ABOUT

Head shot of Joana with whimsical illustrations

It all started when…

I fell in love.  Quite literally –  I designed my own engagement ring and realized then just how much I loved designing.  This site was started a short time later to provide me with a public forum where I could post my designs, talk about the design process, and share where I found my inspiration.   At the time, I was focused solely on jewelry design.  In short order, I found myself juggling a career as a professional orchestra musician (I’m a violist) while working as a Design Associate for a custom jeweler in Milwaukee, WI.

In 2008 with the economy tanking and my husband and I struggling to make our long-distance marriage work, I researched jewelry jobs in NYC where my husband was working.  Not surprisingly, the luxury industries were suffering and jewelry jobs were scarce.  Furthermore, I wanted everyone to be able to purchase and enjoy my designs, not just those who could afford the high price-tag of a finished piece of jewelry.

Today…

My husband and I live in Manhattan.  I split my time equally between my musical freelancing and creating whimsical fashion-based illustrations.  Josephine is my muse.  You can read more about her here.  In my free time, I travel around the city with my camera seeking inspiration and documenting the beauty I see around me.

My Mission?

To leave the world a slightly better place.