We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jacqui Smith a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jacqui, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

I have been pursuing a full-time career as an illustrator for the past three years, while also freelancing part-time for a period of six years. Prior to the Covid outbreak, I held a full-time position managing an art studio, while engaging in freelance work during my spare time. Additionally, I participated in vending at festivals and art shows on weekends. During this period, I dedicated two years to creating daily portrait illustrations, which I shared on social media platforms. Through the power of social media and participating in festivals, I was able to cultivate a following, gain insights into my customer base’s preferences, and establish valuable connections with businesses and clients for potential projects.

The onset of the Covid pandemic marked a significant turning point in both my personal life and my business. Recognizing that the art studio no longer served as a suitable safety net, I courageously made the decision to quit. Thankfully, the transition was not as challenging due to my pre-existing active involvement and business-oriented approach as an artist. Before leaving the art studio, I had already secured several months’ worth of projects by diversifying the types of work I accepted, including children’s books, custom illustrations, and commercial illustrations. In addition, I also sold prints, stickers, and coloring books through my website. By establishing multiple streams of income from the outset, I bolstered my confidence and gained a competitive advantage, enabling me to wholeheartedly pursue a full-time career in illustrating.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I always knew I’d work in a creative field growing up since I was surrounded by others who loved art, mainly my mother and grandmother. I’d spend hours playing alone in my room imagining far-off worlds, tucked away rereading my favorite Roald Dahl books, or tinkering away attempting to build a reclining couch out of cardboard. When I wasn’t pretending to be a master inventor, I watched cartoons, something my sister and I would obsess over, debate, and enjoy for years.

I drew and drew and got a little better each day. I plastered my drawing attempts all over my room to compare my progress over the years. I thought about becoming an architect or a fashion designer since both careers would still allow me to flex my creativity. Ultimately, my guidance counselor was the one to encourage me to major in something I was passionate about, animation.

I graduated from Columbia College of Chicago with a degree in Traditional Animation and moved to LA a year later with my best friend. Soon after, I worked at a small animation studio in Santa Monica, but I left the world of animation to pursue freelance illustration. I realized I wanted to start a business and pave my creative future.

My interest in illustrating Black women and creating a sellable brand was amplified after going to many events throughout Los Angeles and rarely seeing women of color artists represented unless it was within our communities. I began having conversations about race, representation, beauty standards, and female strength at every art show, festival, or market that I attended. These discussions all stem from the same place: there needs to be better treatment, representation, and acceptance of women of color, specifically black women. I hope my art serves as a reminder that we should not be overlooked.

My business is unique because of the diversity of POC in my artwork. Most people of color can relate to my art somehow, whether it looks like them, someone they know, or someone they hope to be. I started collaborating with businesses looking to support POC endeavors including Walmart, NowArtLA, the YWCA, the Brewyard Beer Company, The Wallis Theater, 11:11 ACC, and more. These businesses have allowed my art and message for better representation and treatment of black and brown women to be heard by a larger audience. I also provide many additional services to my clients including guiding first-time authors and providing them with curated resources so they can have the best experience possible. I strongly believe in sharing the knowledge I’ve gained throughout my career and providing exceptional service along the way.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

I highly recommend “The Graphic Artists Guild Handbook” to anyone working in the creative field. This book was recommended to me a few years ago by a fellow artist when I was having difficulty determining price points. The book provides information on a multitude of artistic jobs ranging from royalties, expenses, marketing, negotiating, and contracts, and so much more.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

I have discovered that the most fulfilling aspect of being an artist lies in the realization that my art has profoundly affected the lives of black and brown women and girls. Witnessing the pride emanating from their expressions when they come across a print that reflects their own image makes every challenge I’ve faced worthwhile. Initially, I never viewed myself as a potential role model; my primary objective was simply to create art. However, now that I am aware of the impact and significance my artwork holds for certain individuals, it compels me to utilize my voice and platform to the fullest extent of my abilities.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jacquicsmith.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacquicsmith/