Jesse White Illustration

Hello! My name is Jesse.

I’m an illustrator, author, and muralist creating whimsical, wonder-filled work that explores the power of imagination and adventure. Nature is my throughline, a focus that stems from my childhood in rural North Carolina. The time I spent playing by myself in the woods near the Rocky River shows up again and again in my art: a sky full of stars, a moth with brightly colored wings, leaves of all shapes, a quest through the trees.

When I start a project, I ask myself: “How will this piece spark wonder? How will it make people curious?” I believe art is active, so I am always looking for ways to engage the viewer in new ways of seeing or thinking. Projects that inspire learning about local environments and the natural world are particularly special to me. Weaving a sense of fantasy and magic into my work is important to me, too; they are critical tools for pushing our minds and hearts in new directions.

A proud Tar Heel, I graduated summa cum laude from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a BFA in studio art, then earned my master’s in art education from Virginia Commonwealth University. I began my career as an art teacher in Washington, DC, where I also helped design and implement a new district-wide visual art curriculum and develop trauma-informed art education practices.

I now live in Durham, North Carolina. I’m almost always drawing; it’s my very favorite thing to do. Cooking and eating delicious vegan food is a close second! In addition to my work in publishing and public art, I also teach part-time at Learning Outside, an outdoor education program in Chapel Hill. My first author-illustrator picture book, Brave Like Fireweed, is forthcoming in August 2024 from Union Square Kids. You can pre-order it here!

Let’s work together!

Children's Illustration

I specialize in whimsical, wonder-filled illustrations for middle grade and picture books. Projects involving plants, animals, adventures, and a little magic are at the top of my wishlist. I love any opportunity to incorporate hand lettering into my work.
Editorial Illustration

Editorial projects focused on nature, gardening, food (vegetable enthusiast here!), and education or parenting are especially exciting to me. And if you need hand lettering for a cover or interior, I would love to help with that.
Public Art

I create custom, site-specific public art that sparks wonder and curiosity about the spaces around us. A big yes to engaging, imaginative murals inspired by the natural world.
Workshops

Looking for someone to design and lead a unique art making experience for your business, organization, or event? I love putting on my art education hat to create fun and meaningful workshops tailored to your needs.