My story

Nelson Art & Design Co. was started by me, Sara Jeffries, as a creative outlet when I wanted to live more slowly and intentionally. I have a background in graphic design, non-profit marketing, and the German language. My artwork is inspired by my travels while living in Germany, a time that changed the way I saw myself and the world and by artwork from the late 1800s.

My creative journey really began as a graphic designer. I studied art in university as a pathway to earn my degree in graphic design. Along the way I had a design job in the fundraising office at my school, Grand Valley State University, and it gave me incredible experience. After a tug on my heart from the Holy Spirit, I changed my major to German, a language and culture I had always loved. Because of that change, I was able to live with a lovely host family and study abroad in Rostock, Germany. Being there allowed me to travel across Europe and see destinations I had always dreamed of: Rome, Paris, London, to name a few.

Fast forward, I landed a marketing job at a non-profit serving the homeless in Grand Rapids, Michigan and worked there up until my second child was born. At which point, we decided that I would be the one to stay home with our two boys. I wanted to continue creating something, but this time not on a screen. There was something so appealing to me about using my hands to create art and the best photographs to reference from were my own from traveling.

And so it began. I’ve been able to explore many different styles and techniques but am loving the European scenes I create. I pray you find something you love too.