to make time for things sometimes, even things you love. Since this started as a hobby, I’ve only just been getting the swing of scheduling things and having at least a rough plan. Having even just a rough plan has been helpful to productivity. Most of all though, asking the Lord for His help, ideas and wisdom, and I’m excited to see where God takes it from here! A more permanent shop instead of pop up shops perhaps?
Some practical steps you'd encourage other creatives to take to become productive and learn business skills etc.?
The internet holds so many useful tips and instruction! I’m self-taught, and the things I’ve needed to learn, I’ve learned from tutorials online. Also, work with whatever tools you have at your disposal. Be creative! You don’t need fancy equipment to create.
Any encouraging words, words of wisdom from what you've learned to help other creatives on their journey to being abundant and thriving artists/creatives/makers?
Remember who this is all for! All we do should be for God’s glory, including an art or craft business. When we lose sight of that, then it can become a venture for self and we can either become focused on the wrong things or give up when things get hard. But when we are focused on the Lord and giving Him glory, even when things get hard or stressful, we rely on Him for His strength instead of packing it up and quitting. Enjoy it. God gives us gifts and He wants us to use them. But my biggest bit of encouragement is don’t try to be like other people. Be creative in the way God has made you to be and develop the styles and designs that are unique to you.
I think it’s the opposite actually! A lot of my work is directly inspired from my quiet time with the Lord. Verses, quotes and songs that the Lord uses to speak to my heart usually find their way into most of my pieces. As I meet with Him in the Word, He gives me things to create.
What are your favorite ways to create?
I love digital art! Currently I use the Procreate app to draw directly onto an iPad. It offers a lot of room for trial and error in design, so when an idea pops into mind, I can scribble over and over again until I get it right, keeping the good bits and erasing the not so good.
Is it costly to be a creative/maker?
Oh, yes, ha-ha. The beginning is probably the most costly, as you buy materials and supplies and set everything up, but it’s worth the cost!
Are others in your family creative too?
Yes! My mum actually is a cake maker and runs her own business. One of my sisters is into interior design and my siblings and I are all musical.
What do you feel God is calling you to in this season with your creativeness?
I’ve actually been seeking the Lord about this just recently. He seems to be opening doors for me to grow Rach Scribbles and encourage people through His word in art and crafts.
How did you become productive and abundant in your artwork/and where do you see it going from here?
It’s hard to make time for things sometimes, even things you love. Since this started as a hobby, I’ve only just been getting the swing of scheduling things and having at least a rough plan. Having even just a rough plan has been helpful to productivity. Most of all though, asking the Lord for His help, ideas and wisdom, and I’m excited to see where God takes it from here! A more permanent shop instead of pop up shops perhaps?
Some practical steps you'd encourage other creatives to take to become productive and learn business skills etc.?
The internet holds so many useful tips and instruction! I’m self-taught, and the things I’ve needed to learn, I’ve learned from tutorials online. Also, work with whatever tools you have at your disposal. Be creative! You don’t need fancy equipment to create.
Any encouraging words, words of wisdom from what you've learned to help other creatives on their journey to being abundant and thriving artists/creatives/makers?
Remember who this is all for! All we do should be for God’s glory, including an art or craft business. When we lose sight of that, then it can become a venture for self and we can either become focused on the wrong things or give up when things get hard. But when we are focused on the Lord and giving Him glory, even when things get hard or stressful, we rely on Him for His strength instead of packing it up and quitting. Enjoy it. God gives us gifts and He wants us to use them. But my biggest bit of encouragement is don’t try to be like other people. Be creative in the way God has made you to be and develop the styles and designs that are unique to you.