GET ON THE WAITLIST!

Dive into a world where art-making is a powerful portal into self-discovery, healing, and radical self-care.


LEARN TO TUNE INTO THE WISDOM THAT'S ALREADY INSIDE YOU, WAITING TO BE UNLEASHED, AND BEGIN TO CHANGE YOUR LIFE – ONE PIECE OF ART AT A TIME.

 

If any of this describes you:

  • You're stuck, overwhelmed, messy, scared, tired, self-critical, unprepared, uncertain, or lost
  • You lack confidence in yourself
  • You want to learn to trust and value yourself more
  • You're hungry for a safe, supportive, non-judgmental space where you can explore your creativity and your inner world 
  • You don't know where to start with making art
  • You want to get back into making art in a simple, no-pressure way
  • Want more play, joy, and peace in your life
  • Want to live more authentically and true to yourself
  • Long to find a community of like-minded creative souls who just get you, without you having to explain yourself

You're in the right place!


Whether you're an experienced artist or a curious beginner – you'll discover the incredible impact art-making can have on your well-being in this course. You'll learn how to make art-making a habit – something you look forward to and that fills you up! – and a place to go for internal guidance, support, and answers whenever you need it. Even if you've never considered yourself an artist!

Unleashed is designed for YOU, exactly as you are. All you need is a curious mind, an open heart, and some basic art supplies. 


There's a part of you that's tired of holding yourself back. 
Something inside you is waiting to be awakened.
You are ready.

Discover your inner truth through making art

What is the Unleashed course experience?


Unleashed is an 8-week highly interactive online course experience. It's you + me on Zoom, getting real and going deep.

The most important thing that you need to know about Unleashed is that you 100% don't need to be an artist to be here.

Everyone is creative. Have you ever been in a room full of 5 year olds? It's alllll creativity, intuition, and freedom. That's still alive inside of you (yes, YOU!), and it's waiting to be remembered and set free!

Each luscious week will include:
  • A LIVE art-making session, where we’ll make art on Zoom together based around guided prompts
  • A LIVE conversation with me, my amazing + wise co-host Becky Hershey, and also some special guests!
  • An exploration into a specific art medium (paint, drawing, collage, etc)
  • An art-making demo video centered on that week's art medium
  • Fun exercises and activities to help you tune into the most authentic and free version of yourself
  • Guided prompts for your art-making exploration throughout the week
  • Reading recommendations + other useful resources
  • Connection with kindred creative spirits in our private community group

During these 8 weeks you'll:
  • Learn to use art as a portal into the wild swirling of your inner world, and then you’re gonna watch your life change, bit by bit, from the inside out
  • Develop a simple, fun, and life-giving art-making practice that you can use as a tool for self-discovery and self-care – a place you can turn to for internal guidance and answers whenever you need it.
  • Strengthen and deepen your relationship with yourself, learning to trust yourself and your own inherent wisdom
  • Learn to be kinder to yourself and doubt yourself less
  • Improve your art-making skills
  • Feel happier, more hopeful, and less alone
  • Be part of a safe, supportive, online community of like-minded, creative people – friends, accountability partners, people who just get you
  • Tap into what’s already inside of you – what’s been there all along and is just waiting to be unleashed
     
And the best part is that you won't be doing any of this alone – we’ll do it together!


No matter where you are on your journey, your soul will find its home here.

"This was an excellent new-to-me concept that I didn’t know was missing from my life. Jessica is so kind and honest and open and provided lots of encouragement. I felt it was very therapeutic and allowed me to be creative in a way I hadn’t previously thought of." – Melanie K.

Are you ready to take action in your own life?


This course is an invitation into yourself. 

An invitation to:

  • Dive in, to get curious, and to be raw, real, and vulnerable
  • Make a commitment to yourself. And keep it.
  • Uplevel your self and your life
  • Face what feels painful and hard
  • Savor what feels joyful and beautiful
  • Shed and transform old beliefs, stories, and habits that are holding you back
  • Build a sustainable and life-giving art-making habit
  • Acknowledge and accept the reality of your life as it happens each day
  • Show up for yourself, because you deserve it

Every day that you choose to sit down quietly with yourself to listen for what's there for you in the moment will strengthen your ability to hear what your inner voice has to say, which will ultimately guide you down your own unique life path.

As you practice, your relationship with your intuition and with yourself will deepen, soften, and expand. And as you expand on the inside, your life will change.  

"I appreciated how Jessica Swift brought her real-life experience of healing from a deep loss to an accessible and encouraging practice for daily art creation. I went to creative places I wouldn't have without her instruction, and I improved my skills in getting creativity out of my head and onto the page. Thank you!"

– Michele M.

In this course you will:

  • Give yourself wild permission
  • Play
  • Grow
  • Give space to the parts of yourself that you don’t allow out anymore, and the parts that you tell yourself you don’t have time for
  • Make creativity and self-discovery a top priority. Even when it feels uncomfortable, irresponsible, scary, and laden with guilt. (Those are the times you just might experience the biggest breakthroughs for yourself, by the way.)
     
