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

Jonae , appreciate you joining us today. Do you wish you had waited to pursue your creative career or do you wish you had started sooner?

Well, there are times when I reflect on my journey and wish I had started my creative career earlier. In college, I began as an art major but switched paths after my first semester. I sometimes wonder what could have come of that decision if I had continued, though at the time, I felt discouraged. I remember my brother telling me that graphic design was undoubtedly my strength, and he was a bit surprised when I made the change.

However, I also believe that life unfolds as it should, and perhaps stepping away from that path was meant to be. I only began seriously pursuing art two to three years ago, and my first year involved a lot of trial and error. Even now, I’m still experimenting with different mediums. Looking back, though, it’s been over ten years since I was in college, and I sometimes think about all the skills I could have developed during that time; I might have mastered my craft by now, but life has its own timing, and I’m embracing where I am in the process.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I went through a period of deep self-reflection, where I felt like I lacked a sense of purpose. I have a 9-to-5 job, but it isn’t particularly fulfilling, at least not in the way that creating art is for me. Over time, I tried various ventures—making candles, jewelry, and even attempting to start a t-shirt company. However, none of those ventures lasted long, mostly because I didn’t connect with the business side of things. What I did enjoy was designing candle labels and creating t-shirt designs. That’s when I realized that it wasn’t the products themselves but the creative process that excited me.

During that time, I spent a lot of time using Photoshop, a tool I was already familiar with from high school. One day, I decided to try drawing on my iPad just to see where it would take me. I began posting my drawings on Instagram for fun, and to my surprise, people started commenting on how talented I was. At first, I was hesitant to believe it, but the more people encouraged me, the more I began to see the potential in myself. My sister, whom I deeply appreciate, is one of my biggest supporters, and constantly tells me to keep going, especially during those moments where I felt defeated.

So I did—and slowly, what started as a casual hobby evolved into something much bigger. Today, I can genuinely say that I love art, and I’m incredibly proud of the growth I’ve experienced through it. Art has not only become my passion but also a medium through which I’ve grown as a person. I look forward to continuing this journey and evolving as an artist.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

I’m not the biggest fan of social media these days, but I’ve learned to use it primarily as a tool. I’m only on Instagram, and with the platform being so saturated, keeping up with the ever-changing algorithm can feel exhausting. Honestly, I’ve stopped trying to do that because it takes the joy out of my creative process. I used to try to be a content creator, focusing on making reels and staying on trend, but I quickly realized that wasn’t for me, at least not in this season of my life. Right now, I simply stick to posting my art and occasionally sharing pictures of myself with my work. If people appreciate it, that’s great—if not, that’s okay too.

What I’ve come to understand is that your audience will find you eventually. I once had a post go semi-viral, and that was really exciting. Even a few well-known musicians reposted my art, which, while I don’t rely on that for validation, was nice to see. That exposure brought in a lot of new followers, but the key lesson for me has been to stay true to my craft. Don’t let likes or views discourage you. Take breaks when you need them, avoid comparing yourself to others, and understand that your creative journey will be unique. In time, things will fall into place.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding part of being a creative is the ability to inspire others. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about knowing that your work can spark imagination, evoke emotion, or even motivate someone to pursue their own creative journey. Whether it’s through a piece of art, a design, or even just sharing my process, I love the idea that my creativity could encourage someone to see the world a little differently or help them realize their own potential.

It’s a privilege to create something that resonates with people on a deeper level, and hearing how my work has impacted someone or given them the confidence to explore their own talents is a feeling like no other. Art, in any form, has the power to connect people, and being able to contribute to that connection is what makes being a creative so fulfilling. At the end of the day, it’s not just about the work itself but about the ripple effect it can have on others. That’s what keeps me motivated and passionate about what I do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.theartistjm.com
• Instagram: JMXCHELLEART