Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonathan Dritto

Hi Jonathan, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?

My story always starts with growing up in New York. Born in Brooklyn but raised in the lower Hudson valley there was no sort comings of inspiration for a creative kid like myself and everytime I think back it makes total sense why I became an artist. Whether it was commuting the Hudson line with my mother or the drives up the Belt Parkway with friends there is just an infinite amount of inspiration I’ve pulled from the world around me. My Story really starts after seeing ancient artwork in the American Museum of Natural History for the first time as a kid. I remember seeing the exhibit and being blown away by each piece, how it was made and how long some must’ve taken. I remember feeling drawn to the process of creation as a whole more than one specific mediu. The way so many people expressed themselves. Maybe it was the thought of how someone transmitted a feeling into a physical object or maybe it was a cultural pull to my Arabic roots, Whatever it was it sparked a fire that burns strong to this day. I always created but I never really started until I was introduced to making wire wrapped jewelry in 2011. After my first few pieces I felt that draw that I felt from seeing the ancient artwork and that was a huge outlet for my life. I created as much as I could and sold my work get any craft fair or concert lot I could. Those sales allowed me to enjoy snow covered mountains during the winter and sunny skies in the summer and in 2016 my brand JDritto Creations was born. In 2018 I started to learn more traditional metalsmithing techniques to continue pushing my limits of creativity. It’s one thing to think of a piece of jewelry but it’s an entire other beast to bring that thought to reality. Over the last years I’ve focused my skills on metal engraving, stone setting, casting and 3D designed jewelry production to help me keep up with my creativity. I now make shiny things from my home studio in the beautiful Hudson Valley where I get to make unique bespoke and limited edition jewelry. My brand is forever growing and I’m excited to share with everyone what I’m cooking up next.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

The journey has been as smooth as 100 grit sandpaper but hey, you can’t spell million without a few L’s am I right?

My main struggle was mental health. I lost a lot of close people to me back to back a few years ago. I built a solid business plan when I started but I never even factored in the power of grief and low mental health. Especially for me in a business that thrives off creativity. If I didn’t have it then I didn’t make money and we all know where that leads down.

I used a pivot into another field until I leaped back into my own lane.

I don’t know who needs to hear this, but it’s okay to step back, slowdown and reevaluate your vision. Sometimes it lets you see further down the road.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?

I make bespoke, limited edition jewelry using precious metals and gemstones from around the world. I’m known for one off, unique jewelry and love working with clients new and old to being visions to reality. I’m most proud to share the current design lines I’m working on and feel this new direction is what’s really going to set my jewelry apart from the rest. I already stand unique in my own way but the education acquired over the last years is allowing me to bring the biggest creative ideas I have to life.

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?

Discipline, perseverance and focus.

Discipline to continue learning what will drive me forward.

Perseverance to push through all the failures because ohhhh they will be abundant!

Focus to keep my eye on my purpose.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jdrittocreations.bigcartel.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdritto_creations?igsh=NmVlNTd5ZnN1dmxv
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JDrittoCreations?mibextid=ZbWKwL