We were lucky to catch up with Jamar Lockhart recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jamar , thanks for joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

It honestly took me awhile to realize that creating art was my true passion. I really took my gift for granted because I was able to tap into my artistic side without much effort. I soon realized that this was truly a gift and began to take it serious and work at it.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Hello, I’m Jamar Lockhart. I was born and raised on the westside of Detroit, MI and found my passion for art very early in life. I watched my family create masterful drawings. My dad had the greatest influence on me as an artist. I felt if I could impress him, I was good. During my early education I was blessed with various Art Instructors who helped me to hone my craft and encourage me along the way. However, it was in college when I really started to develop my skill and learn various techniques and form. I studied at Oakland University in Rochester, MI. My professors challenged me to take art more seriously and work at it every day. After graduating with my bachelor’s degree in communication and minor in Studio Art, I started working as an Art Teacher at Detroit Enterprise Academy, teaching art. I loved working with students. I taught K-8th grade and loved every minute of it. I poured into students the same interest that I received as a student from my teachers. I helped to grow and develop some awesomely talented art students. As of today, I have produced more than 250 pieces of artwork for clients. Some of my most notable clients have been The VISA corporation, The George Law Firm in Royal Oak, MI, The Freelon at Sugar Hill Apartments in midtown Detroit, MI, The Cochran Firm in Detroit, MI, D’Portier Salon and Spa in West Bloomfield, MI, The Anthony Johnson/ U of D Jesuit High school recreation center in Detroit, MI, Musician, BabyFace Ray, Stephanie Byrd, Co-Owner of The Block and Flood’s Restaurants and Bars in Detroit, MI and The Euclid Haus apartment complex in Detroit, MI. I’ve participated and sold pieces in 11 exhibits, including “Naked or Nude” art exhibition at the North End Studio Gallery, “Connected to All” exhibit sponsored by the Detroit Fine Arts Breakfast Club and DTE Energy at Beacon Park, “YOU Belong: Art exhibition on belonging” at Chroma Detroit, ” The Holiday Art Show” sponsored by The Detroit Fine Arts Breakfast Club and Gallery 46 at Gallery 46 in Pontiac, MI, “McGee: Urban Synthesis” at Design Studio 6 in Detroit, MI, “Black Walls” exhibit, “The BIG ABSTRACT” exhibit, “Nina Simone” exhibit and most recently, my first solo exhibit, “In Living Color”, and “Black Love” all at Norwest Gallery of Art in Detroit, MI, Overall, I love to create and use my inspiration, imagination and skill set to bring ideas to life.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect for me as an artist is seeing my vision come alive. From the inception of a thought to the process of creating it, it’s truly a remarkable thing.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

My journey of building up my social media profile is continuously ongoing. I’ve been able to capitalize on gaining new followers and receiving additional eyes on my work simply by posting my work and staying active. I’ve gotten to a point where I’ve been utilizing hashtags to gain even more traffic to my social media.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.locksartdesigns.com
• Instagram: locks_art_designs
• Facebook: Lock’s Art Designs

Image Credits
Shay Cole Kartrell Graves