The Art of Personalization: Hand-Painted Monograms, Custom Fashion, & My Collaboration with Clare V.

Where art, fashion, and individuality meet  

        Since September 2024, I’ve had the incredible honor of working as a monogram artist for Clare V., bringing my hand-painted lettering to the brand’s beautiful leather goods and, most importantly, to its wonderful community.

Founded by designer Clare Vivier in 2008, Clare V. has created a world that effortlessly blends laid-back Los Angeles style with Parisian charm. The brand is playful, sophisticated, distinctive, and never afraid of personality—all qualities that make it such a natural fit for the work I love to do.

As an artist, I have always believed in the power of self-expression. There is something special about taking an already beautiful piece and making it uniquely yours. Through hand-painted monograms and iconic Clare V symbols (lips and hearts), I get to transform Clare V. pieces into something even more personal for the people who carry them.

One of my favorite parts of this collaboration is seeing a client's reaction when I hand their finished piece back to them. Their face lights up, they smile, and suddenly the bag they loved already feels even more like theirs. Those little moments of connection are incredibly gratifying to me. They remind me why I continue doing this work.

I also deeply appreciate being able to collaborate with a brand that values creativity, individuality, craftsmanship, and community. There is something empowering about seeing artists and makers celebrated as part of the Clare V. experience. As an independent artist and small business owner myself, that means so much to me.

A Journey I Never Could Have Planned

          Becoming part of the Clare V. family also gives me an opportunity to reflect on how far my own creative journey has taken me. I have been a freelance designer and artist since 2012. When I began, there was no roadmap, starter kit, mentor, or clear sense of where this path would lead. There was simply a hope that I could use my creativity and skills to help support my family while doing something meaningful.

That same year, I began homeschooling my two children, so entrepreneurship and motherhood grew alongside one another. In those early years, I didn't always understand the value of my work. I underpriced myself. I sometimes worked for free. I learned through trial and error, took opportunities as they came, and slowly began building relationships and discovering where my creativity could take me. Looking back, even those early experiences that felt small became stepping stones.

In 2017, I was introduced to the world of customizing leather goods, and it opened a creative door I never anticipated. I discovered how beautifully art and fashion could intersect and how something as simple as a painted detail could completely change the relationship someone has with an object.

Over the years, I have continued to be drawn back to customization, fashion, leather goods, and luxury experiences. At this point, I don't think that's an accident. I believe there is something larger unfolding through this part of my creative journey.

Meeting Clare

        One of the most meaningful moments of this collaboration happened recently when I had the opportunity to meet Clare Vivier herself at the Clare V. Seattle UVillage location—my home store. It was such a special, full-circle moment.

As a woman, mother, artist, designer, and entrepreneur, I found it incredibly inspiring to stand in a space created from another woman's vision and see what that vision has grown into. Clare was warm, kind, and down-to-earth. Meeting her made me appreciate the community surrounding the brand even more.

It reminded me that behind every creative business is a person who once had an idea and decided to follow it.

And perhaps that is one of the things I love most about being an artist: you never really know where your creativity will lead you.

Today, I am incredibly proud to be one of the artists helping bring personalization to the Clare V. brand and community. Some may think these are just simple letters, but I know I'm painting more than a monogram. I'm helping someone make it their own. And every time I pick up my brush, paint another Clare V. piece, and hand it back to its owner, I am reminded just how grateful I am that this unexpected creative journey continues to unfold.

Let's Create Something Together

       If you're part of the Clare V. community, I would love to meet you at an upcoming monogram event and help make your favorite piece uniquely yours.

I also accept private commissions, transforming luxury bags and special pieces into one-of-a-kind works of art. From Goyard and Louis Vuitton to other treasured items, I offer hand-painted monograms, signature stripes, florals, pet portraits, and custom artwork designed to make your piece uniquely you.

For brands, designers, and creative teams, I'm always open to meaningful collaborations—From bespoke hand-painted collections and live personalization experiences to custom artwork, and memorable brand activations.

Have an idea? Let's create something special together. Reach out through my website to inquire about commissions, events, and collaborations, or follow along on Instagram at @jeslillyart.

With love,
Jes Lilly