Meet Antoinette Jones | Self-taught Acrylic Portrait Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Antoinette Jones and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Antoinette, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?

Hey! Just a quick introduction, my name is Antoinette Jones and I am an acrylic, portrait, and pet portrait artist. My art journey began a little over 3 years ago. I started making art as a hobby and was just something I would do to relax and make for friends and family. I’m not a full-time artist yet, but I am learning to embrace my journey and trust the process. 

So what to do when you find yourself in a tough spot debating on continuing or giving up? Whether you are referring this question to a painting, your business, or any other goal you may want to pursue, the ability to know when enough is enough is a great asset. This concept has become more difficult to distinguish in the “hustle culture” that society has placed on us, small business owners. Where everyone thinks they can do everything themselves, be there for everyone, and that sleep is for the weak. I fell victim to this mindset for so long and ultimately grew tired of the cycle; hustle, burnout, push through, repeat. It was draining and caused me to resent the things I loved doing the most. One thing as business owners we need to understand is that our business is nothing without US. We are the foundation of everything our business can and will be. If we are down, so is our business. No matter what the numbers in the books may reflect, if we are not performing at our best it will show in our work.

We must be able to determine when we’ve had enough. To allow ourselves breaks, time, and patience. To be well-rested and make sure we are taken care of. So when we are in the position to have to work through difficulties we are prepared.

I used to take on everything. I was staying up all night doing multiple commissions at a time, trying to promote my art, go to school, be a mom, all while working and even though I was doing it, I was so drained and miserable. It wasn’t until I realized that this was a recipe for disaster, not success. That it is important to remind yourself it is okay to take a break. It doesn’t always have to be just one or the other. Sometimes you may not want to give up or call it done and in those moments it is okay to take a step back. It can be tempting to feel like your only option is to just push through, but it is also beneficial at times to take some time and refresh your mind. That way instead of just giving up you can come back to the problem or project clear-headed and ready to jump back in. Possibly also with a new approach or ideas that pressure was clouding.

One of my greatest strengths and weaknesses as an artist is my perfectionistic personality. I obsess over details that most people would not even be able to tell the difference between. This places a lot of pressure on me to constantly feel like I have to add more, that a piece is not done, and to keep going. Although this is a great quality to have it can also lead to overworking or feeling overwhelmed. I have had to get over the idea that everything has to be perfect. Assess the situation, envision the goal, and stick to it. It is important to have clear goals and intentions set for the things that we want to achieve. This is ultimately the greatest determination as to whether you should keep going or put it down. Things may change along the process but if you have a clear goal in mind for what you would like to achieve it makes it that much easier to make those tough calls.

There may also be times when you just want to give up, but you have to get it done so you have no choice but to push through. Artist block is a struggle that I have been open about throughout my journey. That is the thing about being a business owner and being your own boss. There is not going to be anyone breathing down your neck, reminding you of deadlines, or pressuring you through every step. And even though that is the reason a lot of us chose to get into our own business that is also something that many of us may struggle with. Learning to be the one in charge and having to push yourself through those tough spots.

When I find myself in those kinds of situations of doubt or feelings of being overwhelmed, I always find it helpful to break it down. If it is a tough part of a painting you are afraid of messing up? Do a quick study. An overwhelming project you can’t help but procrastinate? Make a to-do list breaking down your duties so it feels more achievable. Drowning in tasks? Try to find a way to lighten the load. See if there are some things you need to be done that someone else can help with. The list goes on and at the end of the day, everybody’s journey is different. What works for me may not work for you. It may take some trial and error to see what process works for you and that is okay.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

When I first started my art journey in early 2019 I never imagined it would grow to be what it is. I am not just an artist for my love of art, but my love of service. I started this journey because I love to create, but what keeps me going is knowing that there may be another creative that I’m inspiring. By me being open about my journey, success, and failures, I am helping someone else through theirs. It took me a while to be proud of my art, but once I realized how unique our position is I began to realize that this work is needed. My favorite thing about art is that it is unique to the artist. There will never be someone with my mind, skill set, execution, thought process, or feelings and the same goes for every creative. To me, that is incredibly special. And the fact that every time we touch the canvas we have the power to create something that was never on this Earth before is extremely powerful and a big reason to never give up.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

A Milwaukee must top 3 list definitely includes a sporting event. A Milwaukee sporting event is unmatched. It’s not necessarily the team that makes the city, it’s the city and the fans that make the team. I have been to a couple Buck’s games and the vibe is immaculate. 

I would then probably take them on a Milwaukee art tour. Milwaukee is filled with so many beautiful murals and sculptures. One of my favorites is the murals around the city by artist Mauricio Ramirez. With a handful of murals in the city, I still get extremely excited after finding a new one.

Lastly, you can never go wrong with a trip to the lake. I love a good sunset beach trip in the middle of summer. 

Milwaukee is not a popular city, but from a local point of view, it is an underrated one. There really is no place like home.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

One of the biggest things I’ve learned throughout my journey is the importance of community. When I began pursuing art a lot of my friends and family didn’t get it. They were there for me every step of the way, but it wasn’t until I started to put myself and my art out there that I was able to build a supportive art community. It was encouraging to meet other artists like myself. It is because of them that I am even still on this path. So I give a huge shoutout to artists, Brandi Junious and Chris Rob for their continuous support and inspiration. I also would like to thank Adrienne at the Sugar Maple for giving me a chance to showcase my art for the first time and for believing in me. Giving me the courage to believe that my art was worthy of being displayed. And to Nyesha Store, CEO of CarvdNStone, for introducing that opportunity. As well as inspiring me and opening my eyes to the positivity in the city. There are many more people I could name and I will never stop being thankful for each and every person that has supported me. Whether it has been through purchasing my art, reaching out to me for customs, recommending me to a friend, or even just sharing my posts, I am forever grateful!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/antoinettejonesart/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artbyantoinettej

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@artwithantoinette https://linktr.ee/artbyantoinette

Image Credits
Amanda Evans Photography (first pic)