Jersey City Spotlight: Jamie Bartolacci

This week we spoke with Jersey City resident Jamie Bartolacci! Starting her designing career by freelancing, she then became a UI designer for a large company while still managing her illustrating and brand designing business at night. She is a big supporter of small businesses in the area and has some great spots!

Tell us about your business! How did it start? Biggest challenge? Favorite part? Where do you see it going?

I went to School of Visual Arts and majored in graphic design. I have always had a love for color and pattern. While in school, I picked up more illustration skills and after working in the design field for a while I started to miss creating with my hands. After doing some illustrations for small businesses in Jersey City, I was approached by Edible Jersey to illustrate a column in every issue. After that, my illustrations kind of took off. The biggest challenge I have right now is keeping up with it with a newborn. I had to take a hiatus from the Instagram page for my drawings but I hope to get back to it in the next few months.

What is your biggest source of inspiration?

I love visiting all the local businesses and walking around and looking at the murals around Jersey City. Seeing new things, meeting new people and trying new foods are a huge source of inspiration. I love to travel. It's an incredible way to meet new people and experience new cultures.

What do you like to do for fun?

I'm a Jersey shore girl at heart and try to get down there as often as I can. On the weekends, I love finding new coffee spots and visiting them with my little family.

Favorite Local Spots: 

- Restaurant - White Star Bar for burgers and fries, Mathew's for brunch and cocktails, and Corto for date night

- Coffee Shop - Dames has been my second cup since giving birth. I love to walk to Hamilton Park with a latte and my daughter and relax

- Place to Shop - Love Locked: Kerry, the owner is one of my favorite people and I wear the jewelry from her store daily. I've been lucky enough to act as ring fairy for a few of my friend's engagement rings from her and it's also a great place for gifts.

- Bar - Dullboy and Lucky 7's, although it's been a bit since lockdown and having a baby

- Outdoor Spot - Hamilton Park: dog run, grass and proximity to Milk Sugar Love

- Honorable Mention - Salvation Wellness: See Andrea for the best massage ever; Paws and Tales for dog playgroup (Curtis is the best)

Connect with Jamie on Instagram and see her work on her website!

Instagram: @jamiebart @placesiveconsumed

Website: www.jamiebart.com