Illustrator Jess Rotter’s work has appeared in publications such as Nylon and Anthem and has caught the eye of bands like They Might Be Giants, The Fever, Rye Coalition, and Martha Wainwright. In 2006, she started a t-shirt line, Jess Rotter And Friends, which pays tribute to her favorite rare albums and artists from the past with whimsical drawings and has garnered significant recognition. Rotter’s day job a record label publicist speaks to the influence music has in her life. GrandLife sits down to speak with Rotter about her work, her inspirations, and successes.

Is art your first love, or do you have another passion?
I have lots of passions, interests, and visuals that tug the heartstrings. I like being able to experience things as a whole by not harshly categorizing art, fashion, and music-for me they are all different levels of inspiration and page turners for stimulation. Of course, personally there is nothing greater than creating works that make people beam and think.

Tell me about yourself, where you live and your background/lifestyle.
I’m from Long Island and have lived in NYC for over nine years. I studied painting at Syracuse University (graduated in 2002) and started my clothing label Rotter and Friends in 2006 which pays homage to nostalgic rare musical heroes of the 1960’s and ’70s. I also have done publicity for rock bands for over 8 years and currently spread the word for artists on Mexican Summer + Kemado Records.

Is there anything about the way you produce your work that you believe to be unique or unusual?
I like that in the past couple of years my illustrations and paintings have a double trouble vibe that plays a role of launch pad for rare musical discovery imagery. It’s a nice marriage of my favorite things: jams and vision.

Who do you feel has influenced art most this century?
I can’t really directly answer a question like that; people are moved by things that they don’t even realize. I think the major influencers are the people that make art for people’s sake and come from a genuine place where they are not creating for the limelight but instead for a mind melt.  Whether it be conceptual, funny, or beautiful, they strive to make it memorable.

Who first influenced you artistically?
I would say I was initially obsessed with art thanks to: The Muppets, Flash Gordon, Marcus Keef, Amsel, Archie Andrews, and Laura Branigan.

Who inspires you?
I come from a family of life warriors and they make me ram on with a full heart. Funnily enough, as I get older, trees really put things into perspective for me. They give off powerful reflective energy that teaches you things with a simple breezy silence.

What role does the artist have in society?
I think it’s important for artists to make people think and move forward with a piece to keep on hand in the brain pocket. Many people are intimidated by art and don’t look for it because there is enough weird TV and Internet stimulation on a daily basis-but it’s a very rewarding event in this time to make something that allows someone to see the world via a silent and challenging experience.

Jess Rotter’s work can be viewed on her website; Rotter and Friends t-shirts are available for purchase here.