Jean G. Kropper

Jean Kropper

Papermaker Book Artist Designer Paper Engineer

"I love creating new forms in paper that intrigue, engage, and help people connect."

Paper, as a medium, has inspired her throughout her career. "I am drawn to its amazing versatility. There are so many ways to create with paper: papermaking, printmaking, graphic design, book binding. There is always a new way to work with paper."

Jean spent the first ten years of her career working in advertising agencies and design studios in the USA and then in Australia. She is a qualified graphic designer, fine artist and digital and direct marketer.

Over the next ten years, Jean worked as a paper artist and hand bookbinder telling stories with paper and exhibiting widely. She is an internationally published author of three books, all available on Amazon. They are: Papermaking from Recycling To Art (Lothian, now Hachette), Handmade Cards and Books (Lothian, now Hachette-used copies available on Amazon as it is out of print)and a longer book in hardcover: Handmade Books and Cards with Davis Publications, USA. This third book showcases work from 93 book and card artists from 14 countries. She has taught workshops internationally: New York City, San Diego, Montreal, Canada, as well as in WA, TAS, NT, QLD and at Enmore Design Centre in Sydney.

She noticed how people were drawn to exotic book forms and to touch sculptural paper art. Realising the commercial value of this engagement, she decided to take these three dimensional paper forms into the commercial world of direct marketing.

In 2009, Jean founded her business, Paper and Pixel with a mission to create new 3D forms in paper that help businesses connect with their customers. She translates marketing messages into 3D promotions that prospective customers are curious to read and want to show others. Paper & Pixel has a reputation for designing innovative business communications that get people talking. She still binds books for pleasure from time to time.

Jean currently sits on the council for the NSW Australian Graphic Design Association (AGDA) and lectures on inventive print promotions. Jean grew up in the USA, Scotland and Ireland and attended university in Burlington, Vermont, USA and Aix-en-Provence, France. She has one son and now lives in Sydney, Australia. The website for her business is www.paperandpixel.com.au. You can see her videos on YouTube. And a detailed resume is on LinkedIn.

Copyright Jean Kropper 2012