Jessica Hughes Designer & Illustrator

08/14/2026

Empty space isn't empty. It actually has a job.

DIY graphic creators fill it in constantly. Clients ask me to fill it in constantly.

"How come there's so much room here?"
"Why's all this space here?"

People confuse "white space" with "empty space". It's not, and it goes beyond design. I often tell my fiancé that just because there is still empty space on a wall doesn't mean that we need to put something there. Open space gives your eyes room to "breathe".

It's less overstimulating. It makes the things that you want people to pay attention to the most stick out more.

I've got a few spots open if you need work that doesn't feel claustrophobic.

08/11/2026

The date is on the invite, but nobody can find it.

It's very likely a contrast problem: size, color, weight, and spacing all fighting each other instead of working together. Or, all just chilling together and everyone blending in together - if you prefer.

One thing I (and lots of other designers) do is squint. I'm sorry for any wrinkles, but it's probably THE easiest way to see how things look. Everything one big blur? Your contrast is bad. Before making any other changes, try changing ONE ☝🏾 of the things listed above.

And whatever DOES stick out right away, make sure it's what you want to stick out.

07/29/2026

I often donate my illustrations to charity fundraisers, and I almost never get photos with my art, or at all.. I prefer to be behind the camera. The friend who was hosting the fundraiser auction caught me and made me take a picture.

It's blurry because I was trying to run away from them. It did not work.

Here it is. Your favorite cryptid.

07/24/2026

A small design lesson that helps almost everyone:

Blank space isn't just empty space.

It helps tell the eye where to go.

It gives an image room to breathe. It makes the important buttonsvand other info easier to find.

This is especially helpful if you are making your own flyer or social graphic.

Before you add more stuff, try adding more space.

I cover this, and other design basics in my free guide: "Very (very) Basic Design Principles".

Grab it here: https://jessicaehughes.com/free99

07/21/2026

I've started leaning more into creating (free and paid) resources, since I do spend quite a bit of time helping others with design questions.

I'm putting together full courses, but in the meantime, here's one that most people will find helpful: Very (very) Basic Design Principles.

This does NOT replace proper training, but if you do have to create your own assets then you'll know how to apply design principles so they look good.

There are no strings attached - you don't have to enter any info you just have to click the button and you'll get your download instantly.

There will be more things released and you're welcome to sign up for my newsletters to know when new things drop, but that's totally optional.

Download free graphic design resources, templates, creative guides, and business tools designed to help designers and entrepreneurs create with confidence.

07/11/2026

A few years back I had the honor of being on a panel for Denver Public Art. This session was for choosing an artist for an installation in Bear Valley Park.

The design that we ultimately selected was one called "All Twisty" by local artist Farquharson. As you walk around the sculpture, the overlapping colors and mesh create "motion".

I was out of town for the dedication ceremony, but I was SO happy and honored to be on this panel and to participate in some way to adding more beautiful art to the city.

Learn more about it and see the video from David on the Denver Art IG post: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DN6YpPpkbPG/

07/10/2026

Nothing makes me happier than seeing my work out in the wild - in person.

Although some of my art has been turned into tattoos, there's nothing like being in a major retailer and being able to pick up and hold my work in my hands. It's a feeling I can't describe.

https://jessicaehughes.com/

07/03/2026

Being so exposed to art on the east coast, I don't automatically think to check around Denver for art. Often I don't see something cool until I'm already away from it, and I catch a glimpse of it before it disappears from my view.

This? There's no way you could miss it.

One of my favorite types of art is kinetic art. The idea of art in motion - especially when it interacts with it surroundings - makes me happy and taps into my love of whimsy.

I was walking to a work event at Union Station to take photos, and because it was starting, I didn't have time to stop and look. After the event finished, I walked just a little bit slower so I could experience it. Watching the motion of the ribbons, and watching the direction change as the wind came from different directions. I think this is one of my favorite pieces.

The series is here until this fall, and there are two other pieces:

Quaking Gold" at Glenarm Plaza and "Skyline Drift" at Skyline Park. If you like large-scale kinetic art, make sure you so see them.

07/01/2026

More small businesses and individual folks are turning to AI to create their event flyers, and even their restaurant menus. As easy and quick as it is, it'll be much longer (and much more expensive) to try and "fix" AI slop.

Graphic design isn't just making things that look good, it's making things that connect and educate.

View this week's blog here:

Small businesses have a problem. AI. Graphic design is unfortunately one of those things that people assume is: Easy Just making things look nice. The popularity of programs like Adobe Express and Canva has made it much easier for people without a giant marketing budget to creat