We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jenalta Yates a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Jenalta thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

As a graphic artist, my creative journey began with a passion for art that extended far beyond the classroom. Although I initially embarked on my creative career by taking classes, it was during those early learning experiences that I realized my innate desire to express my unique vision through art. The moment I truly knew I wanted to be creative was when I discovered the sheer joy in using design to transform ordinary objects into works of art. This realization ignited a spark within me and laid the foundation for my future as a graphic artist.

In the pursuit of my creative calling, I found a unique niche that resonated with my artistic soul. It was during this time that I decided to embark on a journey into the world of custom cup design. Inspired by the allure of personalization and the love of coffee, I decided to create cups with a Starbucks twist. This venture allowed me to blend my graphic design skills with my newfound passion for crafting unique, eye-catching cups. It’s been an incredibly fulfilling journey to bring together two aspects of my creativity into a single, tangible product that brings joy to both myself and my customers.

This creative journey has not only been a profession but also a personal fulfillment of my lifelong dream to create art and share it with the world. With each cup I design, I get to see my artistic vision come to life, and it’s a reminder that my creative path was meant to be. The desire to create and the joy of designing have become an inseparable part of my identity, and I’m excited to continue this journey of artistic expression.

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 thrilled to introduce myself and share my journey with those who may not be familiar. I’m a 28-year-old married woman with a deep passion for creativity and design. My story begins when I first started college, where I discovered my innate artistic talents. This revelation led me on a path of self-discovery, seeking ways to express my creativity and turn it into a fulfilling career.

My journey took an exciting turn when I moved to California with my husband, a military veteran, who has been an incredible source of support throughout my creative endeavors. It was during this time that I took a job at Starbucks, and little did I know that it would ignite my passion for Starbucks Tumblr cups. These unique cups became my canvas, where I could infuse my artistry and design skills, transforming ordinary cups into beautiful works of art.

In addition to my work at Starbucks, I am also pursuing a formal education in graphic design. This academic journey has allowed me to further hone my skills and expand my creative horizons. I have leveraged this knowledge to establish a thriving side business in freelancing, where I offer digital creativity and artwork services. My clients come to me with a wide range of needs, from logo design to custom digital artwork, and I take immense pride in solving their design challenges with innovative and captivating solutions.

What sets me apart is my unwavering dedication to my craft, my unique perspective as a black woman, and my commitment to excellence. I take immense pride in the diversity and inclusivity of my designs, aiming to create artwork that resonates with people from all walks of life. I’ve learned that my creativity knows no bounds, and I’m excited to continue sharing my passion with the world.

As for what I’m most proud of, it’s the ability to turn my love for art and design into a meaningful and fulfilling career. I cherish the opportunity to work on projects that not only bring joy to my clients but also reflect my own artistic journey. My primary message to potential clients, followers, and fans is that I’m here to bring your creative visions to life. Whether it’s through my Starbucks Tumblr cup designs, graphic design work, or custom artwork, I’m dedicated to helping you achieve your creative goals and make your ideas a reality

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My primary mission is to use art and design as a means of self-expression and a way to make a positive impact on the world. I aim to create meaningful, visually appealing, and thought-provoking artwork that resonates with people on a personal and emotional level.

As a black woman in the world of design, I am particularly passionate about promoting diversity and inclusion in the creative industry. I believe that art and design have the power to bridge gaps, break down barriers, and celebrate the rich tapestry of human experiences. My mission is to champion diversity and empower individuals from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue their creative dreams and find their unique voices in the world of design.

I also want to inspire others to embrace their creativity and turn their passions into fulfilling careers. Whether it’s through sharing my journey as a Starbucks Tumblr cup designer, a graphic design student, or a freelance artist, I hope to motivate and guide aspiring creatives to explore their artistic potential and pursue their dreams.

Ultimately, my goal is to leave a positive mark through my art, inspire others to do the same, and contribute to a more inclusive and creatively vibrant world.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

As someone deeply passionate about the arts and creativity, I believe there are essential steps that society can take to support artists, creatives, and a thriving creative ecosystem. First and foremost, investing in arts education is paramount. By ensuring that arts education is accessible in schools and communities, we empower individuals to explore their creative interests from a young age, laying the foundation for the next generation of artists.

Additionally, financial support in the form of funding and grants is crucial. Governments, private organizations, and individuals can contribute to this effort, enabling artists to produce new work, advance their careers, and contribute to the rich cultural landscape. To create a nurturing environment, we must also focus on providing affordable and accessible spaces for artists to work and showcase their creations, and enforce strong copyright protection to ensure artists have control over their work and can benefit from their creations.
Embracing diversity, fair compensation, and digital platforms for art distribution are other key factors in building a thriving creative community. By implementing these measures, we can not only support artists and creatives but also enhance our cultural and economic vitality.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.redbubble.com/people/parisianink/shop
• Instagram: Parisian_INK