Meet Jermaine Mcgee of Lancaster

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jermaine Mcgee.

Jermaine, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My name is Jermaine McGee, and I am the CEO and owner of Simply Creative Arts. Growing up in South Central LA, I developed an early passion for the arts, inspired by my surroundings and a commitment to hard work and resilience. My first experiences with art came from observing graffiti and the natural beauty in my neighborhood, which encouraged me to experiment creatively. Over time, I explored various artistic mediums and learned the value of both creative expression and building strong relationships.

With the support of my friends and family, I found even more motivation to bring my creative interests together. Starting high school, I knew I wanted a career in the arts and dreamed of sharing my work worldwide. In college, I explored new interests like filmmaking, video editing, and graphics, which sometimes took me off my original path. I’ve always wanted to keep learning and find ways to blend different art forms into something special.

After high school, I faced a big decision between two schools, each offering different ways to grow as an artist. I chose Cal State University of Northridge, where I majored in the arts with a focus on 3D animation. This turned out to be one of the best choices I’ve made. I discovered new art forms like ceramics, 2D design, game design, and photography, which pushed my passion even further and set me on my path as a professional artist.

Once I graduated from college and reflected on my experience, I felt I did not allocate the appropriate time to each art form to properly entice professional companies in the entertainment sector. With my passion, expertise, and love for creativity, I realized that starting a business would give me the best chances at success. At this time, I decided that I wanted to have a legacy for myself and developed the infrastructure for my own business, Simply Creative Arts. Since then, I have worked with many small businesses, non-profits, inspiring artists, along with friends and families who want to experience the joy that art brings. Since being launched in 2017, I’ve been successful in this scope of work and have created a platform that inspires creatives all around the world. Through brokered relationships of collaboration, strategic partnerships, and alliances, Simply Creative Arts has been a staple in Los Angeles providing services of Custom Commissioned Art Work, One on One paint lessons, Graphic Design & Animation as well it’s very own “Create & Sip” & Black Out Art Shows!

I pride myself on being a leader, teacher of art, curator of creativity, & painter of commissions. No amount of money could ever change the way that I experienced things on my time and my way. I truly love what I do, and I enjoy creating lasting memories for all our recurring and new clients.

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?
Throughout high school, I juggled multiple interests—from sports to music—which taught me early on how challenging balance can be. But the real turning point came in college, when I lost both my grandmother and great-grandmother—two of my biggest supporters. Grief overwhelmed me, and I took a year off from school, unsure if I’d return.

During that time, I began working and fell into a routine that made it easy to put my dreams on hold. But with encouragement from my family and a renewed sense of purpose, I made the decision to go back. I paid my own tuition, pushed through, and earned my degree.

That degree doesn’t define me, but it represents my resilience. Without that journey, I don’t believe I’d be where I am today—a proud business owner, driven by the challenges I’ve overcome.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I would call my self a painter. I started in graphite and now my work has evolved through the years to what it is now. I do commissions , mainly portraits of loved ones , fan art, and landscapes. My method of creating art is simple and I try to use what I know about the client to develop a custom piece thats unique to the client. I include my client in every step of the process so that the client is always happy with the end result. I also produce art shows with up and coming artisans and creators, bringing together all different types of people for one great purpose, to network and have fun. My biggest and most profitable service that I provide is my specialty as a curator. I curate paint and sip classes for family gatherings, birthdays, holidays and special occasions. My joy comes from watching others like me succeed which helps me become a better version of myself. I am proud to see my friends, family and clients happy whenever I could contribute something to make their day just a little better. This is what sets me apart, I love the material aspect, but their is no value when it comes to happiness.

Rewrite this for an article
ChatGPT said:
Certainly! Here’s a polished and professional version of your statement, restructured for an article format while preserving your voice and message:

The Heart Behind the Canvas: How One Painter Is Transforming Art into Connection

For many artists, the journey begins with a pencil and a blank sheet of paper. For this painter, it began with graphite—shading, sketching, and gradually bringing ideas to life. Over time, that humble beginning evolved into a multifaceted artistic career that blends traditional portraiture, fan art, and landscapes with a deep passion for community and connection.

Specializing in custom commissions, this artist creates pieces that are as unique as the clients they are made for. Whether it’s a cherished portrait of a loved one or a vibrant landscape that captures a favorite memory, every piece is tailored with purpose. What sets this painter apart is a deeply personalized process: clients are included in every step, from concept to final brushstroke. The goal is simple—ensure the final piece resonates deeply with the person it was made for.

But this painter’s creative vision doesn’t stop at the canvas. They also produce community art shows, bringing together emerging artisans and creators for unforgettable events centered on networking, celebration, and creativity. These shows are more than exhibitions—they’re vibrant experiences that bridge different walks of life through a shared appreciation for art.

Perhaps the most successful and impactful service offered, however, is in the realm of curation. As a skilled curator, the artist hosts tailored paint-and-sip events for birthdays, holidays, family gatherings, and special occasions. These experiences are thoughtfully designed to encourage joy, creativity, and togetherness. It’s here—where laughter flows as freely as the paint—that the artist finds the greatest reward.

At the core of this painter’s work is a simple philosophy: while the material aspects of art have value, nothing compares to the joy it brings others. “My joy comes from watching others like me succeed,” they share. “It helps me become a better version of myself.”

For this painter, the true masterpiece isn’t just the art—it’s the happiness sparked in others through creativity, connection, and care.

Let me know if you’d like to adapt this for a website bio, press release, or something else!

