Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jake. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Jake, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
The most meaningful project I have ever worked on was a mural I painted for a co-work kitchen space at their entrance. This was one of the first murals I painted of my own design when I moved to Atlanta, GA. I was recommended through word of mouth, and they were happy with me just painting whatever I felt like. That was a new feeling!
I ended up painting a woman who I have sketched often. She has a long neck, with 7 rings flying around. She has a heavy large crown, and the entire piece is very colorful. I believe it was around 20 feet tall.
Each of the 7 rings represent a woman who has been a manager, mentor, or boss to me up until that point in life. Women who have shaped who I am as an artist, a professional, and as a person. It came out perfectly, and I am so happy to say it still sits loud and proud at that entrance!
Jake, 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 name is Jake McDonald or Dr LongLegz. My style is bright, colorful, stupid, loud, and slightly off putting. I have been painting, doodling, and sketching long necked, armed, legged characters since I can remember. It has dominated my artistic expression for so long!
My characters are kooky and spooky. Depending on my mood! I love to use bright contrasting colors with extremely fine lines for a loud pop when a viewer is passing by or looking at a piece.
I myself am very lanky and long, so I am sure that has directly informed my art.
I lived in Brooklyn for a year working for a nonprofit that would set up corporate ‘paint by number’ volunteer events in public schools. These were large murals painted with volunteers in over 20 schools. This is where it all clicked for me. Murals are so fun, and I could easily do the same but with my own designs.
I moved to Atlanta and dove head first into this. The art scene and artist community in Atlanta is SO welcoming. I simply reached out to artists I admired for advice, pointers, and businesses to reach out to. The scene is overwhelmingly uplifting and tight knit, without being overly competitive.
I have painted over 30 murals now! And my life goal is to paint in all 50 states. So far I have painted in Georgia, Tennessee, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
As I alluded to before, the community aspect is what is needed in art. Being able to rely on, resource share, and work with other local artists is HUGE! I am always looking for opportunities for myself, but at the same time I am passing along other artists info to the same clients/businesses I am working with.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
The only mission for me is the zen space and pure happiness I feel when painting. I am an innately restless and anxious person. This is the only time I feel I can zone out and black out in a healthy way.
Furthermore, it is SO satisfying to see a project beginning to end. I love noticing a blank wall, walking into a store/business, and seeing if they’d be interested in a a painting of mine. The thrill of the chase is so fun! Along the way I get to meet such amazing people in my local community. Then seeing the painting come to life within a couple weeks is the cherry on top!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Dr.longlegz
- Other: [email protected]
