SELLER SPOTLIGHT: TINY DEER STUDIO
- Cenah
- Sep 6
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 25
Welcome back to Seller Spotlight! I feature creators who put their heart and soul into handcrafting unique art. In a world full of mass-produced goods, I want to make sure artists who make a living doing what they love are getting the recognition they deserve.
This week feels extra special because I really wanted to spotlight a local artist from right here in Portland, OR: Jessica Watkins, the creative force behind Tiny Deer Studio!
THE STORY BEHIND TINY DEER STUDIO
Jessica is a Texas-born Chicana artist whose first spark of inspiration came in the most whimsical way, by discovering tiny vintage bone china deer tucked away in her old apartment. Drawn to all things small, vintage, colorful, and light-filled, Jessica transformed that spark into what we now know as Tiny Deer Studio.
Today, her work blends vintage-inspired geometric designs with dreamy photography that captures the natural beauty of Portland. She also runs The Pin Department with her husband, helping other artists and organizations bring custom goods to life.
Jessica describes herself as “a photographer, designer, entrepreneur, and general creative human” who makes fun things to make you smile, all while cuddling her rescue pups.
THE MAGIC OF HER WORK
Jessica’s shop is a playground of creativity, featuring:
Plant Accessories (from groovy planet hangers to climbing stakes)
She even offers custom portraits (pets and humans!) and wholesale options through Faire, a platform designed to help independent artists like Jessica get their creations into boutiques and shops worldwide. I love how Faire’s mission aligns with Dreamscaping, supporting creativity while keeping small business values at the forefront.
Jessica also makes use of every scrap of material she works with, offering an Acrylic Cut Share program so that nothing goes to waste.
WHY I LOVE HER DESIGNS
Her work radiates pure dopamine decor energy. Think iridescent acrylics, disco ball sparkles, pigmented neon accents, all ridiculously fun and groovy. They bring joy, nostalgia, and whimsy into a space, which couldn’t be more in line with Dreamscaping’s vibe!
SUPPORTING JESSICA
There are so many ways to support Jessica and Tiny Deer Studio. The easiest way is by shopping directly through her online store, where you’ll find her full collection of whimsical goods. If you’re local to Portland, you can also browse a selection of her pieces in person at Zuckercreme.
Her creations have even been featured online at Urban Outfitters! Though they’re currently out of stock.
One thing I really admire about Jessica is how open and honest she is about living with chronic pain. She’s working solo for the first time since 2017, and she lets customers know upfront that it may take her a little extra time to ship orders. I find that transparency so refreshing, and it makes me want to support her even more, not just because her designs are incredible, but because of the care, honesty, and resilience behind them.
Beyond her shop, Jessica also has a Patreon where you can support her work at different levels: from digital downloads and sneak peeks at $5/month, to monthly sun catcher decals at $10/month, and even mini disco balls (yes, really!) at $25/month. Each tier includes behind-the-scenes content, early access to new designs, and the chance to vote on what launches in her shop.
And if you’re another maker looking to collaborate? Jessica and her husband also run The Pin Department, where they help artists and organizations create custom products ranging from enamel pins to socks, bags, and beyond.
Cenah's Favorites from Tiny Deer
This one makes me emotional in the best way. The sunlight, the hard work of a creature, and the softness of nature, it's all so dreamy!
I HAD to feature this one because this bridge is local to Portland, and I’ve made so many amazing memories on and under it! Such a sweet nod to this quirky town.
I literally gasped when I saw this! The reflecting colors, the 3D nature to this piece, AND sparkles?! I'm weak!!!
Are you kidding?! You know I'm a disco ball lover... Now it's neon, planet shaped, AND can hold my plants? Need ASAP.
She even designed a flower press “to add extra joy to the nostalgic activity of pressing flowers.” If that doesn’t scream Dreamscaping (joy, nostalgia, and flowers), I don’t know what does.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Jessica’s creations embody everything I love about supporting local artists: they’re imaginative, joy-filled, and designed to make everyday life feel a little more magical. If you’re in Portland—or anywhere, really, be sure to check out Tiny Deer Studio and consider supporting her through Patreon or Faire.
Let’s keep cheering on artists like Jessica who pour their creativity into the world and remind us all to add a little sparkle to our spaces.
THANKS, DREAMERS!
If you loved this spotlight, be sure to follow me on socials and check back every Saturday for a new Seller Spotlight. There are so many incredible creators I can’t wait to share with you. You can also find me on TikTok, where I’ve recently joined TikTok Shop and have a growing showcase of curated home and décor favorites. Thanks for being here and for supporting small, creative businesses alongside me!
Browse my favorite picks by clicking any of the product images or titles, and discover even more of Tiny Deer Studio's work on her website. Follow her on social media for the latest product releases and behind-the-scenes peeks into her creative process.
🌸 Instagram: @tinydeerstudio
🏷️ Instagram: @thepindept
🪩 Facebook: Tiny Deer Studio
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