“Creative expression” is a term used to describe the ability to focus on what is happening in our minds and use our imagination by creating something that perhaps represents who we are. If we were to ponder on this and how creative expression can manifest itself, we might come to the conclusion that it can actually be a tricky task. For some, this expression comes naturally, while for others it’s accompanied by deep-rooted self doubt and constant inward analysis. This is why settling on how we live our lives at the cost of feeling comfortable seems like a smarter choice, than its counterpart — exposing yourself and your ideas, no matter how accepted they might be. Creative expression comes with freedom from social constructs and challenging the status quo, which is exactly what our latest Cool Face of Bastet Noirhas been doing since experiencing a life-changing event.
Jamie Hamilton, also knowns as @jamie_jetaime on Instagram, is a plus-size fashionista and creative, product designer and content creator that will tickle your visual senses through her innovative and colorful style — both in clothing and artistry. Her photography oozes ingenuity and creativity, matching the likes of her personal style. Her words and imagery have been featured in Harper’s BAZAAR, MTV UK, InStyle, Teen Vogue, Refinery 29, and Allure, in addition to working on campaigns with Nike and Dr. Martens, to name a few. If you would like to get to know Jamie on a more personal level, keep on reading!
Jamie Hamilton is wearing The Hesi Dress, custom-made for her
Who is Jamie Hamilton?
I’m an artist obsessed with the plus size editorial and self-expression. I live with my husband, Kevin, and two rescue dogs. For fun, I love to travel and shop secondhand. I love spending time in nature — walking and swimming.
What’s your morning routine like?
I drink a few coffees outdoors (weather pending) or in bed with my two dogs and meditate on what I want to accomplish that day. Then I make a list. I work for myself — so it’s up to me to stay on top of everything. I find this morning routine helps me start the day relaxed and organized.
Jamie Hamilton is wearing The Hesi Dress, custom-made for her
What immediately caught our attention was your unique and eccentric style, both in your fashion and your photography. Tell us a bit about your style journey and if it might have impacted your creative expression through other forms of media as well?
Thank you! At 13, I became obsessed with fashion magazines like Vogue. For years, I recreated the looks using second-hand clothing items. I would style my friends and family up and photograph them.
At that time, I got into painting and would make paintings based off of editorial photos. Later I went to university and studied sculpture in the United States, South Korea, and Croatia. I created interactive multi-media installations that either incorporated photographs or the intent of the item used with photography.
Up until the age of 22, I could wear straight sizes. A medication caused me to gain a lot of weight in a year and I became a plus-size at the age of 22. I quickly learned there wasn’t very much clothing that was available in my size. What was available, was not my style in the least. I could no longer express myself through clothing to the extent I could before. I had to get creative and alter clothing or mix pieces I wouldn’t have if I had more selection.
I was always behind the camera and never in front of it. It was a dream of mine to produce plus-size editorials. There was a time when I had a hard time finding plus-size fashionistas to be in my photos. Clothing in our size was scarce, so it makes sense.
At one point, I realized that if I wanted to make this happen with my limited resources — I would have to be in the photos. I asked my husband to take my pictures as I directed the shoot. He calls himself my walking tripod! I am still uncomfortable in front of the camera and have plans to work behind the camera again in art and plus-size fashion.
Jamie Hamilton is wearing The Hesi Dress, custom-made for her
In addition to being an amazing dresser, you also work as a product designer, content strategist and have been published in multiple online and print publications. Has there been a standout project you’ve worked on that remains near and dear to your heart?
In 2019, I was hired to create a fashion shoot and vlog in Northern Sweden in the Arctic- where I have some family. I was to create a vlog about my experience connecting with my roots. I did a photoshoot with reindeer. It was more challenging than I anticipated because technology would malfunction in the cold and the camera lens would fog up. Plus I was freezing! It was beautiful, brutally cold, and magical.
Another thing that stands out, I was recently featured in Vogue Brasil. This made my teenage self cry with happiness. Not only am I fat, but I also grew up isolated — literally surrounded by woods.
Three things you wish you knew before starting out?
You don’t need to be perfect or even good to begin a project you are passionate about.
Rejection is a form of redirection.
Don’t listen to creative or career advice from someone who doesn’t even understand what you do.
Biggest setback in life and what you’ve learned from it?
In 2014 I began feeling very sick. I would get high fevers that would last a week. It was discovered that I have auto-immune neutropenia. It’s a white blood cell disorder that makes it hard to fight infections. I spent 2014–2016 in bed or the hospital! Since my disease is rare, it took a few years to get a diagnosis. No one knew why my white blood cells were so low! Why was I so sick?
During this time, in bed, I realized that I didn’t put myself out there and was settling at many points in my life.While I was slowly getting better in 2016, I asked my husband if he would take my photos. I was too weak — at the time — to create art myself.
Jamie Hamilton is wearing The Hesi Dress, custom-made for her
Books that changed your life
Kafka’s Metamorphosis. I read this book so many times.
As a teen, I read many zines and books about body and fat liberation. Nomy Lamm’s self-published fat-positive zine “I’m So Fucking Beautiful” changed my life.
The Body is Not an Apology: The Power of Radical Self Love by Sonya Renee Taylor is a must-read!
What’s in your Bastet Noir cart?
The Bea Dress, The Arlan 3 Piece Suit, The Susie Dress and The Toula Dress!
If you liked Jamie’s story, there’s plenty more to come. Just hit that sign up button to get in our inner circle of coolness and shop ethical and eco-friendly dresses!