We were lucky to catch up with Jessica Delvo recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Jessica, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
I knew exactly what I wanted to do in high school. Graphic design wasn’t just a career path—it was my thing, the thing that made me light up, the thing I could lose myself in for hours. Straight out of school, I landed a job in the field, ready to take on the world.
At first, it felt like everything was falling into place. I learned new software, took on bigger projects, and found myself in rooms with professionals who pushed me harder than I had ever been pushed. Some of them were tough—tough on my work, tough on my ego. But instead of breaking me, it made me better. I learned to take criticism without letting it define me. I learned to separate myself from my work just enough to grow from it.
Then came the job loss—the big one. The kind that shakes your confidence and makes you question everything. I had been making good money, contributing to something bigger, thinking I was secure. And then, just like that, I wasn’t. It hit hard. But in the middle of the uncertainty, one thought kept coming back to me: If I could make money for someone else using my skills, I could do it for myself.
That was the shift. That was the moment I stopped waiting for someone else to give me a seat at the table and decided to build my own.
As I built The Creative Dove, I realized something: my love for photography wasn’t separate from my design work—it was an extension of it. My clients didn’t just need a logo or a website; they needed a brand, a story, a presence that felt real. Photography gave me another tool to help them show up authentically, to create something cohesive and impactful. And from there, it grew. Branding turned into marketing, which turned into public relations, which turned into so much more.
But the real magic? It wasn’t just in the work itself. It was in the relationships. I never wanted to treat my clients like just another project in a pipeline, some plug-and-play transaction. I wanted to understand them—their passion, their vision, the why behind what they do. Because that’s what I wanted for myself, too.
The Creative Dove was born from that journey—from the late nights figuring things out, from the moments of doubt that I pushed through, from the lessons I refused to let go to waste. It’s more than a business. It’s proof that setbacks don’t define me—what I do next does. And now, every brand I help build, every story I help tell, is a reminder of why I started in the first place.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Creativity has always been the driving force in my life. From the moment I could hold a pencil, I was sketching, designing, and dreaming up ways to bring ideas to life. That passion led me straight into the world of graphic design right out of high school, where I honed my skills crafting everything from logos and business cards to billboards and websites for major companies. Over the years, my creative journey expanded, and so did my expertise—branding, marketing, public relations, and photography became natural extensions of my work.
Originally from the East Coast, I made my home in Williston, North Dakota, in 2012 with my husband, Brandon, and our two children, Elias and Violet. In this growing and evolving community, I found the perfect place to launch The Creative Dove, my design and photography studio. Here, I don’t just create visuals—I build identities. I work with businesses and entrepreneurs to craft brands that tell their stories in a meaningful, authentic way. I believe in treating clients like people, not just projects, and that personal connection makes all the difference.
My passion for storytelling doesn’t stop at design. As a photographer, I capture the essence of people, places, and brands through a lens that focuses on authenticity and emotion. Whether it’s branding photography for businesses or personal portraits that freeze a moment in time, my goal is always to create something timeless and impactful.
Beyond my professional work, I’m deeply committed to fostering creativity in my community. As President of the Board for Harmonic Creative World, I help make music and art more accessible to young artists. I also stay involved in initiatives like Brew Your Business, the Scouts of America Marketing Committee, and the ND Women’s League of Voters—all efforts that align with my belief in empowering others and strengthening connections.
Most recently, I stepped into a new role as Managing Editor of the Williston Graphic, a local newspaper dedicated to telling the stories that matter in our community. Journalism, in many ways, is another extension of what I love—giving people a voice, capturing history as it happens, and shining a light on the stories that shape our world.
At the heart of everything I do—whether it’s design, photography, branding, or storytelling—is a desire to create something that lasts. To help others see their vision come to life. To turn ideas into reality. And to always keep growing, learning, and inspiring.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, three key qualities have been the most impactful in my journey: Resilience, Adaptability, and Relationship-Building.
1. Resilience – Pushing Forward Through Challenges
The path to building a creative career isn’t always smooth. I’ve faced tough feedback, job losses, and moments of doubt. But each setback taught me something valuable. Losing a big job was devastating, but it also opened my eyes to the fact that if I could make money for someone else using my skills, I could do it for myself.
Advice: Failure is part of the process. Instead of seeing it as a stop sign, view it as a lesson. Stay committed to your craft, take criticism as fuel for growth, and don’t be afraid to take risks. The more you push through, the stronger and more confident you’ll become.
2. Adaptability – Learning and Expanding Beyond Comfort Zones
Graphic design was my foundation, but my career didn’t stop there. I had to learn new software, step into photography, take on branding and marketing, and eventually even public relations. The more I stretched beyond my comfort zone, the more valuable I became.
Advice: Never stop learning. Take on projects that challenge you, even if you don’t feel completely ready. Learn from mistakes, invest in skill development, and keep evolving with industry trends. The ability to adapt will keep you relevant and open doors you never expected.
3. Relationship-Building – Connecting Beyond Transactions
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that business is personal. Treating clients like people, not just numbers in a system, has built loyalty and trust. That trust has led to referrals, collaborations, and long-term success.
Advice: Focus on genuine connections. Take the time to understand your clients’ needs and stories. Listen more than you talk. Business isn’t just about delivering a service—it’s about creating an experience that makes people want to come back and recommend you to others.
For those just starting, remember: Success isn’t just about talent—it’s about persistence, continuous learning, and meaningful relationships. Stay patient, stay hungry, and keep showing up.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed, I focus on staying grounded and reconnecting with what truly matters—my family. No matter how busy my day gets, I always make time for dinner and put my kids to bed. Those moments remind me of my “why” and help me stay centered.
One thing I want my kids to remember is this: their mom was successful, but she always made time for them. Success doesn’t mean sacrificing what matters most. Balancing work with family is my priority, and that’s the legacy I want to leave.
Advice: When life gets hectic, make sure you carve out time for the people and moments that ground you. Family is everything, and they’ll always be there to remind you of what’s truly important.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thecreativedove.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecreativedovephotodesign/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheCreativeDove/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thecreativedove/
Image Credits
Desirea Colwell
Krystle R Photography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
