Photo by Emma K

Hi, I’m Jen Kruch. I’m an illustrator, designer, tarot enthusiast, and at-large tinkerer. I grew up on a steady diet of Maurice Sendak, fantasy novels, and Doritos. Like many children of the 80s, I continue to draw inspiration from the picture books, games of make-believe, and general spirit of anarchy of my childhood.

In the winter of 2012, I created the Frau Grand Duchess Tarot, which is comprised of collage works from both current and vintage magazines that I had been hoarding for more than a decade.

In 2013 I started Shipwright & Co. with longtime friend Jessie Alberts in Napa, California. Letterpress wedding invitations created through Shipwright & Co. have been featured in various publications. The Shipwright & Co. legacy continues with Jessie at the helm, and although I still contribute to projects occasionally, I miss letterpress printing very much.

In 2018 my family and I drove from the West Coast to the Midwest, landing in “the Pinky” of northwestern Michigan. My husband Levi, our son Arthur, two dogs, a rotating cast of chickens, and I are living out our country homesteading dreams on 27 acres in scenic Benzie County.

We have big ideas for the future, including hosting an artist residency. We are (finally) building a real studio, and are always looking for leads on a letterpress, loom, kiln, and a potter’s wheel, even though we probably have nowhere to put them. We are also interested in the fate of Gwen Frostic’s historic studio and would love to connect with folks interested in the future of that important Benzie County landmark. If you are also deeply touched by Gwen’s work and would like to connect, please use the contact page to get in touch.