Jodie Lewers Chertudi ’97 is a talented freelance graphic designer and visual artist. She recently contributed to the Speedway Corridor Mural Project, which was organized by Alley Cat Murals and Arts Foundation for Tucson and Southern Arizona. In our interview, she shares her sources of inspiration, offers valuable advice for aspiring artists and discusses upcoming projects.
What inspired you to become an artist and pursue this career path?
I’ve been practicing art ever since I was a little kid, always sketching things I liked. I admired the artwork in Mad Magazine and comic books like Calvin & Hobbes. My mom was an art teacher and my grandfather did acrylic paintings in his free time so it seemed like I was always around art in some shape or form.
I also loved photography from a young age, especially black and white photos, but ultimately decided to get a visual communications degree. I pursued a career in graphic design because I wanted a skill I could use to create a stable income while still being able to include my passion for art. Plus liked the idea of problem solving and using visual elements to communicate ideas and messages to people.
Tell us about the mural project you recently worked on
I was recently a part of the Speedway Corridor Mural Project organized by Alley Cat Murals and Arts Foundation for Tucson and Southern Arizona. This project was a collaboration between the UA Poetry Center and other local artists and we created six new murals inspired by poems along Speedway, between Campbell and Park. I had help from my painting partner, Mike Flores ‘96 who has been a part of all of my mural projects, to bring the wall to life over the course of several weeks. It was an elaborate project but we had a lot of fun painting on the side of the street and enjoyed the encouragement we received from the people walking or driving by.
Where do you find inspiration for your work?
I do a lot of research on the subject I will be creating a design for. I like to get a sense of the space that it is going into, the history or any kind of story behind it. I also look to nature for inspiration.
How long did it take you to find your own individual style?
I’ve been doing graphic design for over 20 years and mural painting more intentionally the last two years. I don’t think I will ever be finished developing my own style. I am constantly trying out new techniques and learning.
What mediums or techniques do you most enjoy working with?
I use the Adobe Creative Suite for all my digital art: Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign. I paint with acrylic on canvas, spray paint with stencils and use acrylic latex paints for mural painting.
How do you engage with and learn from other artists?
I follow a lot of different kinds of artists on Instagram from muralists to street and digital artists. I also attend things out in the community like Creative Mornings Tucson, AIGA (American Institute of Graphic Arts) events, ADOBE Max and Phoenix Design Week.
How did Salpointe inspire you to follow your passion(s)?
I took art classes every year during my time at Salpointe. My favorite class was Mr. Perkins’ black and white photography class. I loved learning how to develop my own film and make prints in the dark room.
Any advice for our students who may want to become artists?
Take classes on public speaking or practice presentation skills. People enjoy hearing stories about your work, and being able to communicate clearly is a valuable skill.
Don’t worry about the finished piece. Art is a process and when you work through the process the end result will happen naturally.
Take every kind of art class you can to expand your skills…pottery, watercolor, photography, digital arts etc. You never know where it might lead you.
Any upcoming projects you want to talk about?
I recently worked on a project for the Arts Foundation for Tucson and Southern Arizona called “That’s a Wrap”. The Arts Foundation selected five artists to design utility boxes in downtown Tucson on Congress and Broadway. I illustrated desert flowers on two of the boxes and collaborated with Mike, who added his typography skills to create unique handwritten elements on parts of the design. These are scheduled to be installed in October and we will be adding a bit of street art near them as well, stay tuned.
I am also preparing to speak about the Speedway Corridor Mural Project at TEDxUofA on October 18th at Centennial Hall.
Anything else you’d like to share?
To see some of my artwork, follow me on Instagram @jlewers_design or visit my website at www.jlewers.com.