Meet the people behind Adobe Aqua ✨
For the first feature in our “Behind Adobe Aqua” series, we’re spotlighting one of the talented illustrators helping bring our drawing tutorials to life, Jensen Collins! Through her art, imagination, and love of storytelling, she’s helping inspire creativity for the next generation of young artists.
We sat down with her to talk about her journey into illustration, the challenges and joys of creating art, and what it’s been like helping shape the Aqua experience for kids everywhere.
How did you get into illustration?
Creating art has been an oasis since I was young. As I grew up though, I felt this pressure to move away from it to do something more serious with my life. It wasn’t until I was working my very stable respectable job that my husband asked me ”what job would make you actually happy?” I wishfully said children’s book illustration still believing it could never happen. He surprised me though. He said I should give it a shot because life’s too short to have a job you don’t love. He’s a genius. Because of him I have met so many wonderful people, read their stories, heard their perspectives and filled my life with memories I won’t soon forget.
How did you feel when you illustrated your first book?
That first book was an unexpected whirlwind. I had accomplished what I waited so long for. However in the same moments, I found out how much I didn’t understand. It was exhilarating, exhausting and terrifying all at the same time. I’ve since had the joy of working on many more books and projects. I know so much more now, and yet a lot of the same feeling are still there. The act of creating something and putting it out there for everyone else is daunting. However that feeling is how we know that it matters. If it meant nothing our hearts wouldn’t be so invested.
What is hard about drawing for you?
Getting started. We live in a world full of distractions and the pressure for perfection. So the biggest challenge is always carving out time and then letting myself enjoy it.
What is your favorite thing to draw? In my children’s illustrations it’s always adorable animals doing the unexpected. Whether that’s getting into mischief, wearing overalls, or learning to dance, you’ll see it throughout my work. However my absolute passion is painting sunrises/sunsets.
What advice do you have for kids (and grown ups) who also love to draw and want to be like you?
First, stick with it. Second and more importantly be kind to yourself. Some days you’ll create and feel like Michelangelo. The next day you’ll create and wonder why you even tried. Oddly enough the second day is actually the most important. That’s the day you will learn the most about your art and about yourself. If you give up on that day though, you’ll never know the amazing artist you were meant to be.
What’s it been like working with the Aqua team and using the app?
There was a part of me a long time ago that didn’t realize children’s illustrator was a real job. I mean I knew someone had to do it but it just didn’t seem like you could walk up to someone and say “I’m a children’s illustrator.” Working on Project Aqua with this team has felt like that moment all over again. Like realizing a dream could become a reality. It has been an overwhelming joy to be a part of the development of a place for kids to dive into their creativity, connect and have fun all at the same time. It genuinely excites me to see what Project Aqua can grow into.
One of the things we love most about Adobe Aqua is the incredible people behind it: artists, creators, and dreamers who believe creativity should feel welcoming, joyful, and accessible.
Huge thanks to Jensen for sharing her story and reminding us that creativity isn’t about perfection — it’s about showing up, staying curious, and continuing to create. You can follow her here: Instagram | LinkedIn | Website