ARE YOU READY?? 


During these 8 weeks you’ll begin to see yourself in a new light. You’ll begin to see what’s possible for you, and to discern your own limiting beliefs. And you’ll begin to write new stories and more empowering beliefs for yourself. 

You can change your path. You can change your life. And you can do it simply, beautifully, creatively, one piece of art at a time. When you show up and say yes to YOU, you just might surprise yourself.

“Practice any art, music, singing, dancing, acting, drawing, painting, sculpting, poetry, fiction, essays, reportage, no matter how well or badly, not to get money and fame, but to experience becoming, to find out what’s inside you, to make your soul grow.” – Kurt Vonnegut
GET ON THE WAITLIST!

YOUR GUIDES

Hi, I'm Jess!

ARTIST  |  AUTHOR  |  TEACHER  |  MAMA

I'm your guide here. I'm a painter, surface pattern + fabric designer, and mama in Portland, Oregon. 

I make art because it helps me process my inner world, and I feel better when I do. And I know in my bones it can do the same for you. 

These past five years have been a wiiiiiild ride for me. I've discovered that art-making is like my trusty compass in this crazy journey since my husband died in 2018 (while I was pregnant. And I had a toddler. Omg, right? Life is really weird and hard sometimes). Making art was a lifeline in navigating my way through those days, and it still is today.

And you know what lights my fire? It's helping folks like YOU tap into their wise inner selves and dive into their own transformative artistic experiences. Together, I truly believe we can unlock the door to your next level and unleash your true potential by joining the forces of your intuition and your creativity!

Hi, I'm Becky!


I am thrilled and deeply honored that Jess invited me to join all of you on this powerful journey that is Unleashed.

I said yes to this opportunity because I believe deeply in the expansive power of both art and community, as well as Jess’s innate talent and skill as guide and mentor.


I am a painter and mark maker who found my way home to art as my life’s purpose in 2017 after fifteen wild and intense years as an educator and mental health professional.  I currently reside in a little slice of heaven outside of Philadelphia with my three humans and three cats.

Making art and engaging with a daily creative practice has been and continues to be a lifeline for me as I ride the waves of this experience called life.  Prioritizing time to get creative every day has allowed me to find clarity, navigate a more authentic and compassionate path forward, and build a deeper trust of my inner voice.

I’m here to encourage you to build confidence and trust in yourself, explore your inner knowing, and engage with art in a way that brings insight, healing, and freedom to both your inner and outer worlds.

"Jessica provides wonderful insight into cutting the noise from outside yourself so you can tune into your own messages! It is very open, so you can bring your own experiences, concerns, fears, dreams, thoughts to the class."

– Dawn W.

Creativity deserves to be a priority in your life.
YOU deserve to be a priority in your life.

What if:

  • You gave yourself permission
  • You didn't have to know what you are doing
  • You didn't have to know how to make art
  • You didn't have to have a clear picture or idea of what is going to happen
  • You decided you matter
  • You feel messy, unsure, and exhausted, but you were brave and showed up for yourself anyway
  • You tried something new
  • Today is the day you decide to say YES to yourself

What would your life look like this time next year?
Next month? Next week? Tomorrow?

GET ON THE WAITLIST!
"I found this process so beneficial, a subtle transformation that may lead to big change. I would recommend the class to anyone interested in creative self-expression and that ongoing journey to understand and connect with ourselves and our innate wisdom deep inside, where it can get buried under so much chaos and noise. And negativity. As Jessica pointed out, it is a gift you give yourself to learn to know yourself better (I'm paraphrasing). Totally worth it!"

– Taylor A.

HOW IT WORKS

Each week will be centered around specific art-making mediums and juicy conversations topic to explore, on your own and with the group.


We'll meet LIVE every Tuesday to make art together using guided prompts.

We'll meet LIVE every Friday for a rich conversation on that week's topic.
My amazing friend Becky – artist, mama, and former mental health professional – will be hosting these conversations with me, and her wisdom and heart make you feel like being wrapped up in a warm, safe hug. You'll love her.

Friday live convos will also include Q+As, show + tells, and guest artists! 

All live sessions will be at 10am PST/1pm EST and will last approximately 1.5 hours.


Don't worry if you can't make a live session – all live sessions will be recorded and available to watch at your convenience.

You'll have the opportunity to ask a question live in front of the group during our live Friday conversations as well (which  is one of the best parts of the whole experience!!)

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

We'll be playing with a wide variety of art materials throughout the course. Each week is centered around a different medium, which you're welcome and encouraged to use and explore!

That said, the course is easily adaptable to whatever materials you'd like to use! You don't have to switch mediums each week, you can skip materials that you don't want to use..... you get to make your own rules.

Your supplies do not have to be fancy or extravagant. Use what you have around the house already, or buy new supplies – it's up to you!

Here are some suggested supplies for each medium. (You don't need all of these! Feel free to pick, choose, and skip things.)

