We were lucky to catch up with Art Jacobs recently and have shared our conversation below.

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

I was around 16 years old when I felt a path in artistic pursuits was possible. I had created a series of charcoal portraits out of disciplinary curiosity, I.e., the challenge of creating a believable 3 dimensional image on a 2 dimensional surface. Shortly thereafter, requests for commissioned portraits.

Art, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My entrance into the arts industry was seamless – from enjoying art recreationally to a focus on customer service. I’m a creative on a couple of levels. As a pastel artist, I create pastel paintings of people and pets for customers based off of commissions. Customers send photos of images they’d like to have rendered in pencil, pastel, or charcoal. I also create designs for my line of clothing. The designs are created either through acrylic or pastel art pieces, then transferred to fabric using direct to fabric digital printing. I am most proud of being a juried member of the Pastel Society of America, headquartered in New York. I am always seeking to expand my knowledge base and improve my skills to create pieces that are inviting and emotionally rewarding. I use quality materials so customers have art that will remain vibrant and stand the test of time.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the never ending journey of growth and exploration. Creating is all about the new – an unsettling urge to try new techniques, methods of application, new ways to use color, and reframing your vision. I love all these aspects of being an artist and they continue to drive my passion.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

Maybe the idea of how the inner drive to create – the passion – leads to a life of preoccupation and sacrifice. In a sense (and this may sound cheeky), it feels as though you don’t choose the passion, the passion chooses you. Getting up early, staying up late, feeling a little irritable when your process is interrupted, preoccupation with how to start, continue, or finish a piece. Being at an event only to find yourself counting the seconds until you can return to your easel and express yourself. I think these are all things that are difficult to understand objectively.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.artjacobsportraits.com
• Instagram: @artjacobsartist