Studio & Product Suite of Photos featuring JAK Designs
Meet JAK Designs —
JAK Designs is a socially responsible and eco-conscious endeavor that began in 1997 in a tiny rooftop studio apartment in San Francisco’s Mission District. After almost two decades of traveling the country and showing their work at juried art shows, Jen and Tanya opened their own shop in beautiful Kennebunkport, Maine in 2015.
JAK knitwear is created manually, using a bed of 200 needles and an array of hand tools, with thorough attention to detail and quality, using natural, organic, and sustainable yarns.
Jen designs every piece in each collection. She and Tanya then contemplate yarns, colors and which of them has the time, inclination and skill to make it work. They have five talented assistants who help create their fine knits. A day in the studio includes knitting, washing, steaming and sewing. And about 100 additional tasks, including preparing delicious vegetarian meals.
Jen and Tanya are dedicated to preserving the environment while acting responsibly in their own community. JAK Designs was certified as a green business in 2006.
Other amazing gifts in the JAK store (pictured below) are created by American artists that Jen and Tanya have met and admired along their journey. They are committed to fair pay, while supporting women, people of color, and low-income artisans. Their artisan gallery is located @ 25 Dock Square, Kennebunkport, ME 04046. Open daily from May through December, and by appointment all year.
Learn more at: www.JAKDesigns.com
JAK Designs are MCA Guild Level members & event sponsors. See them this weekend (October 23 + 24th) at the Brunswick Guild Fine Craft Show at the Fort Andross Mill Complex.
Why a photoshoot? — Jen & Tanya wanted to update their JAK website and social media with these new photos. We are happy to hear they are thrilled with Michael’s work and look forward to future collaboration opportunities!
Content Creator: Michael D. Wilson
Driven almost entirely by curiosity Michael D Wilson wants nothing more than to connect with people and show what it is that makes them unique individuals. Michael is passionate about photography and is forever in search of people that are equally as passionate about their lives and work. He always says “The best part about photography is an excuse to meet new people and learn something from them.” After a half-decade of assisting photographer, Martin Schoeller, Michael and his partner settled in Maine. Maine and New England provide endless opportunities for interesting and inspiring assignments as well as potential personal projects.
Jen & Tanya took this project even further by hiring Michael for additional lifestyle photos of their work! You will see these photos in print advertisements in magazines such as Downeast, on JAKDesigns.com & on social media:
The Onion Foundation
The 2021 Maine Craft Content Project is generously funded by the Onion Foundation. With their funding the Maine Crafts Association provided eight Maine craft artists with new online content to support their practices, tell their stories and grow their businesses.
MCA thanks the Onion Foundation for their support of our efforts and artists as well as the many other Maine-based initiatives and organizations they fund!
The Maine Crafts Association is a 501(c)(3) which builds upon Maine’s rich craft traditions by nurturing a vibrant, supportive, inclusive craft community with educational programs and resources.
Our ability to accomplish our mission and help artists thrive is reliant on individual contributions.