Meet Jovahnna Anderson | Illustrator, Musician & Mother

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

Hi Jovahnna, what’s the most important thing you’ve done for your children?
I have an 18 month old daughter who inspires my art and my work everyday which allows me to continue to develop my craft and fuels my artistic passions and ideas. She’s constantly surrounded by music and the creative arts which not only gives her the confidence to express herself and her developing emotions, it also encourages her to explore many mediums of art. That’s the most important impact I can make on her life at this point…and instill within her that practice does not make perfect, but it makes progress.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My artistic career actually began as a professional musician. I am a classically trained soprano with a Bachelor of Music from the University of Arizona and a Master of Music from the University of Denver, both in Vocal Performance. I was actively singing and performing throughout the Southern California region and Rocky Mountain region when Covid-19 brought everything to an abrupt stop. Like countless others, I was let go from my day job and lost all singing engagements. It was during the initial 6-week lock-down in my 350 sq. ft studio apartment that I shared with my husband and dog in San Diego, that I began to draw…a lot. In such an uncertain and scary time I found solace in creating colorful illustrations of characters, animals, landscapes and scenes. It was also during this time that I realized I was actually relieved that I didn’t have to perform (something I had consistently done my entire adult life until that point). All I could think about was drawing.

Now, two-and-a-half years later, my newfound passion for illustrative designs continues to grow. My husband, dog and I moved back to Tucson, bought a house, expanded our family by one daughter and couldn’t be more grateful for the hardships we have overcome together. I am currently working on opening an online shop, and pop-up shop, that specializes in illustrated greeting cards, stationary, decals, stickers, shirts and coffee mugs. My own personal gift shop.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As far as night life goes, The Maverick is by far one of the funnest spots in Tucson for two-steppin’ and live country music.

Food – the most important item on the itinerary. Mexican cuisine is a must at some point during this visit and BK’s Tacos is the perfect stop for a casual, authentic dining experience. Whether its the caramelos, micheladas, or sonoran hot dogs, you really can’t go wrong.

For a nicer sit-down experience I would definitely recommend Piazza Gavi, which offers old-fashioned Italian dishes from pasta to seafood, and of course the best wine.

Tucson also has some really great coffee shops! Black Crown Coffee has delicious hot and cold drinks and is located in the cutest cabin-like setting. The perfect place to study, work, catch-up with friends, or cozy up with a book.

For adventurous friends, Mount Lemmon is a shoe-in for hiking and exploring the mountainous region of Tucson. It’s a fairly short drive with incredible views, camping spots and even a few restaurant options!

The best touristic feature Tucson has to offer is the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. It has a large walking path and features the desert landscape and creatures.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
From the very beginning my husband has encouraged and supported me, both emotionally and financially, to follow my artistic passions. I wouldn’t dare start a creative business without his love and the love of our beautiful daughter.

I would also like to thank my parents for their confidence in me to follow my passions.

Website: pending

Instagram: @reality_jo