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

Jazzy, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?

As a neurodivergent woman of color who grew up really quiet and shy, I downplayed my potential and goals. I’ve had my fair share of struggles that I wouldn’t want anyone else to go through, but has also in turn given me the opportunity to connect with people who have or are going through similar obstacles through sharing my art and special interests.

I want to be remembered as an artist who did what they loved, and did it well. I hope to be remembered as someone who created art that made people smile or even laugh. Someone that kids who look like me can look up to and feel empowered & encouraged to follow their dreams no matter what. Representation is important to me and I want to help Black, Fil-Am & mixed kids especially to feel like they are seen in spaces where they feel left out.

I strive to be an artist who can inspire others to feel comfortable in their own skin and confident enough to give their passions a chance. Back then, I was taught that art wasn’t that important or “profitable”, & that my special interests wouldn’t get me anywhere. But people need to be reminded that we need art. Our world would be quite boring without it. And whether or not it was in the cards for me to make art a living, I will ALWAYS make time for things that make me happy. I want people to know that they should too. You never know what could happen.

It’s really tough for many many people right now, and I know I can’t solve the world’s problems. But I hope my work can at least bring a positive note to the people & communities that stumble across it.

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

My name is Jazzy Carter-Davis, AKA Jazzy Okami. I’m an illustrator, graphic & motion designer who has done freelance and agency work.

I started learning graphic & motion design in high school, and have been drawing ever since I could remember. I started out tracing the illustrations of Disney coloring books on pages that I had already filled, but wanted to color again. I shared those drawings with my friends & really enjoyed how happy I made them. After so much repetition, I got used to the shapes and motions, and started learning from drawing videos and books I would borrow from the library. Earlier on, I would mostly draw animals (especially wolves since they were my favorite) then I started to draw people/characters as I grew to take a liking to anime and video game character designs. Once I got my first drawing tablet (Wacom Bamboo), I started to learn to do art digitally, as well as take computer & design classes as my high school electives.

Once I decided I wanted to create for a living, I studied Graphic & Digital Design at Indian River State College & obtained my Associate’s Degree. After that, I attended Columbus College of Art & Design & obtained my Bachelors in Advertising &
Graphic Design in 2018 (Magna Cum Laude).

My first “big girl” job out of college was at 500 Degrees Studio, where I designed and animated for brands such as Tim Hortons, Burger King, and Popeyes. I would freelance on the side (as I did as a student) here and there. I enjoy all the freelance work I create, but my 2 favorites would have to be a beer can I designed for Land Grant Brewing Co. and style frames I illustrated for Billie Holiday’s Spotify track animations (commissioned by Pixel Park for Verve Records). I always go about putting my ideas together with a little controlled chaos, with a dash of color and fun.

I also have done mural work with my friends and sister as a collective we call Sunday Morning Art Club (SMAC for short). It’s been a great way to work as a team as well share creative ideas with others, and spruce up my traditional art skills.

I’m a massive video game and anime nerd (I grew up consuming both ever since I was a small child). So as one would guess, when I’m not creating, I enjoy watching animated films/shows, listening to music, & playing video games. All of the above is what inspires the art that I create especially in my personal work and fanart that I make on the side. Two of my biggest goals are to become a character artist & promotional designer for video games & entertainment/music.

I also enjoy connecting with people who have the same interests, and making people laugh on Tik Tok every once in a while.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

The biggest lesson I had to unlearn was to stop overworking myself. Because of my past experiences, I had gotten used to working under pressure way too frequently, & striving to be perfect & please others. I would mentally punish myself for resting thinking that I needed to ALWAYS be productive. I would overthink and fall into imposter syndrome, with the fear of being left behind if I didn’t keep at it. That eventually lead to burnout during my first few professional years out of school.

Rest and mental health days are SO so important. I remember not giving myself room to show my true self or enough time to do the things I loved because I was too hyper-focused on doing well especially in college. It’s a major blow to your creative process if you avoid the things that gave you inspiration and joy in the first place. I’ve been in the process of enjoying the things that I love again as well as my own company and the company of my friends.

As an artist, never forget to experience life. That is the number one source of inspiration for us.

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

I think the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is having that outlet to be yourself and connect with others like you. Whether it’s in person or on social media, when you share your work, you share a side of yourself that someone can see and relate to. This sparks an initiation for connection through words of encouragement, questions of curiosity, or even spreading the word by people sharing your art with even more people.

It’s a great way to build friendships, community, and to learn new things that will help you grow as an artist. You never know who you’ll come across and vice versa, and that’s both rewarding & exciting.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jazzyokami.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jazzy_okami/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jazzy-carter/

Image Credits
Jazzy Okami Sarah Pfeifer Anthony Pichardo