About
Who Am I?
Hi! My name is Jessica Gardner, but you can call me Jess. I’m a storytelling and communication coach who has helped hundreds of designers tell better stories. I understand what a struggle it is to present your work confidently, and I want to make it easier for you.
Storyteller: I love telling stories in my sessions, in the classroom, in workshops, in my writing, and socially with family or friends.
Teacher: This means I can make complex tasks manageable, give encouraging feedback, and explain ideas clearly.
Listener: I have decades of experience supporting others as a coach, teacher, mentor, colleague, admin, friend, wife, big sister, oldest daughter, and auntie.
What Makes Me Unique?
Not in the industry: It’s true that I can’t give you insider knowledge about big tech companies, but I can offer a different type of expertise that most designers and managers don’t have. I can teach you (not just tell you) how to share your story confidently and clearly.
One-woman show: I’m not running a big, expensive community or pushing through hundreds of grads a quarter. I’ll work with you – individually and patiently, on your schedule, providing feedback until you reach your goals.
Love to help the underdogs: Are you an introvert? A non-native English speaker? A procrastinator? A rambler? No problem. We all have different struggles and different talents. I will use mine to help you succeed faster.
Why Did I Become A Storytelling & Communication Coach?
Supporting others: I believe everyone deserves to feel seen and have their story heard. I love being able to help my clients find their voices and shine.
New way to teach: Online education is the future, and I wanted to find a new way of helping people succeed outside the traditional education system.
Living my best life: Being a storytelling and communication coach is the perfect blend of all my skills, experience, and interests. It’s my ideal job!
Where Do I Get My Expertise?
Formal education: B.A. in Studio Art/Art History which taught me the basic principles of visual design and how to talk about it. M.A. in Teaching English as a Second Language which taught me about cross-cultural communication, how to present information clearly, and how to give encouraging feedback.
Informal education: I regularly read books, attend conferences, and follow design communication leaders on LinkedIn, so I can give my clients the most up-to-date and useful advice on how to share their work.
Membership: I’m a member of some well-respected design organizations, such as AIGA, ADPList, and Women Talk Design.
Experience: I’ve gathered a lot of experience in my many years of teaching, coaching, giving workshops, making case-study videos, and creating resources for designers. Check out my LinkedIn profile for details.
Ten Fun Facts About Me:
- My favorite type of story is sci-fi/fantasy.
- I’m originally from rural Minnesota, but I’ve lived in the San Francisco, CA area for 20 years.
- I still enjoy art as a hobby, especially working with metal and glass.
- My strengths: I’m analytical, patient, logical, creative, persuasive, kind, and organized.
- In my free time, I seek out new adventures through cooking, reading, hiking, and traveling.
- Zodiac: I’m a Virgo and a Fire Dragon. Can you tell?
- I do all my own web design, graphic design, and video editing.
- I’ve traveled to 14 countries, and I’m always hoping to add to that list.
- I actually enjoy giving presentations and workshops because I like to connect with people.
- I work from home in Santa Clara with my husband, Adam, and our two cats.
Got More Questions?
Now you know a bit about me, but I’d like to know about you too. Send me an email to say hi or ask a question!