Jessica Walsh is the founder and creative director of &Walsh, based in Brooklyn, New York. After turning down Apple to intern with Paula Scher, she went on to launch Sagmeister & Walsh at just 24. Known for bold, emotionally resonant work, Jessica champions self-initiated projects, hard work, and inclusive platforms like Ladies, Wine & Design that empower underrepresented creatives.
Can you tell us a little about your first few steps in your career. Was there a moment or experience when you realised this was what you'd do as a career?
After graduating from RISD, I turned down a job at Apple to instead intern for Paula Scher. I worked there for many months before I landed a job as an art director at Print magazine. I started working there in 2008 when the economy crashed and the magazine’s budgets were slashed for illustration and photography. I’ve always approached constraints and hurdles to be interesting obstacles. I taught myself photography and set design and started creating a lot of the cover and interior artwork for the magazine.
This was also where I developed my colorful handcraft set design style. After Print, I started working at Stefan Sagmeister’s studio where I immediately took on all aspects of projects: ideation, client management, design, and production. I was also handling the business side, from contracts and invoicing to hiring. After a few years, he offered me a partnership. At 24, it might seem bold, but I'd been designing professionally since I was 12, so by 24, I had 12 years of experience and knew I was ready. I negotiated the partnership over several months, and that’s when the studio became Sagmeister & Walsh.
What lessons from your career have most shaped your style and approach?
Tell us about the core values or philosophies that guide your creative practice.
What needs to change, so emerging and under-represented creative professionals have more opportunity, are seen and heard?
Looking ahead, what do you think are the key factors that will influence change for creative professionals?
Tell us some of your favourite, creative professionals and inspiring places in your city!
Debbie is not only an amazing designer, author and teacher; but an amazing human. I have so much respect for what she does for the design world and how much she constantly gives to the community.
Shantell’s work is lovely and iconic and has always resonated with me. I don’t buy much art because I don't have that many places to put it, but I do have one of her pieces. I have much respect for people like Shantell who carve out such a unique style that when you see the work, you immediately know it's that person.
Mona Chalabi takes complex information and conveys it in digestible ways that explains all types of important and sometimes difficult topics. Her work is really important and makes an impact on the world, and I’m a big fan and admirer.
Timothy is an amazing, impactful designer and artist, and also a longtime friend! He elevates really important, difficult topics in a beautiful way that invites everyone to share and talk about them.
What should emerging creative professionals keep in mind as they begin their design career?
Emerging designers should remember that skill and talent are only part of the equation—passion, persistence, and curiosity matter just as much, if not more. Don’t be afraid to experiment, make mistakes, and create a lot of bad work before you find your voice. Stay focused on the kind of work you want to be doing, not just what you think will get you hired.
Be proactive: create self-initiated projects, reach out to people you admire, and look for opportunities to learn. Most importantly, don’t wait for permission—start making things now and let your work speak for you.
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