COLLAGE

  • Magazines
  • Any other paper (books, newspaper, ephemera, gift wrap, etc)
  • Glue stick (or other glue)
  • Scissors

DRAWING

  • Sketchbook or any kind of paper
  • Markers (any variety)
  • Pens (black or colored)
  • Colored pencils
  • Pencil
  • Posca paint pens

PAINTING

  • Canvases (any size; small is great)
  • Wooden panels (any size; small is great)
  • Paper (watercolor, sketchbook, etc)
  • Acrylic paint
  • Acryla gouache or other gouache
  • Watercolor
  • Posca paint pens
  • Brushes (any size that's appropriate for the surfaces you're using)
  • Palette (a piece of glass works nicely, or freezer paper is a lovely and inexpensive option) 

MIXED MEDIA

  • Canvases (any size; small is great)
  • Wooden panels (any size; small is great)
  • Paper (watercolor, sketchbook, etc)
  • Paint (any kind)
  • Posca paint pens
  • Markers, pens, and pencils
  • Paper ephemera
  • Found objects
  • Anything else you want! (glitter, sequins, lace, fabric, leaves... the sky's the limit)

DIGITAL ART

  • iPad Pro
  • Apple pencil
  • Procreate app
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Wacom tablet

WEEK 1

GETTING ACQUAINTED + TUNING IN 

Weekly Topic: INTUITION + YOUR CREATIVE VOICE
(Get curious!)

WEEK 2

Medium: COLLAGE

Weekly Topic: YOUR AUTHENTIC SELF (Be weird and get weirder!)

WEEK 3

Medium: DRAWING

Weekly Topic: TRANSFORMING LIMITING BELIEFS (Getting out of your own way, and getting in the arena)

WEEK 4

Medium: PAINTING

Weekly Topic: SELF-CARE + HEALING THROUGH ART-MAKING

WEEK 5

Medium: WORKING DIGITALLY

Weekly Topic: THE MAGIC OF BOTH/AND

WEEK 6

Medium: MIXED MEDIA

Weekly topic: SEASONS + CYCLES (What are your natural rhythms, and what season of your life are you currently in?)

WEEK 7

Medium: GO BACK TO YOUR FAVORITE MEDIUM

Weekly Topic: RADICAL ACCEPTANCE (Accepting what IS, even when if feels unacceptable)

WEEK 8

WRAPPING THINGS UP

Weekly topic: BLOOMING, GROWING, AND CHANGING

 

COURSE OUTLINE + SCHEDULE


Unleashed begins on September 8.

Here's what we'll be doing inside each week!
(Click the + to expand and read all about it)

GET ON THE WAITLIST!

Making art is not a frivolous thing. It's vitally important to your health and well-being.

It's scientifically proven that your brain chemistry changes when you're making art! Arts experiences are being prescribed in cutting edge medical settings as part of holistic treatments to help alleviate and heal pain, depression, anxiety, and more.

An art-making practice can be a way into your deepest self and can be a tool for radical self-care. It can teach you about your inner world, it can help you learn to stay calm, to trust yourself, to source your guidance from within rather than from outside yourself. It can help you heal.

"It has been a particularly challenging year for me. But I find that 'hanging out with you and your friends' is very beneficial to my wellbeing." – S.B.

Curious if UNLEASHED is for you?

If you sometimes feel:

  • Depleted
  • Frustrated
  • Anxious
  • Overwhelmed
  • Stuck
  • Self-critical
  • Unworthy
  • Alone
  • Small
  • Like your needs don’t matter 
  • Stressed
  • Spread too thin
  • Lost
  • Disappointed
  • Like you’re not good enough
  • Afraid
  • Like you're holding yourself back

And if you want to feel more:

  • Peaceful
  • Energized
  • Relaxed
  • Confident
  • Empowered
  • Safe
  • Supported
  • Proactive
  • Creative
  • Seen
  • Authentic
  • Calm
  • Hopeful
  • Renewed
  • Connected
  • FREE

 

You belong here.

IF THIS FEELS GOOD FOR YOU, COME JOIN US!

Call yourself forward.
Choose YOU. Uplevel your life.
Now is the perfect moment to begin
tuning into the whisperings of your intuition.

Get on the waitlist to be the first to receive more information
about Unleashed when registration is open again in 2024!

PUT ME ON THE WAITLIST!

How long have you spent denying yourself what you want or need?
How long have you done things the way someone else said you should?
How long have you been playing small?
Felt stuck?
Been unkind to yourself?
Wanted more freedom, play, and joy?
Felt like there's something more for you?

What's the future cost of continuing to ignore what your soul is calling out for you to pay attention to?

How long can you afford to keep holding yourself back?

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

BACK TO THE TOP

I'm Jessica Swift

ARTIST  |  AUTHOR  |  TEACHER  |  MAMA 

Thank you for joining me on this journey of self-discovery through art-making. I can't wait to see what unfolds for you, on the inside and out!