Tess Bliven

Oakland

Tess is a visual storyteller telling stories through film, illustration, and children's literature. As the Co-Founder of Shuffle Collective, she focuses on building a community where creatives can come together to work and grow.

Projects

  1. Liminality

    In 2006 Berkeley, amidst the throes of first love, queer teens Nina and Jay grapple with understanding Jay's uncharted trans identity.

    Cinematic Arts

  2. Birthday

    A looks at two best friends’ relationship as it evolves from youth to adulthood through midnight calls on their shared birthday.

    Cinematic Arts

  3. Locust Glen

    Set in 1973 Connecticut, 14-year-old Anna spends her days alone in the woods until she meets Clara, a young female ecologist studying the area. Clara is as i…

    Cinematic Arts

  4. Feral Skies

    A feature-length queer love story set in the high deserts of New Mexico.

    Cinematic Arts

  5. Juniper

    A series adaptation of Juniper and Wise Child by Monica Furlong. Currently being written.

    Cinematic Arts

  6. Sonder

    Sonder is a trilingual (in English, Hindi, and Punjabi) mood piece about the ordinariness of life. It is a celebration of the seemingly simple, regular, and…

    Cinematic Arts, Literary Arts

  7. Watercolor Illustrations

    This is on ongoing portfolio of illustrations in watercolor and ink.

    Illustration

  8. Digital & Mixed Media Illustration

    Mixed Media and Digital art using procreate.

    Illustration

  9. Piggy Problems

    Piggy Problems is a children's book for young children about Bear and Goose and their possible encounter with some messy Piggies.

    Illustration, Literary Arts

  10. Pause and Listen (working title)

    A children's book about being in nature. The story and images are inspired by my childhood in northern New Mexico.

    Illustration, Literary Arts

  11. This is How I Feel

    An illustrated children's book exploring mindful emotional regulation for children 7-10.

    Literary Arts, Illustration

Contributions

  1. Liminality - soundtrack for a short film

    A Shuffle collaboration! In scoring their short film, Liminality, Tess, Anuj and I shared a wonderful and intensive period of music-sharing, brainstorming, s…

Skills

  1. Cinematic Arts

    Focus
    Directing, Writing, Producing
    Genres
    Indie & Arthouse, Children's, Drama, Fantasy, Historical Drama, LGBT, Magic Realism, Romance

  2. Technology

    Focus
    Community, Interaction Design, Management, Business Operations, Zero To One Product, Consumer Product, Branding, Event Marketing, Digital Marketing, Copywriting, Organization Culture & Behavior
    Verticals
    Artist Tools, Career Resources, Community, Professional Networking

  3. Illustration

    Techniques
    Watercolor, Gouache, Digital, Pen, Mixed Media

  4. Literary Arts

    Focus
    Writing
    Genres
    Children's Fiction

  5. Arts & Culture

    Focus
    Artist Resources, Arts Administration, Arts Education, Artist Programs, Community Engagement

  6. Fiber and Textile Arts

    Types
    Spinning, Natural Dyeing, Macramé, Needle Felting, Weaving

  7. Herbalism

    Focus
    Health & Wellness, Women's Health, Cultivation, Wild Crafting, Medicine Making
    Types
    Western Herbalism

  8. Nutrition

    Topics
    Whole Food Nutrition, Traditional Foods, Healthy Food Access, Organic Food, Cooking Skills, Body Positive Nutrition, Food Justice, Local Food, Agriculture, Integrative Medicine
    Focus
    Food Access & Afordability, Nutrition Policy, Community Nutrition, Global Food Insecurity, Food & Cooking
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