JC Photo Designs began in 2019 as a photography-based business centered around greeting cards. At the time, my work focused on capturing moments through a camera lens — and I never imagined that drawing would eventually play such a central role in my creative journey.
That shift began in 2022.
During a stressful and uncertain period, I found myself needing a quiet creative outlet. Friends of ours — Oz’s first family/breeder — were in Ukraine during the early days of the Ukrainian–Russian war, and the constant worry weighed heavily. I wasn’t trying to start a new product line or grow a business. I simply needed something calming to focus on.
So I started sketching on my iPad.
Using a YouTube tutorial, I followed along and drew a Brussels Griffon — a breed close to my heart. That simple drawing became the very first sticker I ever created. It wasn’t perfect, but it felt grounding and satisfying in a way I hadn’t expected.
Not long after, I decided to try again — this time without a tutorial. I drew a second Brussels Griffon illustration completely on my own, relying on observation, instinct, and a growing sense of confidence. Looking back, that moment marked the beginning of a creative shift I didn’t yet recognize.
Those two early illustrations quietly became the foundation of what would grow into a full sticker line.
Three years later, those very first Brussels Griffon stickers are now two of my top-selling designs.
In 2024, I officially rebranded from JC Photo Designs to JC Pet Designs, embracing what had naturally emerged over time: a creative business centered on hand-drawn pet art, storytelling, and the everyday moments that make life with animals so meaningful.
These early stickers are a reminder that creativity doesn’t always start with a plan. Sometimes it begins as a small, personal act — and over time, grows into something far bigger than expected.
Want to see more behind the scenes?
I share deeper stories about my creative process, photography walks, and life with Oz & Rocky on Substack. If you’d like to follow along, you can find me here:
🐾 Behind the Scenes at JC Pet Designs
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