Consulting with Jessica LM Jenkins of We Who Thirst
Bring deeper integrity, authenticity, and beauty to your Bible projects.
As an experienced researcher and consultant (mDiv, MA), I specialize in helping creators—especially artists, authors, illustrators, and product designers—develop Bible illustrations that are both ethnically authentic and historically accurate. Whether you’re designing a children’s book, planning a toy line, writing a sermon, or illustrating a Bible study curriculum, I provide the historical and cultural insight you need to bring your vision to life with clarity and care.
My process is grounded in deep research of the cultural context and archaeological record. Every detail—from skin tone and hairstyles to clothing and accessories—is informed by a carefully curated bibliography of archaeological artifacts, scholarly sources, and primary texts. One customer lovingly described my own line of Bible peg dolls as “Toys with Footnotes”—a perfect reflection of my commitment to detail.
If you’re passionate about creating meaningful, respectful, and historically informed biblical content, I’d love to partner with you. Let’s bring your project to life with authenticity and depth that honors both history and your audience.
Services Include:
- Consulting for artists, authors, designers, pastors, editors, and curriculum developers
- Research and verification of historical accuracy
- Guidance on ethnic and cultural representation in biblical contexts
- Collaboration on product development (books, toys, curricula, etc.)
FAQs
How do I work with Jessica?
I am so excited to hear about your project! Please email me about yourself, your goals, and your project. Next we will identify your needs and I will create a quote.
email: jessica@wewhothirst.com
What is included in a consulting package?
Every consulting project is tailored to the specific needs of the creator and their budget. I can provide a spectrum of assistance from informal guidance, to research recommendations, to completed designs and contextual commentary.
Do you only work with illustrators or artists?
I absolutely love consulting on illustration projects, but I also work with authors, pastors, curriculum developers, and anyone else who is working through a passage of scripture and desires to know more about the historical context of that passage.
Can I hire you to illustrate my book?
Unfortunately I am not an artist. I lack the skills and passion needed to bring your vision to life on the page. However, when you find the right illustrator for your project, I would love to work with your whole team so that the end result is ethnically authentic and historically accurate.
How much do you charge for consulting services?
Each project has its own unique parameters and goals. Email me with yours and we can find a quote that fits your budget and your needs.
What Consulting Services Could Include
I tailor each consulting package to the specific needs of the client. Options are endless! Here are a few examples of specific services offered to previous clients:
Research into Historically Accurate Clothing
The research process involves a thorough analysis of a scripture passage to determine key factors such as the dating, archaeological period, geographic location, and socioeconomic status of the characters depicted. Special attention is given to the specific Hebrew or Greek terminology used to describe items such as clothing, hair, jewelry, and other personal attributes, in order to accurately portray individuals in their historical context. This information serves as the foundation for identifying relevant archaeological artifacts from the corresponding period and region. In addition to sourcing these artifacts, the research also examines the relationship between the characters’ socioeconomic status, vocation, and other contextual factors as they relate to the uncovered artifacts.
Historically Accurate Clothing Design
The design process integrates all relevant research findings into a detailed, historically accurate representation. The primary goal is to depict the biblical figure in the most ethnically authentic and historically accurate way possible. In instances where direct archaeological evidence is unavailable, items from a similar time period or geographic region are used to inform and inspire the design.
Each design includes:
- A rough sketch or diagram of the overall clothing design
- A rough sketch or diagram of each individual garment
- Images (or links) to relevant artifacts alongside a character specific bibliography of sources
- Specific color references for skin tone, hair, clothing, and jewelry, derived from available artifacts, including RGB or Hex color codes
Illustration Review
The Illustration Review process involves a comprehensive evaluation of both preliminary sketches and final illustrations to ensure ethnic and historical accuracy. This review focuses on verifying that the depictions align with the researched cultural, geographical, and temporal context of the biblical figures. Special attention is given to ensuring that visual elements such as clothing, hairstyles, accessories, and physical features are authentically represented, in accordance with the historical, archaeological, and textual findings. Additionally, the review ensures that all artistic choices—ranging from color palettes to proportions—are in line with the intended cultural and historical context, contributing to a truthful and respectful representation.
Education and Communication
Provides expert guidance and timely communication regarding the historical accuracy and cultural context of specific passages of Scripture. This support may include, but is not limited to, Zoom meetings, phone consultations, email correspondence, and the provision of relevant resource documentation to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.
Contextual Analysis Documentation
The Contextual Analysis Document provides a detailed, chapter-by-chapter examination of the biblical text, highlighting key textual, physical, and cultural elements that influence the narrative. For textual elements, the document will analyze significant Hebrew words, phrases, and wordplay that impact the storyline, offering in-depth insights into their meaning and relevance. Regarding physical elements, the document will explore archaeological and architectural findings, supplemented with sketches, images, and links to relevant artifacts that help illuminate the historical context. In terms of cultural elements, the analysis will illuminate ancient social structures such as honor and shame, collectivism, purity boundaries, family organization, and socioeconomic relationships, all of which shaped the characters and events within the text especially for the original hearer. This comprehensive approach ensures a nuanced and historically grounded understanding of the biblical narrative.
