Daily Inspiration: Meet Jarrett Jamison

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jarrett Jamison.

Hi Jarrett, 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?
I was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio with a love for sports and all things creative. When I am creating I am at peace, and I find joy in making my art, designing clothing and merchandise. I received my Bachelors of Fine Arts with a focus in studio art painting from The University of Cincinnati – DAAP, where I was a Darwin T. Turner Scholar. After graduating in 2009 during a recession, it was difficult to find work in the arts, so I started painting full time, but with all of the stress of trying to find shows and opportunities, I was burnt out within a year.

Shortly after, I became an educator in Cincinnati Public Schools, the same district I attended growing up. It was really special to me to be an art educator, but after two years, the school that I taught at ended up closing. I was out of work for the 2nd time. I always loved commercials but never knew how to get into the creative side of the ad world. After cold calling several agencies and getting no information, I finally received the correct info from an advisor at RISD. Shortly after, I ended up moving to Atlanta, Georgia and attending The Creative Circus where I would receive my Art Direction Certification in Advertising. After completing the program at The Creative Circus, I moved to New York to accept my first advertising job at R/GA. I got the opportunity to grow creatively and work on campaigns for Samsung US, Samsung Global, L’Oreal, and Converse. I spent four years there and then moved across the country to Los Angeles, where I would work on campaigns for Airbnb and The LA Phil.

All while working in the advertising industry, I was still creating my art after work hours. From New York to LA, I have had the opportunity to display my work on National TV, on shows such as Starz’ Power (Seasons 3 and 6), HBO’s Insecure (Seasons 2,3 and 4), Showtime’s THE CHI (Season 3), CW’s Black Lightning (Season 2) and BET’s Boomerang (Season 1). It never gets old watching a show and seeing my work. I am honored and humbled every time. Currently, I am a Freelance Associate Creative Director (Art Direction) in the advertising industry, Owner of JJ ARTS LLC, where I sell my original art prints, clothing, enamel pins and creative services and the Founder of the Anything is Possible Fundraising initiative to help inspire youth to pursue their dreams in the creative arts and keep arts programs in educational institutions. The program also helps expose youth to careers in the creative arts that they may not have known about, very similar to my experience growing up.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t been a smooth road by any means but definitely a journey of growth; creatively, mentally and spiritually. In the art space, it was difficult when I graduated from undergrad and pursued art full time. I barely slept and wasn’t taking care of myself. I was constantly thinking what the next show would be, or what commission I could paint next, and how to ensure that the paintings sold because that was how the bills were getting paid. Even though it was difficult, I was blessed to be able to pay most (lol) of my bills on time during that chapter. In the advertising space, when I first started, there was definitely a learning curve. I didn’t know how to do A LOT of tasks, but I asked questions and was blessed enough to be at an agency where there were classes taught by some of the best creative directors and designers to help elevate those of us that were just starting out. And then being an entrepreneur is not easy at all, but I enjoy the freedom it brings me. Ownership is everything.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My current painting series is a compilation of stylized portraits called Sounds of Blackness. I created this series to pay homage to and honor iconic Black musical artists throughout time. I wanted the pieces to be bold and graphic so I chose to use black and white acrylics, accented by lyrics made from gold foil. I create all of the typography in the pieces as well. This is an endless series to honor Black musical icons for their contributions to music and life. I’m excited for the world to see these paintings. I enjoy inspiring people to live their dreams. With my positive message of Anything is Possible, I hope to provide a light showing that you can set out to be anything that you want to be if you speak it, believe it, work hard and stay dedicated.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
The LOVE the weather and the beach! It’s beautiful out here. Being from the Midwest where it can be 70 degrees 1 minute and snowing the next, LA is a great change of pace. I like the traffic the least for sure.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.jarrettjamison.com
• Instagram: @JJARTS05 – https://www.instagram.com/jjarts05/
  @DBLJ05 – https://www.instagram.com/dblj05/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jjarts05/
• Other: www.etsy.com/shop/JJARTSLLC (webstore)

Image Credits
Photo Credits: Andre Bransford, Arya Davachi, Jarrett Jamison

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