Behind the Frame: An Interview with Jilly Jack Designs
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Time to read 3 min
For this edition of Behind the Frame, we’re stepping into the festive, vintage-inspired world of Jilly Jack Designs — where holiday magic meets midcentury charm. Illustrator Jill Broadhacker invites us on a nostalgic journey through tinsel-trimmed memories and retro hues that bring the golden age of design back to life. From Pyrex patterns to Santa mugs, Jill’s art captures the timeless joy of gathering, celebrating, and finding beauty in the small, sentimental details that make each season shine.
Jilly Jack Designs | Vintage Christmas Gumball Machine Floating Framed Canvas in Elm (Front View)
Jilly Jack Designs | Vintage Christmas Gumball Machine Floating Framed Canvas in Elm (Side View)
"My parents were always the hosts for our family parties... These are special memories, and I love portraying that warm, nostalgic feeling in my Christmas art."
How do you structure your day?
Nothing happens before I have coffee. I take a look at my social media and post if I have something to share. I walk my dog, Ruby. If I have a project, I’ll dive right into it. If not, I’ll look through my photos on my phone for inspiration and sketch and doodle until something sparks my interest.
What are you working on at the moment?
I’m always working on Christmas illustrations. As an artist who concentrates on creating for the stationery, party ware and home decor industries, Christmas art is king. Luckily, it’s my favorite subject matter!
Jilly Jack Designs | Sleigh Truck with Christmas Phrases Black Framed Print Under Glass (Front View)
Jilly Jack Designs | Sleigh Truck with Christmas Phrases Black Framed Print Under Glass (Side View)
"As an artist who concentrates on creating for the stationery, partyware and home decor industries, Christmas art is king."
How do you approach creative roadblocks?
If I’m stumped on a piece, I feel it’s best to step away. I either work on something else, or take a “field trip” to an antique store or gift shop. A nature walk works too.
Where do you find inspiration? What trends inspire your current work?
I’m inspired by vintage items. I love collecting Pyrex bowls, vintage cameras, Santa Claus mugs and more. In addition, my dad has an amazing flower garden in his backyard that provides me with a ton of inspiration for my floral illustrations. As far as trends go, I usually add a floral and vintage twist to make it my own. An example would be including trending disco balls that I paired with a vintage roller skate and modern florals (pictured right).
Jilly Jack Designs | Disco Roller Skate Flowers Grey Framed Gicleé Print (Front View)
Jilly Jack Designs | Disco Roller Skate Flowers Grey Framed Gicleé Print (Side View)
How does your background or environment influence your art?
My love for vintage-inspired Christmas art comes from my childhood family Christmas gatherings. My parents were always the hosts for our family parties; therefore, our home was always decked out for the holidays. These are special memories, and I love portraying that warm, nostalgic feeling in my Christmas art.
How has your artistic style evolved, and why do you think it has changed?
I started my creative career as a graphic designer. When I started illustrating, my style had more clean lines, flat art and included a lot of typography. I still work digitally, but I’ve developed a more hand-drawn look, thanks to the iPad, iPencil and Procreate. The majority of my illustrations lean on the more realistic side, yet have a whimsical and vintage spin.
Jill’s artwork reminds us that inspiration often begins with memories near and dear to our hearts — the glow of a Christmas tree, the laughter of family, the shimmer of vintage glassware on the table. Through her nostalgic lens, she keeps the spirit of the holidays alive year-round, blending the past and present into art that feels both familiar and fresh. To explore more of her whimsical world, visit Jilly Jack Designs and immerse yourself in the charm of yesteryear.
Shop the Jilly Jack Designs collection
Jill Broadhacker is the artist behind Jilly Jack Designs. She is a midwesterner based in Westfield, Indiana. She has a background in graphic design, working on projects for national brands, stationery design and letterpress printing. Jill now focuses on illustration that is light-hearted with a nostalgic flair. She loves incorporating vintage items into her illustrations. You can definitely tell what she collects when you see her artwork.
