Meet Jessie Fliss | Pet Portrait Artist & Account Executive

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessie Fliss and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessie, what do you think makes you most happy? Why?
Painting pets and showcasing their unique personalities. Whether it’s a thoughtful present for a pet parent or a way to memorialize a pet, it makes me so happy to be able to gift a portrait of someone’s beloved companion. I’ve painted dogs, cats, horses, goats… you name it. I always have a smile on my face as I bring a blank canvas to life, full of color, expression and love.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have always loved animals, especially dogs. I owned a dog treat business, Down Dog Snacks, for several years and was able to showcase my creativity through the bright, attractive packaging and fun flavor names. Peanut Buddha Bones. Peas, Love & Carrots. Sweet Pawtato Pups. And, I was an Art Major in college, so art and dogs always played a big part of my life.
Having gone through some recent life changes, I turned to my art and painting as a therapeutic way to lose myself and create happiness. Friends and family kept encouraging me and providing so much support, pushing me to start a business.

I recently launched an etsy shop, and am slowly building a following on IG and FB. People love their pets. They love talking about their pets, sharing their quirks and showing pictures (lots and lots of pictures), past and present. And, I have the great fortune to create portraits in colorful palettes, capturing their favorite moments and memories.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m an AVID hiker and love adventuring. So, to the mountains we go! I usually take friends to Guanella Pass if we’re adventuring for the day and head to Idaho Springs for post hike drinks and food.

If we have a few days, then off to Crested Butte. Crested Butte has my heart- any season. Skiing, hiking, the wildflowers to the views to the food. Butte Bagels is a must. The best bagels in Colorado by far! The Hideout, Thai Chili 78 and Pitas in Paradise are my other go to’s. A Bar Above for drinks (you must try their Spicy Paloma) and live music is always where I end my night.

I do love exploring Denver though. The food scene and nightlife has changed and grown so much. My absolute favorite hidden gem is the Mango House. I love supporting family owned businesses, especially Urban Burma. I could eat their tea leaf salad and golden triangle salad all day long- both vegan and delicious. City Park Farmer’s Market has some amazing food trucks and vendors. The Easy Vegan is my favorite! Cervantes for local music and Dang for froyo! I can’t get enough of the Botanic Gardens either. I could spend all day there. And, I do love people and dog watching in Wash Park. Getting an iced chai from Wash Perk and walking my golden, Rumi, around the park…. pure bliss.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have always loved painting but it wasn’t until a few years ago that I really got inspired to start painting pets. My 12 year-old chocolate lab, Bear, was aging and I used to just stare at his face, trying to memorize every strand of fur, expression of his and smell. I did a painting of him and poured my soul (and lots of tears) into the finish piece. And that was it. Friends loved it and encouraged me to start Colorfur Designs. I took a pet portrait at the Arvada Center for the Arts to refine some techniques and styles and it’s been a colorfur journey ever since!

Website: www.colorfurdesigns.etsy.com

Instagram: @colorfurdesigns

Facebook: @colorfurdesigns