We recently connected with Jaz Cole and have shared our conversation below.

Jaz, 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’m currently a full-time graphic designer and illustrator at a local publishing company in Nashville, TN. I also do freelance work, namely: creative direction in book design and marketing campaigns, product design, stationery layouts, brand templates, digital illustrations, and traditional paintings.

My journey began I was five years old; I got caught drawing horses galloping down the stairs at my aunt’s apartment. Instead of reprimanding me, everyone gathered around to marvel at how they could see the shape and movement of the horses in my childhood scrawl. Perhaps it was that initial validation that encouraged me to keep going; however, it’s just as likely that my passion for creative outlets won’t allow me to stop being an artist.

However, I did have doubts about pursuing visual arts full time in college; or rather, I allowed the doubts of others to influence my path. Due to the prevalent “starving artist” trope – older relatives and non-academic advisors were concerned that I’d have limited career prospects in the art field. Looking back, I now know that was far from the case, especially considering how many creative professions exist in technology, music, film, product design, architecture, et cetera. I double-majored in art and journalism to appease their concerns and to improve my odds career wise. After graduating with my two bachelor’s degrees, I pursued further training and education by enrolling in a MFA program, with an emphasis on visual arts and painting.

Although I was attending graduate school full time, I also continued to push myself to pursue a myriad of experiences and opportunities. I looked for areas in which my unique skillset would be an asset as well as areas in which I could grow. I landed several internships with government art organizations, magazines, newspapers, and public radio. This was achieved via networking or taking the bold step to request an appointment with those in the industry and asking if they needed an intern. During this time, I also regularly volunteered at art museums and community arts organizations; as well as exhibited my work in independent and academic art shows.

These efforts led to career opportunities in instructional technology, teaching, public relations, art direction, design, and illustration.

In my second year of grad school, I was offered the position of assistant instructor to teach Art Appreciation. I thoroughly enjoyed teaching and creating comprehensive content to help others learn how to appreciate and analyze complex information. This led to me becoming an adjunct professor after graduation. During this time, I noticed that my college was developing a course management system (CMS) for online instruction. Since I knew a bit about coding and design, I introduced myself to the new instructional technologist. After an interview, I procured a part time job while still pursuing my MFA. I oversaw the design layout and helped her teach other professors how to use the CMS and create courses and modules. I simultaneously was using the CMS to teach an online class. I eventually became one of the main online Art Appreciation professors, due to my expertise with the software. This led me to embrace my newfound passion for teaching as an online instructor.

Soon after, I acquired a role in public relations for a state government agency quite unconventionally. My mother worked in state government for over 40 years, eventually rising to executive level, and her retirement party was a large and well-attended event. I was tasked with giving the final congratulatory speech. It was well received despite my aversion to public speaking. As the event concluded, one of her colleagues who was the head of the agency’s Marketing Department sought me out to share that she was impressed with my speech and wanted to offer me a chance to interview for a PR position they had been looking to fill. After a few interviews, reviewing my resume & portfolio I was hired to become a public relations spokesperson as well as the agency’s graphic designer and photographer. This led to a lot of experience in crisis management and creative direction. Thankfully, I had some free reign creatively, and I ended up transforming their 2-page newsletter into a bi-annual 60-page magazine.

As much as I appreciated this opportunity and the experience, after a few years I became a bit burned out and disillusioned. I discovered that the world of politics and bureaucracy was not my cup of tea. As much as I enjoyed the creative side of my work, it became clear that I needed a change. Eventually, I made the decision to leave my hometown of Jackson, Mississippi and venture on to Nashville, TN to make a fresh start.

For several months after the move, I was employed as a freelancer as well as working various non-creative jobs. With the help of a job recruiter, I interviewed with the publishing company where I’m currently employed; I was hired as their full-time graphic designer and illustrator. During this time, I also continued to network and create more connections, via word-of mouth, and gained additional freelance opportunities in the creative direction and design space, and illustration commissions, which led to me illustrating the children’s book, “Dancing with Naima.”

