We were lucky to catch up with Justine Swindell recently and have shared our conversation below.

Justine, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

In 2020 Washington DC like many cities was boarded up due to the pandemic and civil unrest. During this time artist were offered opportunities to create art on the walls and boards covering windows. I was commissioned to create a mural representing Black joy. I painted a woman at peace , in dignity and ease. The people passing by fueled me and for the first time in a time of isolation I felt connected to people again and grateful that my art made people feel good during such a rough time.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am a multidisciplinary artist based in Washington D.C. where I make commercial illustrations, murals, and paintings. My journey to building a creative business for myself was not linear. While I made art for as long as I can remember I struggled find an art career that was a good fit for me.

I grew up in Washington DC in the 80s and 90s with an abundant exposure to fine art along side the grit of a busy city. The juxtaposition of these formative experiences still influences my style and approach to my making art. It seemed clear that when I grew up my profession would reflect that. It didn’t quite go that way, at least not at first.

In college I studied Visual Design and Business Management and after graduation I moved to Los Angeles where I got a job in post production. During this time I also started volunteering at a local YMCA and found myself feeling more at home with the health programming in my volunteer work than my job. I eventually decided switched my career to public health and with mixed feelings my love for art transitioned from a professional life to a personal endeavor,

Fast forward a decade later I was working in Global Health and getting my M.A. in Sociology I found myself on my flights falling deeper into my drawing practice. I began sharing my work on social media and got an overwhelming response from my community. The intersection of my sense of storytelling and research I had gained from my public health career was shining through in my art creations. It felt right and prompted me to start my creative business, Justine Swindell Art.

That was eight years ago and since then my art has brought me amazing opportunities to connect with individuals, organizations, and businesses. My multidisciplinary background sets me apart from others. When creating my illustrations and installations I utilize my social research skills to help my clients tell authentic stories about their communities and audiences. For each project I focus on capturing the humanity of the subject immersed in an array of abstract shapes and elements. I am proud of the colorful imaginary scenes I draw that create a real space to tell stories of hope, identity and existing without limits.

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

I wish I had a community after college to provide feedback and encouragement on building an art career and the many options that exist within the creative ecosystem. Instagram did not exist when I was younger and opportunities felt more limited. I think today there are so many ways to share and receive feedback on your creations and make connections.

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

I love when people see some part of themselves or their story in my artwork, especially when it is unexpected. I spend a lot of time during my creative process thinking about how a piece can make someone feel. In an editorial illustration I think about the writer and how they want to their article to connect with people. If it is a mural I think about how the art can stop someone allow them to lose themselves in the scale of the piece. If it is a painting or art print I love to get notifications for collectors sharing what the art has done for their well being. I find all of these aspects deeply rewarding.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.justineswindell.com
• Instagram: @justineswindellart

Image Credits
Glen Gordon