We were lucky to catch up with Jonathan Carradine recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Jonathan, thanks for joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
My purpose or my mission is to create pieces that inspired and motivate those who view my work. Each piece that I have created with intent and meaning behind it. Whether it is a portrait of recognizable figure that has characteristics that I’m inspired to be or a piece that reflect how I am feeling at the moment, I hope it can connect with viewer.
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?
My name is Jonathan. I am a self-taught visual artist and published illustrator from Chicago. The day that I wanted to be an artist is when I was at Gym class in 3rd grade. My best friend, Johnathan, called me over to look at this basketball that had a realistic pen drawing on a basketball. I was just in awe because of the details and the shading of the drawing. That’s when I know what I wanted to be when I grow up. I started to draw things that surrounded me everything like my city’s skyline, random still-life’s, the Bulls, and cartoons like Pokémon and Sonic. Then throughout the years, I became more disciplined in my craft and explored new mediums like painting, airbrush, animation, graphic design and digital illustration.
For my traditional illustration pieces, I used Bristol board, pencils, crayon pencils and illustration pens, For my digital illustrations, I used Procreate on IPad Pro. I create all of my work with a fiery passion and drive, dedicated yet approachable in the process.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My goal of being an artist being to able to be of assistance to my peers and to create work that I hope that spark a feeling for the viewer. Growing up, I was taught to try and help anyone that may need it. This applies both personally and professionally. Just being to able provide assistance, constructive criticism, techniques, etc, to help a fellow artist/creative is more fulfilling and vice versa. When the viewer tells me a reason why they connected with or purchased a piece from me, I feel like the work reached its purpose. That’s why I am grateful to be a part of a incredibly talented art community in Chicago, where we always stay connected and support each other’s creative journeys. I’m grateful for that type of exchange between the art and the viewer.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
I think the most effective strategy for growing your clientele is supporting/participating your local art scene. The more you participate and support the art community, the more connections that can be possibly made. Reach out to your local art gallery for open calls for their upcoming art shows and ask for details about submitting your art. If you see a local event that has live art, reach out to see if you can participate. Even if you don’t have any work to showcase, you can just attend to just support and connect with like minded people. Just be approachable and kind, and remember to keep your contact info and social media in hand.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.JonathanCarradine.com
- Instagram: @jonathancarradine
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathancarradine
- Twitter: @JonCarradineArt
- Other: bio.site/JonathanCarradine