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

Julian, appreciate you joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

It all started when I was a child, between the ages of 9 and 11. Drawing and coloring have always been therapeutic for me—something I did whether I was happy or sad. I just loved creating a piece of my own world. However, I never imagined it could become my future.

As time went on, my art spoke for itself, catching the attention of many—family members, friends, and classmates. My high school teachers would keep my assignments to showcase for other students and even asked to keep them for future classes. I started with simple pencil sketches on blank white paper, often drawing portraits of people who inspired me and Pit Bull dogs. I knew they were the best dogs ever because they looked cool, I saw them every day in my neighborhood, and my favorite rapper, DMX, made them part of his image.

Music has also played a big role in my artistic journey. I grew up in a home where my father collected a vast number of vinyl records. As a curious child, I was always drawn to the albums with the most striking cover art. Even when I heard a song without knowing the artist, I could already picture something beautiful in my mind. I remember cutting blank paper into vinyl album shapes, painting them black, creating imaginary artists, and pretending they were my own recorded albums. Beyond music, art has always felt like a language only I could fully understand—yet it had the power to connect with others in ways I never expected.

However, in my early 20s, art became just a hobby. I didn’t know much about the business side of being an artist, and I grew up hearing that artists struggle financially or end up poor. Coming from an African background, telling your parents you want to become an artist is often seen as a disappointment. So, for the first time in my life, I gave up on art, thinking it was just a part of my past.

But art was in me—it was in my DNA. No matter how much I tried to move on, I still found myself creating, and with time, I kept getting better. I worked job after job, from 9-to-5 shifts to overnight work, but none of them felt right. It wasn’t because of laziness or poor work ethic—I was on a journey, one that led me to where I am today. Along the way, I also composed my own music, which opened doors for me to perform at shows and even travel to West Africa, Ghana—a tough yet transformative experience.

My last experience in Ghana wasn’t a great one, and while I was there, my desire for creating art came back. It was a passion I had kept in the back of my mind. As much as I enjoyed music, it didn’t feel right. I realized how much time and talent I was wasting—a gift that God gave me, meant to be shared with the world. It became clear that I was put on this earth to express myself through my art. That moment of realization showed me that I was here for one thing and one thing only: to be an artist. Nothing else I had ever done made me feel as fulfilled as creating art.

For so long, I experimented with different mediums, but now, I can proudly say I’m in it for life. I am an oil painter, and I wouldn’t change it for the world. Through this long artistic journey, I have chosen to fully commit to oil painting. I’ve always found it to have a vintage, rich, and timeless quality. It’s also one of the more challenging mediums, and I knew I had to push myself to master it and develop true skill.

Since 2023, I have been a full-time artist—and the journey continues.

Julian, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Julian Adu aka JKA Visual Arts, a full-time oil painter whose work is deeply rooted in Black art, music, and cultural storytelling. My art is inspired by the people, music, and experiences that shaped my upbringing, as well as the connection between Black identity and nature. Through my paintings, I aim to capture the essence of my culture, the emotions of my subjects, and the influences that have played a significant role in my life.

What sets my work apart is its blend of realism and symbolism—whether it’s a portrait infused with the spirit of music or a piece that intertwines Black figures with elements of nature, each painting tells a story. I want my audience to feel the rhythm, history, and depth behind every brushstroke.

Beyond creating art, I provide collectors and art lovers with meaningful, one-of-a-kind pieces that resonate on a deeper level. My goal is not just to paint but to preserve and celebrate the beauty, struggles, and triumphs of Black culture through visual storytelling.

One of the things I’m most proud of is how my journey has shaped me. The challenges I faced—whether it was doubting myself, struggling to find direction, or navigating the business side of art—have all played a role in making me the artist I am today. I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that my work is deeply personal, created with passion, and rooted in authenticity.

I create with purpose, and every piece I make is an extension of my truth. For those discovering my work, I want them to know that my art is a reflection of history, identity, and personal expression.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

The driving force behind my creative journey is proving that you can make a living doing what you love. For so long, I was told that being an artist meant struggling financially or that it wasn’t a “real career.” But I refuse to accept that narrative. I want to show not just aspiring artists, but anyone with a passion, that it is possible to turn your craft into a successful career with dedication, strategy, and perseverance.

Beyond that, my biggest motivation is my family. As a husband and father, I want to set an example for my children—showing them that they can achieve anything they put their minds to. I see so much potential in them, and I want them to grow up knowing that success isn’t just about following the safest path, but about believing in yourself and putting in the work to create the life you want.

Another major goal for me is balance. I’m not just an artist; I’m a husband and father, and I want the flexibility to be present for my family while also pursuing my passion. Art allows me to build a career on my own terms—one where I can create, inspire, and provide for my loved ones without sacrificing the time and attention they deserve.

At the end of the day, my mission is about more than just my own success. It’s about breaking barriers, inspiring others, and proving that passion and purpose can go hand in hand with financial stability, personal fulfillment, and a meaningful family life.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

There are a few resources I wish I had known about earlier in my journey. Mentorship would have been helpful, as having someone experienced to guide me would’ve made a big difference. Connecting with other artists through communities or groups could have helped me grow by getting feedback and collaborating. I also wish I had discovered platforms for promoting and selling my work earlier, like online galleries and social media. Finally, knowing more about financial resources like grants or funding opportunities would have helped me sustain my art practice sooner. These resources would have been key in shaping my path and career.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jkavisualarts.wixsite.com/jka-visual-arts
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jkavisualarts
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19xfrP1GfA/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@j.k.a.visualarts