Eric Jensen – Creative Services – Eric Jensen is an artist offering creative services.

Eric Jensen, Artist & Teacher

Contact: Eric Jensen
Email: ericjensen1946@gmail.com
Phone: (503) 410-0363

Friendly, eye-catching designs to draw the reader’s attention.

My goal is to provide custom educational illustrations and visual instructional aids designed to enhance classroom materials and streamline school communications. By integrating friendly, professional graphic elements into serious educational content, I help educators put a relatable face on complex or dry subject matter, making it more accessible and engaging for students.

With a diverse creative career spanning since 1972—ranging from architectural projects and large-scale public bronze monuments to relief carvings for corporate clients like Intel—I bring a unique perspective to visual storytelling. My extensive background, which includes teaching job application skills in the Job Corps, working with at-risk kids, and leading three summers of summer school classes for at risk students at St. Helens School District’s special campus has provided me with deep insights into how targeted visuals can aid instruction, particularly for students with various learning difficulties or non-native language backgrounds.

I specialize in collaborating with school curriculum staff to create topical graphics, from modest illuminated letters to full-page illustrations for school notices, parent outreach, and transition materials. These elements are designed to professionalize and polish communications sent to state officials, tribal organizations such as reservation clinics and community partners.

I offer a proven model for sourcing and managing private funding for my services. For example, my historical monument “Ilchee” in Vancouver, WA, was fully funded through private grants and donations I personally solicited. My proposed contracting model allows school districts to manage these privately raised funds, ensuring a transparent and seamless installment-based payment schedule that requires no direct budget allocation from the district.

I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how we can bring your curriculum to life through custom visuals and bring a new level of engagement to your district’s educational materials.

Cover of Spanish language 4 page handout with info about covid using tropical colors and Hispanic typeface to appeal to the Latino eye

This is a process description of the correct way to effectively install hearing protection plugs

This could be the cover page of information about depression, which is a difficult problem to overcome.

Arbitration and conflict mediation tips for youngsters and adults in custody

LetsRideTheBus Image — Page 1 of a 16 page brochure I did for high performing people on the autistic spectrum who fear riding public transportation; made for TriMet. This booklet is a graphic cartoon book with helpful tips for a successful journey, from preparation through arrival at destination.

BIG ROMEO Image — Many kids experiencing difficulties are vulnerable to inappropriate advances and other social stumbling-blocks.

For example, say “No thanks, I’ve already had my share awhile back”.

SUICIDE PREVENTION POSTER — Native Americans face unique problems, such as a cultural mistrust of American society. That mistrust can impair the message getting through. This imaginary flyer might be distributed through tribal media or school mailers.

LITTER PATROL — Guards in the field face unique antics by their crews who have special tricks like sneaking cigarettes during a toilet break.

Stoned — Illustration to be inserted into text that includes unflattering images of people who are under the influence of something.

Reviews

GORDON “Butch” Chapin 8/10/2000

Former supervisor of summer classes for at risk and special needs students

“Mr. Jensen conducted summer school art class for the Saint Helens School District from 1998-2000. His students were at risk and special needs youth with difficulties in learning in ordinary classroom settings. He demonstrated a flair for incorporating the special concerns and needs of these diverse groups… He is easy to work with, he listens and incorporated our needs in his planning with the resulting pride of the students and their parents.”

Ms Heidi Steward 8/18/2009

Ms. Stuart was an administrator of parole for the Oregon State D.O.C.

“The Oregon Department of Corrections has consulted with Portland artist Eric Jensen about creating illustrations to promote our in-custody transition program “Road To Success”. Its purpose is to better prepare inmates for release. Using materials to describe transition courses in an appealing way could increase enrollment and improve our success rate.

…Mr. Jensen has expressed an interest in raising outside funding to pay for his development of this service. If Mr. Jensen can successfully find outside funding for this approach to reach transitioning ‘clients’ we will try out this unique approach.

Sincerely,
Heidi Steward
Transition and Release Administrator
Oregon Department of Corrections”

AWARDS

Wood Carving

First place winner of the first annual Western Forestry Center’s Wood Carving Competition, Portland, OR

Title: Hand Carved Child’s Stool, 1971, English Walnut

Cast Bronze statue

1994 Washington State Governor’s Award for Public Art

The Chinook Indian Monument (aka, Ilchee, “ILL-chee”) in Vancouver, WA

This bronze statue showed a historical figure, a Chinook Native American with her shaped cranium, carved seashell nose ring, fur-lined woven basketry cape and other authentic details.