Howdy. I’m Jess.
I’m an outdoor product designer, gear nerd, freelance illustrator and mountain enthusiast/opportunistic climbing guide based in Salt Lake City, Utah. Currently, I’m slinging sketches at Signature Products Group as an Industrial Designer on Carhartt bags/packs, accessories, automotive product, and pet gear.
While studying Product Design at the University of Minnesota, I began guiding backpacking and climbing trips for my school’s outdoor program, which evolved into seasonal work at a variety of outfitters. It became clear that my lifelong gear obsession, combined with my time in the guiding world, was a perfect complement to my design pursuits; I haven’t looked back since.
The gear I use - from packs, first aid kits, ropes, and more - to help myself and others enjoy the natural world in a responsible manner provides some of my strongest inspiration. I’m constantly asking myself how I can make these products more versatile, equitable, and sustainable for users.
When I’m not designing, you can find me in the mountains chasing splitters and laughing with pals. Though I’m a rock climber at my core (long days on alpine granite, please!), I’ve recently been leaning into backcountry skiing and trail running as another means to explore my backyard and beyond.
This space by no means contains the full scope of my work, pursuits, and passions, though it’s a sampling of the problem-solving process that I plan to pursue for the rest of my life.
See you on the rock!