We were lucky to catch up with Jelonnie Smith recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jelonnie, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

My parents have always been supportive of my being an artist and taught me to really know my worth. I have countless sketchbooks from when I was younger, that are just filled to the brim with drawings. My parents always encouraged me to lean into my talents and interests and were more than willing to help with whatever I needed, even when they don’t know anything about art or the art world.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m an artist from a small town in NC. I had been drawing and creating since I could remember, so art became a comfort for me and I have never strayed away from it. I primarily paint portraiture; I sell my paintings, as well as take commissions. But, I’m never afraid to dabble in other things, such as graphics, T-shirt designs, logos, etc. So, I try to be versatile and try new things. I would say I’m most proud of the strides I’ve made in my personal work within the past year or so. I’ve come to the realization that I really enjoy working big; I’m talking mural size and bigger than life. And, I hope people know that my work celebrates my identity as a Black woman and everything that accompanies that.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I think that the ultimate goal for me is to completely supported by my work. I want to really be doing what I love full time and spending copious amounts of time just creating. In the past and sometimes now, I didn’t allow myself as much time just to create and do what I feel I do best.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I think there’s a stigma around creatives not having it as hard as someone who has a traditional job. People tend to think it’s easy and things along the line of, “Oh, anyone can do that.” In reality, it’s really tough and lots of time and money is dedicated to being a creative. On top of that, you’re spending all of this work towards putting your work and your brand out there and you may not gain much attention or traction for it. And when you do get attention, there’s always going to be some negative comments or someone telling you you’re not worth your prices or whatever.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: jelonniesmith_

Image Credits
Charlee Douglas