You said:
Can you make this shorter
ChatGPT said:
Absolutely! Here’s a shorter, more concise version that still captures the essence of your story and work:

Bringing Art to Life Through Connection and Community

Starting with graphite sketches, this painter’s journey has evolved into a vibrant career centered around custom commissions, community events, and creative experiences. Specializing in portraits, fan art, and landscapes, each piece is thoughtfully crafted with the client in mind—collaborative from start to finish to ensure a meaningful, personal result.

Beyond the canvas, they curate art shows and paint-and-sip events, bringing people together to celebrate creativity in all forms. These gatherings, whether for birthdays, holidays, or casual get-togethers, are where art meets joy, and connection becomes the true masterpiece.

What sets this artist apart is a genuine love for seeing others thrive. “Happiness has no price,” they say. “If my art can brighten someone’s day, that’s the real reward.”

Let me know if you’d like an even more casual or professional tone!

You said:
Write this is 1st person
ChatGPT said:
Of course! Here’s the shortened version rewritten in the first person:

Art That Connects

I started my journey with graphite, sketching portraits and slowly growing into the painter I am today. Over the years, my work has evolved into custom commissions—portraits, fan art, and landscapes—each one made with care and intention. I involve my clients in every step of the process to make sure their piece is not only personal but exactly what they envisioned.

Beyond painting, I also curate art shows and host paint-and-sip events for birthdays, holidays, and special occasions. These gatherings bring people together through creativity and connection, which is what I value most in my work.

What sets me apart isn’t just my art—it’s my love for helping others succeed and feel seen. Watching someone smile because of something I created reminds me why I do this. For me, happiness is the greatest masterpiece.

Let me know if you’d like to tailor this for social media, a website bio, or a printed article!

You said:
I would call my self a painter. I started in graphite and now my work has evolved through the years to what it is now. I do commissions , mainly portraits of loved ones , fan art, and landscapes. My method of creating art is simple and I try to use what I know about the client to develop a custom piece thats unique to the client. I include my client in every step of the process so that the client is always happy with the end result. I also produce art shows with up and coming artisans and creators, bringing together all different types of people for one great purpose, to network and have fun. My biggest and most profitable service that I provide is my specialty as a curator. I curate paint and sip classes for family gatherings, birthdays, holidays and special occasions. My joy comes from watching others like me succeed which helps me become a better version of myself. I am proud to see my friends, family and clients happy whenever I could contribute something to make their day just a little better. This is what sets me apart, I love the material aspect, but their is no value when it comes to happiness.

Rewrite this for a magazine in 1st person
ChatGPT said:
Absolutely! Here’s your story rewritten in the first person for a magazine feature—polished, engaging, and personal while maintaining your authentic voice:

More Than a Painter: Creating Art That Connects

I would call myself a painter, but what I do goes far beyond putting brush to canvas. My journey began with graphite—simple sketches that slowly evolved into something much bigger. Over the years, my art has grown with me. Today, I focus mainly on commissions: portraits of loved ones, fan art, and landscapes. Each piece is deeply personal, and I treat it that way.

My process is simple but meaningful. I get to know my clients—who they are, what they love—and use that to create something truly unique. I include them in every step of the process, from the first idea to the final detail, because I want the end result to feel like theirs. That collaboration is just as important to me as the finished work.

Outside of commissions, I’ve found joy in building community through art. I produce art shows that highlight up-and-coming artisans and creators, giving people from all walks of life a space to connect, network, and just have fun. There’s something powerful about bringing creative people together in one place with a shared purpose.

One of my most popular (and fulfilling) services is curating paint-and-sip events. Whether it’s for a family gathering, birthday, holiday, or special occasion, these events turn art into a celebration. They’re a chance for people to relax, create, and make memories together—and being part of that means everything to me.

What drives me most is seeing others succeed. Watching my friends, family, and clients light up because of something I helped create—that’s what pushes me to grow and give more. I love the art itself, of course, but the real value lies in the happiness it brings. That’s what sets me apart. For me, joy is the greatest reward.

Let me know if you’d like a version tailored for a specific magazine or with a more formal or casual tone!

You said:
Rewrite this shorter
ChatGPT said:
Of course! Here’s a shorter version of your piece in the first person, perfect for a magazine spotlight or artist feature:

Painting With Purpose

I started as a graphite artist, sketching portraits by hand. Over time, my work evolved into full commissions—portraits, fan art, and landscapes—all customized with care. I involve each client in the creative process, ensuring every piece feels personal and meaningful.

Beyond commissions, I curate community art shows that bring together emerging creators to connect, collaborate, and celebrate art. One of my most in-demand services is hosting paint-and-sip events for birthdays, holidays, and special gatherings—turning creativity into a shared experience.

What truly drives me is seeing others light up through art. Whether it’s a finished painting or a fun event, I’m proud when my work brings joy. At the end of the day, happiness is the real masterpiece.

What matters most to you?
What matters most to me right now is my family. I recently started a new chapter with my wife, our baby daughter, and our fur baby. We bought our first home in 2022, and since then, building a loving, supportive home has been my top priority. They mean everything to me, and every day I strive to grow—not just for myself, but for them.

Pricing:

• Custom Painting $150.00 (min)
• Paint & Sip $25/person (min)
• Graphic Work $100 (min)
• Art Instruction $30/hr or $250 for 10hrs.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Simplycreativearts.com
• Instagram: Simplycreativearts
• Youtube: CreativeMoments