About me …
Drawing on experience and creating with joy.
I’m a Vermont-based illustrator and designer creating whimsical, story-driven artwork inspired by community, nature, and everyday life.
My work includes book illustration, public projects, maps, editorial illustrations, and creative collaborations rooted in a strong sense of place.
I grew up in rural Pennsylvania, where my grandfather, a sign painter, taught me layout and lettering at an early age. Long before computers entered the design world, I worked as a sign painter for IKEA, and later as a graphic designer for Magic Hat Brewing.
Today my work includes illustrated maps, children’s books, whimsical commissions and personal artwork inspired by the world around me.
I’m especially drawn to projects that celebrate connection, curiosity and a sense of wonder, whether it’s a city illustration, a children’s story or a quiet moment in nature.
When I’m not drawing, I’m using wandering the woods, foraging for mushrooms and greens, building a fairy house, or spending time with loved ones.
I currently live and work in Burlington, Vermont and at my mountain camp on Starks Mountain. I escape the cold to spend a few months a year in Nashville with my lovely adult children who live there.
CV
JODI WHALEN / 802-578-7477 / JODIWHALEN@GMAIL.COM
ART-RELATED WORK HISTORY:
August First Bakery & Cafe / Owner / 2009-2022
In addition to operating the business and overseeing a staff of 22, I designed all marketing materials for August First, including logos, labels, stickers, t-shirts, totes, mugs, signage, advertisements, banners, etc.
Graphic Designer / Marketing Director / Champlain Housing Trust / 2008-2009
Designed all marketing materials for large non-profit housing organization, including annual reports, brochures, signs, posters, mailers.
Graphic Designer / Marketing Sourcing / Magic Hat Brewing / 2000-2002
Responsible for designing point of sale items including poster, coasters, and other merchandise.
Sweet Greetings / 1997-1999
While at home with my first child, I launched a business called Sweet Greetings. I designed custom labels for candy bars, to celebrate weddings, births, or other significant events. I taught myself how to use Illustrator and Photoshop in order to start this business.
Sign Maker / IKEA / 1988-1989
In the late 80’s, all of IKEA’s signs were made by hand. I was raised by my grandfather, who was a professional sign painter. I learned the skill from him, and worked as a freelancer in my teens. At IKEA, I made large signs by hand, using markers. The style is still used in their stores today, but created digitally, of course.
SHOWS AND EXHIBITIONS
BETWEEN BLOOMS / Solo Show / Frog Hollow Craft Gallery / September 2024
FAMILY TREE /Solo show / Main Street Landing / 2012
THE ART OF GIVING / Shelburne Farms / May 2011
BRIDGE: GROUP SHOW / Studio V / Vergennes VT / August 2010
MUDDY WATERS / Burlington, VT / April - May 2010
GROUP SHOW / Borough Gallery / Burlington, VT / July 2009
GALLERY V / Group Show / Vergennes, VT / August 2009
ARTS ALIVE / Juried Show / Burlington, VT / 2009
VERMONT WOMENS MAGAZINE / Comic Strip Feature / 2009-2010
FAUVE GALLERY / Group Show / St Albans VT / 2004