Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jaede Bayala. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jaede, appreciate you joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I’ve known for most of my life that I wanted to be an artist. As a kid, I was always creating—drawing, painting, acting, singing—exploring any art form I could get my hands on. Growing up, I would tell everyone I wanted to be an illustrator. It wasn’t until later that I truly understood what being an illustrator meant, and I realized I was drawn more to the freedom of being a painter. I studied art an an arts highschool, and now I am studying paint at the Kansas City Art Institute.

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.

I am a non-binary Puerto Rican artist based in Kansas City, MO, currently pursuing my undergraduate studies in Painting at the Kansas City Art Institute. My work stands out for its vibrant use of color and texture, with oil pastels being one of my favorite mediums. This versatile medium allows me to create rich, dynamic colors and explore a variety of textures depending on the paper or canvas I choose. I am proud of the growth I’ve achieved in my art practice and eagerly look forward to discovering what lies ahead in my creative journey!

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding part of being an artist is the ability to inspire others. As a child, I was inspired by the art I encountered in museums and by the guidance of my art teachers at school. Their influence shaped the artist I am today, and my greatest hope is to pass that inspiration on to others.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Although I’m still building my presence on social media, my advice is to focus on documenting your work well, engaging with your followers through posts and stories, and not stressing too much about it! Social media is a fantastic tool, but it can also feel overwhelming. Take it slow, and don’t let it take away from the fun of creating art.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jaedebayala.com
• Instagram: @jaedes_destiny