Jessica Levin

Chicago-based photographer and creative director with a focus on intimate portraits and female empowerment.

Sam Lynn Davis

Freelance web developer and photographer working and residing in Chicago.

Portrait of a woman laying on a couch Illustration of a flower with pink petals and green leaves photo by Jessica Levin

Anna-Michal Paul

Anna-Michal Paul

Portrait of a woman laying on a couch photo by Jessica Levin

North Carolina native Anna-Michal Paul brings her undeniable warmth to the midwest. Intimate and accessible in equal measure, you’ve likely seen her work all over the city. From chalked surfaces to adorned custom threads, her striking designs demand you stop and stare.

North Carolina native Anna-Michal Paul brings her undeniable warmth to the midwest. Intimate and accessible in equal measure, you’ve likely seen her work all over the city. From chalked surfaces to adorned custom threads, her striking designs demand you stop and stare.

Portrait of a woman sitting on a couch with hands on her chin

Describe your process of creating in a few words.

I have a lot of stuff going on in my head, I just throw it out there to see how it looks. Why not? I think that’s also my creative process. I never do mock ups. I just kind of go for it. If it looks funny, oh well, find a way to fix it or paint over it and start again.

Describe your process of creating in a few words.

I have a lot of stuff going on in my head, I just throw it out there to see how it looks. Why not? I think that’s also my creative process. I never do mock ups. I just kind of go for it. If it looks funny, oh well, find a way to fix it or paint over it and start again.

Portrait of a woman leaning towards the camera with elbows raised photo by Jessica Levin
Portrait of a woman laying down on a table and smiling photo by Jessica Levin

Let’s talk a bit about your chosen fields.

Portrait of a woman leaning on a table behind a candelabra photo by Jessica Levin

I’m currently doing chalk art at Thalia Hall in Pilsen. I started out as a hostess at the restaurant next door, casually filling in a rotating beer list. I remember one day the bar manager asked me to try out a fun font he had seen, so I gave it a go. I soon began testing out fun fonts on my own and mocking up beer logos. When the music venue opened next-door I was given the opportunity to work on a larger scale. I've never had formal schooling for art but over the years I’ve taught myself how to do portraiture and realistic drawings. I’ve never really thought chalk would be my passion, but here I am. Not only does it pay the bills but I have this space to be creative. It’s like a daily exercise.

I also do some hand-embroidery stuff. I think that’s where my real passion lies. I used to work at a bar, and one night one of our bartenders was walking around in this rad denim jacket with a giant hand that someone had painted on the back of it. I remember thinking to myself, “I want to do that.“ I love working with my hands. I love making things that are not only nice to look at but pleasing to touch. It’s really therapeutic too. I always say it’s like a really slow painting. Each stitch is one small stroke.

Who influences your work the most?

Picture of a tattoo of a tiger on a woman's leg photo by Jessica Levin
Portrait of a woman sitting on a red couch photo by Jessica Levin

If I could point to anyone that influences or inspires me I would have to say it’s all the people I surround myself with. I know it sounds corny but I mean it. My friends are constantly pushing me and encouraging me, seeing how motivated they are motivates me.

Who influences your work the most?

Portrait of a woman sitting on a red couch photo by Jessica Levin

If I could point to anyone that influences or inspires me I would have to say it’s all the people I surround myself with. I know it sounds corny but I mean it. My friends are constantly pushing me and encouraging me, seeing how motivated they are motivates me.

Picture of a tattoo of a tiger on a woman's leg photo by Jessica Levin
Portrait of a woman in a large sweater, sittting on a window ledge photo by Jessica Levin
Portrait of a woman in a large sweater, sittting on a window ledge photo by Jessica Levin

What do you aim to communicate through what you make?

I want my art to convey joy. I want people to be happy when they wear one of my jackets. I want them to feel like someone really cared. I also want to amaze people, I want to make them wonder.

Portrait of a woman looking through an ornate steel lattice photo by Jessica Levin