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

Justine, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

All kids start off as artist, I was just decided to make a career out of it. There wasn’t a point where I learned how to be an artist. I was always drawing, constantly. And my skills improved from there. I learned to be an illustrator when I realized that I can use a drawing to tell a story. I became a good

illustrator when I decided to filter the world around me through my lens.

I went back and forth being an illustrator and a graphic designer my entire college career. It wasn’t until I was about to graduate when I realized that maybe illustration is my ministry. I don’t regret that it took me along tome, though. Having a graphic design degree informs my art. Plus, graphic design is a great skill to have. I don’t think anything I could’ve done would’ve sped up the process of being an illustrator. Working out the kinks was a great learning experience. It made my art better too.

The most essential skills to being an illustrator (in my opinion) are: having a point of view, having a style, and flexibility. Also, boldness! You have to be bold enough to put yourself out there. When you go into the arts you will get rejected more often than not. You have to build up a thick skin. You just have to power through it. You have to

keep going. Eventually, you will get a yes, and that one yes can lead to more yes’s.

I was my own obstacle when it came to illustration. I went back and forth about being an illustrator for years before I finally decided to do it.

Being an illustrator is such a funny spot to be in. It’s the love child of design and fine art. Illustration is highly commercial as well. Because of that, compared to other art, I don’t think it’s taken as seriously. I had to get over my own biases as well.

Justine, 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?

Hi! My name is Justine Allenette Ross and I’m an illustrator working in the (Metro) Detroit area.

When I was in grade school I was

confident in the idea of being an illustrator or a cartoonist. Once I started college, however, I didn’t think it was a feasible career path. Graphic design seemed like a more safe bet so that’s what I went with. In college, I enrolled in the graphic design program. Illustration wasn’t even a degree that was available.

I kept on drawing and incorporating

illustrative elements in all my work. I, again, realized that I was actually an illustrator but I was still hesitant to call myself that. My initial intent was to be a graphic designer with illustration as a part of my practice, but not my main focus. Things changed during lockdown. During lock down I started to take illustration seriously. I realized that illustration was not only art, it was story telling. Illustration is communication. From there, I switched. I’m an illustrator who incorporates graphic design in their practice.

I had a bit of a break through in 2021 where

I did a couple higher profile (at least for me) interviews with creative publications. Once I did those more people knew about me. I was able to get an in-house illustration job during as well. I also was able to get an agent because they read one of my interviews and they liked my work and how i thought about things. 2021 was WILD.

As an illustrator I’m down for whatever. I have done editorial work, branding, magazine covers, kids books. I’ve also done a couple podcast covers, too. I’ve been known to make a mean gif as well.

As a brand I’m very people focused. When clients what to collaborate with me it’s because I draw people. Being a Black woman seeps into my art, it gives me a point of view. If I had to give my art a genre to fall under it would definitely fall under “afro normalism”.

I was born in Detroit and continue to live in

South East Michigan. So my art is hugely inspired by the city. Detroit is a bit of a

muse for me. I’m proud of who I am and where I’m from. I like to put that in my art.

When clients want to work with me it’s because they want a playful, human touch. My work is filled to the brim with colors, shapes, and people. I was once told that when they look at my work it’s like the people are actually real. It was such a huge compliment. I want my characters to jump off the page and talk to you. I want them to look lived in. I love drawing scenery as well. I love making moments. I think clients see the humanity in my work. That sets me apart.

I adore editorial work and magazine covers! I love how fast paced it is. It’s very conceptual as well. You’re not making a scene exactly, instead, you’re portraying an idea. It’s very cool. You have to work quick too, So you can’t over think it.

Is there a mission driving your creative journey?

What drives me is the idea of being influential. I want my work everywhere. On buses, packages, in magazines. Anywhere, really. I want to work with a diverse set of clients. I want my work to be seen. I want people to see my work and know that I did it. I want to create a language that everyone understands. I want to be ubiquitous. I want people to know that I lived. Essentially, I want to take over the world. I’m aiming high.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

I’m an adjunct professor at the college I graduated from (Wayne State University). It’s super fun and super weird being an authority figure to a bunch of 20 something’s. The first semester I taught was super impactful for me.

Being a teacher was not in my career bingo card, I didn’t have any experience teaching. The only reason I started teaching was

because my former (and one of my favorite) professors asked me to. So I did it as more of a favor.

When I first got the gig it was virtual because of lockdown. For the final class, we were able to meet in person. Again, it was very surreal to be in that classroom because I used to be a student in that space. To now be a teacher in a room I was once taught in was something else.

When I dismissed the class my students stuck around and told me how much they enjoyed my class. I was shocked, because I didn’t know what I was doing! I was guessing how to be a good teacher as I went. I was learning as I went along! The fact that I was able to give them a good experience touched me. I felt proud of myself and I was extremely moved at the same time. After the class left I saw that my sister left me a voice mail. I called her up and just cried on the phone. I just sat down on the floor and cried. I was so happy.

Thank God nobody walked in and saw me blubbering on the floor.

Out of all the things I’ve done, that’s the most gratifying. Being a good instructor.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://justineallenetteross.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stinallenette/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justine-allenette-ross-921085136/

Image Credits
Justine Allenette Ross