Design Thinking

FALL 2019 EDITION

A DIVINE ENTHUSIAST EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

TESSA GILLETT

Tessa Gillett is an American graphic designer, visual artist, and creative director based in Chicago, IL. Gillett's work centers on identity and wellness, with an emphasis on design. She merges a variety of disciplines including, graphic design, fashion, and illustration to create compelling and authentic experiences.

Born and raised on the Southside of Chicago, Gillett began drawing at an early age. As a child, Gillett used the apartment walls as a canvas, coloring the walls with crayons before the age of 5.

In high school, Gillett took an interest in design, communication, and acting. At the age of 17, Gillett was the co-host for a Hip-Hop college radio program at the University of Illinois at Chicago, interviewing Chicago's up-incoming Hip Hop talent. Gillett also studied Method and Meisner techniques while auditioning for small plays in both high school and college.

In 2013, Gillett graduated from Illinois State University with a Bachelor of Science in Arts Technology. Gillett worked as an intern with Major League Baseball producing social media graphics, ad mockups, and more. Upon completion of her internship, Gillett continued to work with creative brands as a freelance designer. In 2015, she was a selected artist to design a tour poster of J. Cole's 2014 Forest Hills Drive tour.

“I don’t chase perfection. I chase quality.”

INTENTIONAL DESIGN / REFINED APPROACH

Tessa continues to navigate the complex spectrums of design with her latest project, Teacups Brand, an apparel brand derived from the concept of balance and wellness that’s catered to the modern day multidimensional woman. Learn more about Gillett’s process and how she developed the Teacups Brand.