Meet Debra Jason | Alcohol Ink Artist, Copywriter & Speaker

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

Hi Debra, what principle do you value most?
I strongly value connection and relationships. Therefore, one of the most important priorities in my life is my family and friends. Being with them brings me such joy. I believe life is about building and nurturing relationships – without them, the world would be a lonely place. Family and friends have been there for me through good times and bad, celebratory times and sad ones.

More than once they have told me that I am the “glue that holds them together.” From those I’ve known since childhood to my adult relationships formed in college and beyond, I am fulfilled by keeping those connections going (and going).

In addition, new relationships blossom when I connect my family/friends with one another at social gatherings. I am a big believer in staying connected and reaching out to show others that I value them (i.e., with phone calls and/or handwritten notes). I don’t know where I’d be without the treasured relationships in my life. I am abundant in loving relationships with family and friends and VERY grateful for each one.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
The journey of how I got to where I am today began in approximately 2018 when I first learned about alcohol inks. I wanted to let my inner artist, out so I bought a set of inks and sat down to paint. However, I had no idea what I was doing and therefore, I wasn’t pleased with my creations. I later learned of an artist who taught a class in painting with alcohol inks and I signed up. Alas, I still wasn’t thrilled with the final results. Therefore, I put the inks aside thinking, “I’ll try it again another day.”

About two years flew by and the alcohol inks sat on a shelf. Until the pandemic hit. I decided to pull out the alcohol inks again. This time there were videos on YouTube and FB groups for alcohol ink artists. After watching others and seeing the variety of techniques, I decided I would play and experiment with technique and color. And, this time, not judge the results.

When I posted some of the images online, not only did I receive a ton of positive, encouraging feedback, but someone asked if they could purchase one of my paintings. That’s when I took it a step further and looked into turning the paintings into earrings, notecards, journals, ornaments, pendants and silk scarves. Hence, Creative Whispers of the Heart was born.

To me, an interesting thing about my artistic journey, is that I started college as a fine arts major. However, I changed my major because, back then, I felt I couldn’t draw a person, a landscape, still life, etc. I thought that, when I got into art class, they’d “find me out” and I’d feel like an impostor. Sound familiar to anyone? Fast forward decades later and here I am, an abstract alcohol ink artist.

My objective as an artist, is that those who view my artwork will find a special piece that not only speaks to their heart, but inspires and brings them joy.

Since beginning the journey, my alcohol ink artwork has been displayed at R Gallery in Boulder, CO, The Great Frame Up and Danish Furniture Store in Longmont, CO. Several pieces (along with my note cards, journals and hand-painted silk scarves and ornaments) hang in Timbalier Gifts in Lafayette, CO. One of my abstract paintings, “Whispering Silver Tides,” received Honorable Mention in an abstract competition hosted by “Art & Color 365” magazine. In addition, I’ve blended my love of art and writing by publishing “Artful Relaxation” the cover story featured in the International Spa Association’s “Pulse” publication (print & online).

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
When my BFF arrives in Boulder, I would take her for breakfast at the Chautauqua Dining Hall. Then, we’d go for a hike in Chautauqua Park up the Mesa Trail and finish it with a drive up Flagstaff Mountain to soak up the majestic views of Boulder from the Sunrise Amphitheater. Speaking of amphitheaters, a trip to Red Rocks would definitely be on the itinerary. Even if there wasn’t a concert being performed that day/evening, it is a great spot for amazing views of Denver and beautiful trails to hike.

Since dancing is one of my happy places, if it was summer, I would want us to attend live outdoor events such as Bands on the Bricks in Boulder or Rock and Rails in Niwot. Both feature great music where one can dance the night away to the likes of Hazel Miller & The Collective, Chris Daniels & The Kings, and more.

If time allowed, we could drive to Rocky Mountain National Park and hike the trail to Bear Lake, maybe see some elk or moose along the way. Or, we could drive up to Nederland to one of my favorite trails, Caribou Ranch Open Space. Depending on the season, there are beautiful wildflowers in the spring and golden aspen trees in the fall.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My parents were the first entrepreneurial role models I had. My vivacious mother was a go-getter and started her own real estate firm with five of her girlfriends. My father, a hard-working, dedicated CPA, ran his own accounting firm until he passed in 2004. My parents are the two people who inspired, supported, and loved me through thick and thin. They are always in my heart and with me in spirit every step along the way.

When it comes to my artistic journey, I owe a shout out to my friend Karen Griffard-Putz. In approximately 2017 or ’18, she started painting with alcohol inks and seeing how the colors came alive in her work inspired me to give the medium a try. At first, I wasn’t happy with the results of my artistic endeavor, but at the height of the pandemic, when stay-at-home orders were in place, I pulled out the alcohol inks again and have never looked back. That’s how my art business, Creative Whispers of the Heart, was born. I also want to give a shout out to the Alcohol Ink Art Community where I have developed wonderful relationships with fellow alcohol ink artists who continually inspire and challenge me to step outside my creative comfort zone.

When I began my copywriting business in 1989, I was very fortunate to have had two inspiring copywriting mentors. While attending a copywriting course at New York University with veteran copywriter Milt Pierce, he believed in and encouraged my talent. He introduced me to the incomparable Eugene Schwartz, author of “Breakthrough Advertising” (considered a “bible” in the world of direct marketing), who inspired and guided me not only in all things copywriting, but in my efforts as a solopreneur when I started my business, The Write Direction.

Last but not my least, shout outs go to my two brothers, family, friends and many colleagues who have not only supported my creative and artistic efforts, but have been there for me on this roller-coaster ride called life.

Website: https://CreativeWhispersoftheHeart.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativewhispersoftheheart/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debrajason/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/debrajason

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/creativewhispersoftheheart

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DebraAJason

Other: Redbubble: https://www.redbubble.com/people/creativewhisper/shop?asc=u My copywriting website: https://WriteDirection.com My speaking website: https://DebraJason.com My marketing book: https://MillionaireMarketingonaShoestringBudget.com “Artful Relaxation” (the article I wrote about the benefits of hanging art in spas: https://pulse.experienceispa.com/mag/0820497001698840623/p26 My silk scarves have been featured on Dharma Trading Company’s website: https://www.dharmatrading.com/featured/948/