We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jhadai Mcdonald. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jhadai below.

Jhadai, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I knew I was called to art at a very early age. It has been a part of me since I was three years old, completing a “family portrait” assignment where my mom taught me how to “add meat to the bones” of my stick figures. Art has been my solace in times of loneliness and has provided me an escape from reality. It has shaped how I view the world around me—finding depth in shallow things and adding color to what once seemed black and white. Simply put, art has been my shadow, accompanying me through the ebbs and flows of life. There is no reality where I am not creating.

The first time I truly understood what I was meant to do was during my college years. I spent my freshman and sophomore years thoroughly confused about what I wanted to major in. Growing up, I was often told about the “starving artist” stereotype, so I set art aside for a while. It wasn’t until the middle of my junior year that I decided to challenge myself and create one of the most tedious pieces I’ve ever worked on. This piece was an 18×24-inch pixelated painting of the Notorious B.I.G., which took me almost two years to complete. Despite the length of time it took, the journey reignited my passion for creating.

I had been so caught up in school and trying to fit into society’s standards for a career that I almost abandoned my calling. After completing that painting, I made the decision to pursue art as a career, no matter how rigid or uncertain the path might be.

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

I am a 27-year-old artist specializing in painting. I have been painting for approximately nine years, primarily using acrylics and oils. While I’ve been creating art since the age of three, I discovered painting later in life because I was drawn to the depth and dimension it offers. In my earlier years, I focused on drawing with pencils and markers, but as I gained more knowledge and practiced, I sought to expand my skill set.

I began painting professionally during my junior year of college, inspired by one of the most challenging art projects I’ve ever undertaken: a pixelated painting of the Notorious B.I.G. The nearly two-year process of completing that piece ignited a deeper passion for art and solidified my desire to pursue it seriously.

Today, I work with a variety of mediums, including acrylic and oil paints, crochet, and textile painting. I create custom art pieces tailored to unique needs, from hand-painted sweatshirts and sneakers to realistic family portraits and crocheted bags for vacations. I love crafting one-of-a-kind items for individuals who want something personal and meaningful, distinct from mainstream offerings. I collaborate closely with my clients to bring their visions to life, ensuring every piece feels special and intentional.

What sets me apart is my ability to be a visionary. I excel at translating ideas into reality through thoughtful conversations and attention to detail. This is something I take great pride in. Time and again, I surprise myself by overcoming anxiety and self-doubt to surpass expectations. My ultimate goal is to take someone’s words and transform them into a tangible, meaningful work of art. For potential clients, this is one of the most important things to understand about my approach.

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

A significant lesson I had to unlearn was the expectation that my biggest supporters would be my friends and family. While I am fortunate to have a good support system when it comes to my art, I’ve discovered that I often receive greater encouragement and validation from strangers on the internet. These individuals, who have no personal connection to me, seem more eager to celebrate my work and invest in it without hesitation.

In contrast, I’ve found that some close friends and family, while supportive in spirit, may not always show their support in tangible ways, especially financially. At times, they may unintentionally take my gifts for granted, assuming my art is readily available to them or overlooking its true value.

This realization forced me to shift my mindset. I had to recognize that my art isn’t solely for the people who know me personally but for a much larger audience—the rest of the world. My work is for those who may not know my name or my story but are moved by what I create. It’s for the strangers who see beauty, meaning, or inspiration in my pieces and appreciate the value of my craft.

By letting go of the expectation that my inner circle would be my primary audience, I freed myself to focus on creating for those who truly resonate with my art. This shift has been liberating and has reminded me to embrace the broader reach and impact of my work.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

There was a time when I was commissioned to paint a large piece for a couple. I remember carefully planning and dedicating significant effort to complete it within the agreed timeframe. Once I finished the painting, I decided to add a layer of resin to encapsulate and protect the artwork, hoping to give it a sleek, polished finish. Unfortunately, the resin wasn’t mixed properly, and after coating the painting, it refused to cure.

If you know anything about resin, you understand how temperamental it can be. The mixing ratio has to be precise, or the resin won’t harden, and its chemical properties can even make it harmful if not handled correctly. I was devastated as I stared at a painting I had poured my heart into, now seemingly ruined because of my own mistake.

I tried everything I could think of to fix it, but after two days, it was clear there was no salvaging the piece. On top of that, I had reached the deadline and had no choice but to inform the clients of what had happened. Coming clean wasn’t easy, but I knew it was the right thing to do.

After explaining the situation, I made the decision to start over and recreate the entire painting from scratch—this time opting for a traditional top coat instead of resin. I had never redone a painting before, as I typically create one-of-a-kind pieces, but I was determined to deliver something just as beautiful, if not better, within 24 hours.

I pulled an all-nighter, using the original painting as a blueprint to guide me. Surprisingly, the second version turned out even better. Having already visualized the composition and colors, I was able to refine the details and elevate the piece to a new level.

That experience taught me a powerful lesson about resilience and problem-solving in the face of adversity. It remains one of the most memorable moments in my journey as an artist—a time when I turned a setback into an opportunity to push my limits and create something truly special.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jhadaimcdonald.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jam2art

Image Credits

Jhadai McDonald