Jessie Lacey
I make pretty things and I make things pretty.
Job Creative Director / Dirigo Design & Development
Lives In Park Side
I am a youngish professional hailing from way up north (Bangor), escaping to Portland 6 years ago with my dog Twobit and very little money. When I moved to Portland I joined a start-up called Maine Home+Design magazine and worked there as Art Director until 2010. Currently I work as Creative Director at a small marketing firm called Dirigo Design & Development designing the look and user-interface for responsive websites, iPad & iPhone apps and other mobile applications. Clients include Angus King, Johnny's Selected Seeds, Community Dental, and Maine Health.
I tend to bring a lot of my creativity into all aspects of my life (or perhaps I bring the creativity from all aspects in my life into my career and work). My life is a lot of DIY. While others talk about "curating" their surroundings, I create my surroundings. I design and make dresses, furnishings, lights, art, crafts... My interests include creative cocktails, the fine restaurant offerings filling up Portland and the art works and creatives I find myself surrounded by in this little city.
Why did you choose Portland? Bangor seemed tapped-out in the creative field and I have always loved Portland. The size seemed perfect, small enough to feel a great sense of community, big enough to have a lot going on in terms of music, culture and arts.
Who are Portlanders you admire and why? There are quite a few who have those qualities of both creativity and drive in perfect unison that I find myself completely in awe of. I feel like I should go back and fill in this spot more properly at a later time.
What do you like to do with out-of-towners? When I have out-of-town visitors, one of the most important things to do is drag them out to experience many of our very best restaurants. It is something that you can not get anywhere in cities like ours or in the rest of the region.
Where's your "happy place" on the peninsula? Longfellow Square has several things going on for me. My favorite bars and venues are right there, and several of my best friends live right there as well.
What's the most surprising thing about this city? I am still surprised we have no decent Chinese restaurants. None. That just makes no sense.
What's your favorite indulgence and where do you find it? Oysters at Eventide. It becomes an indulgence when I end up eating two dozen.
What's the most under-appreciated place or thing in town? Portland Museum of Art. I feel there are always so many incredible pieces that not enough people are seeing. Yes, maybe PMA gets a lot of visitors but each time I am there, I see something new and think "everyone should see this."
Describe your perfect night—and the following morning—in Portland. Starting off with a really crowded and amazing show at Space Gallery then walking down Congress for drinks at a quieter place like Boda, eating small plates from there, or Pai Men skewers, and drinks with a large group of friends at LFK then dragging friends back to my place to continue cocktails. The next morning meeting up with the same group of friends for brunch at Hot Suppah, Local 188 or Petite Jaqueline basically depending entirely on what the wait times are. Bloody Mary's for everyone.
Other Portlanders
David Karl Roberts
As a Musician and Artist, I can turn Your Creative Dreams into "Realty"
Evan Carroll
I look inward at how spaces shape peoples lives and outward at how the built environment shapes society.
Laura Faure
I orchestrate a laboratory and training ground for the international contemporary dance community.
Sally Newhall
I love to create synergy: people, places, ideas, and concepts that lead to awesome events!
