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

Alright, Jamel thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the best or worst investment you’ve made (either in terms of time or money)? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)

The best investment I ever mad was in myself. What I mean by that is, in choosing to be an artist full time, it was something totally different from what my family would expect. I was getting out of the military and i had a choice to either work an office job or follow what i really wanted to do. I didn’t have many people believing in me but i did and that was enough. I took an early separation and signed up for school to get my bachelors degree in photography. I made this decision because i wanted my life to be better than it was. I was extremely unhappy in the military and office jobs. I often felt like i was dying in those jobs. Being am artist, i feel so alive, so in touch with who i am indside.

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 got my start in the industry by modeling first actually. I would have these visions in my mind and had to get it out on photo, so i would work with other photographers to create. During my photo shoots i would ask each photographer about their cameras and settings. I had the thought, ” if i can figure this camera out i can do this and wont need them” and i did. For 3 years i was self taught on photography. I would learn what i could from youtube videos and internet tutorials. I started working with models i worked with during my time as a model. Eventually more found out i was taking pictures and they started hitting me up to work with me. I was so grateful for everyone who took a chance with me. I use Canon and Godox products to achieve my work. I don’t like to limit my artistry so i photograph everything. What i believe sets me apart if my vision. I don’t take pictures, i make art. Not everyone understands that. I take pride in lighting people of color correctly so we look like the beautiful beings that we are. My current portfolio is a love letter to the black community. What i would want folks to know about me is this. Im an artist and want to make sure everyone i work with look their best and feel their best always. My artistry is timeless and will be long after im gone.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Last year i was run over by a car, dramatic, i know. That accident broke my foot in 5 places and took my ability to walk for a year. I sank into a depression and i stopped creating. About a month into my depression i remembered that i have a dream and i want to make it happen. Broken foot or not, i was going to achieve it. I started taking self portraits to practice and make some art with what equipment i had at the time. over the next few months i would get published in several magazine publications with my broken foot. My onjury didnt stop me, i didnt stop me.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My goal is create timeless art. My goal is to showcase people of color as the beautiful works of art that we are. I want my photos to be studied in classes one day when they’re mentioning great artist.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stefanartistry/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@stefanartistry?lang=en

Image Credits
Donnell Bryant: Loctition\Hairstylist Terazia: MUA Voodoo: Stylist