I truly appreciate where I am today, the connections I’ve made, and knowledge I’ve acquired. However, knowing what I know now, I perhaps could have sped up the process and be even further along now career-wise if I had done the following: set aside more time to work on my personal creative projects/honing my skills; building more community with fellow creatives; and investing in finding and providing mentorship. These are things that I’ve been more committed to making time for these days as I continue to grow in my field.

Having a community and understanding your voice are some of the most important aspects of being an artist and growing as a creative.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

– About me:

I was born and raised in Jackson, MS. I received two undergraduate degrees from the University of Mississippi, in 2D Studio Art and Print Journalism. I also graduated from Mississippi College with a Master of Arts and a Master of Fine Arts in painting. I currently serve as an Adjunct Professor of Art at Mississippi College, and I am the illustrator for the recently published children’s book Dancing with Naima. I currently reside in Nashville, TN: working as a freelance Designer, Creative Director, and Visual Artist, and work full-time at a local publishing company as an Illustrator and Graphic Designer.

– How I got into this industry:

I entered this industry by following my passions throughout my higher education, building community with other artists, and constantly looking for or creating opportunities to work in artistic industries. Becoming involved with and/or volunteering with creative organizations, networking helped as well. Utilizing job recruiters, taking the initiative to seek out opportunities, and maintaining a reputable standing which led to more work via recommendations were the main avenues in which I was able to procure full-time work as an artist.

– Products/services/creative works that I provide:

The products and services I provide include brand templates; digital illustrations; product design; UI/UX design; email campaigns; storyboards; character designs; coloring book pages; book illustrations; classical portraits; landscape and still life paintings; and creative direction; and graphic design work such as logos and stationery, postcards, book covers, photo editing, video editing, greeting cards, flyers and posters, book layout designs, presentation/PowerPoints. As a lover of fashion, I even dabble in helping others with styling services.

– Problems I solve for clients:

The problems I solve for my clients include clarifying their goals and priorities; figuring out how to best achieve these goals and fulfill their vision within the parameters of the design services requested; and developing a final product that brings them joy and moves their dream forward.

– What sets me apart:

Visual narratives often envelop my design aesthetic. Storytelling is an important part of my history. As a child I loved reading classic literature, history, fiction, comic books, and fantasy novels. Hearing stories told by my grandfather and other elders was the main source of joy and entertainment during family gatherings. As a visual artist I can continue and expand on that storytelling tradition.

– Most proud of:

One thing I’m proud of is my ability to gauge what a client is looking for even when they’re not sure themselves. With the right questions and listening to what someone actually cares about it helps one understand what’s needed.

– Main things I want potential clients to know:

My brand is one of modern playfulness, with a bit of an edge. Minimalism, with bold imagery that tells a story; seamless design is my signature style when it comes to design work. On the other hand, when people see my paintings and illustrations, I want them to feel nostalgic, surprised, intrigued, calmed, and amused. My aim is for my work to be bold yet subtle, simple yet intricate. I believe that opposing forces can hold equal amounts of truth, all according to the context and perspectives in which they are portrayed. I enjoy using contrasting elements to balance one another within a fun and minimalist style.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for me has been word of mouth. I’ve worked with several clients now who heard about me from someone they knew whom I had I worked with in the past. Having your reputation precede you in a positive way is helpful in garnering trust and new opportunities.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

One thing I wish I had been more aware of when I was younger is the importance of mentorship. Having mentors, especially people who care about your success, in your corner is one of the most valuable things a creative can obtain. It is especially important when it comes to art and business. That is one thing that’s severely lacking in most academic spaces. Understanding your worth and how to protect your Intellectual property is truly invaluable.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jazcole.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jazcole_studio/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaz-c-cole
• Other: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZT86x64wy/

Image Credits
Photo by Drae Brown