Meet Jam Jam Art | Illustrator, Designer, and Arts Teacher

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

After the devastating loss of my father in 2017, I found solace and inspiration in art. His passing became the catalyst that fueled my desire to create artwork that captured the essence of my childhood, the memories we shared, and the deep sense of connection that binds us all. This transformative experience ignited a passion within me to fully engage as an arts teacher and to establish my own artistic brand.

Starting my own business as an illustrator was driven by two main passions. Firstly, I wanted to scale my brand and expand my business opportunities. I had spent years honing my skills and developing a unique artistic style, and I felt a strong calling to reach a broader audience. I wanted my art to be recognized, appreciated, and sought after by people from all walks of life.

Secondly, I was deeply inspired by the power of public art to create meaningful connections within communities. Using my talent as a vehicle for representation, I aimed to bring African American stories to life through public street art installations and murals. By sharing our culture, celebrating our heritage, and addressing social issues, I believed that my art could spark conversations and foster positive change.

To pursue these passions, I crafted a business plan, conducted thorough market research, and sought guidance from mentors and experts in the field. I worked tirelessly to establish an online presence, build a compelling portfolio, and actively collaborate with local organizations and community leaders. With a deep sense of purpose and the determination to make a difference, I embarked on this transformative journey, fully immersing myself in my art and embracing the challenges and uncertainties that came my way.

The passing of my father in 2017 served as a powerful catalyst for my artistic journey. Fueled by the need to connect with my childhood and memories, I channeled my grief into creating art that captured the essence of those experiences. This experience propelled me to fully engage as an arts teacher and establish my own business as an illustrator. With a passion for scaling my brand and representing African Americans through public art, I embarked on a path of creativity, personal growth, and meaningful impact.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Meet Jam Jam, a visionary pixel artist and illustrator whose passion for creating vibrant, imaginative digital art is matched only by their drive to inspire and uplift others. With a masterful command of color, light, and form, they bring to life fantastical worlds and characters that captivate the hearts and minds of all who behold them. But he is not content simply to create beauty in the world; they are also a driven mentor, eager to share their skills and knowledge with others and help them unlock their own creative potential. Whether he is pouring his boundless energy into a new project, mentoring aspiring artists, or simply spreading joy and inspiration through their art, Jam Jam embodies the unstoppable spirit of a true lifetime creative.

Jam Jam also hosts online and in-person workshops that have been designed to cater to participants of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced artists. Jam believes that everyone has the potential to create something beautiful and is committed to providing a fun, supportive, and inclusive environment for everyone to do just that. Jam Jam’s Pushin Pixels and Art & Soul workshops are held in bright, airy spaces that are designed to inspire creativity and spark the imagination. With a focus on hands-on learning, participants are encouraged to get messy and have fun!

Becoming an arts educator and teacher has shown me just how creative each and every single individual is, the challenge is finding the right medium to express yourself. It ‘s my goal to use drawing and basic painting techniques to introduce people to being more of a creator than a consumer.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When it comes to going out and about in Atlanta, I have a few favorites I’d like to share. First up is Drink & Doodle at ABV Gallery. If you’re an art enthusiast like me, you’ll absolutely love this place. It’s a haven for creative souls, where you can unleash your artistic talents while making connections with other like-minded individuals. It’s the perfect spot to immerse yourself in the local art scene and perhaps even make lifelong art friends along the way.

Now, let’s venture to Church on Auburn Ave, a hidden gem that offers a refreshing contrast to the glitzy downtown nightlife. As a laid-back and welcoming bar, it exudes a relaxed ambiance that allows you to unwind and enjoy the company of locals. It’s a fantastic opportunity to experience Atlanta’s more casual side and engage in genuine conversations while sipping on your favorite drink.

For a truly nostalgic and memorable experience, I highly recommend visiting the Starlight Drive-in theater. This iconic spot takes you back in time, offering a unique twist on the traditional movie-watching experience. Just picture yourself snuggled up in your car, surrounded by the enchanting night sky, and immersed in the magic of cinema. It’s an absolute must for film buffs and those seeking a touch of nostalgia.

Now, let’s talk about some mouthwatering treats! If you’re a fan of delectable vegan delights, you can’t miss Vegan Dream near West End Mall. Their creative and scrumptious vegan donuts are a dream come true. The combination of quality ingredients and incredible flavors will leave you craving more. Trust me; it’s a paradise for both vegan foodies and dessert enthusiasts.
Last but certainly not least, let’s head to Clarkston for a tantalizing culinary experience. Caribbean Chicken and Fish is the place to be if you’re craving authentic flavors and a taste of the Caribbean. Their Jerk Chicken Sandwiches are simply divine, bursting with bold and tantalizing spices. And don’t even get me started on their candy yams—they’re the perfect blend of sweet and savory. Prepare your taste buds for a journey you won’t forget!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am beyond excited to give a heartfelt shout-out to the Fulton County Public Futures Lab. Recently, I had the incredible honor of being a recipient of a runners-up award from this groundbreaking facility, and I can’t express my gratitude enough. This recognition has allowed me to further explore the intersection of art and technology, opening up new and exciting avenues for my students and myself.

One of the highlights of my experience was hosting an engaging workshop on NFTs (non-fungible tokens) at the Public Futures Lab. It was a remarkable opportunity to introduce my students and other aspiring artists to this cutting-edge concept that is revolutionizing the art world. Together, we delved into the world of digital art, blockchain technology, and the potential of NFTs in the creative landscape. Witnessing the spark of curiosity and enthusiasm in my students’ eyes was truly rewarding.

But the support from the Public Futures Lab didn’t stop there. They went above and beyond by providing me with the platform to host a virtual gallery in their space. It was a truly immersive experience, where I could showcase my students’ artworks and share them with a wider audience. The interactive virtual environment allowed visitors to explore the gallery, appreciate the art, and even engage in thought-provoking discussions. It was a remarkable fusion of art, technology, and community.

I must express my heartfelt appreciation to the entire team at the Public Futures Lab. Their dedication to providing tech opportunities and fostering learning environments that nurture creative thinking is truly commendable. Through their vision and support, artists and educators like me are empowered to push boundaries, explore new mediums, and inspire the next generation of innovators.
To the Fulton County Public Futures Lab, thank you for recognizing the importance of merging art and technology, and for championing educators who strive to create impactful experiences for their students. Your support has been invaluable, and I’m truly grateful for the opportunities you’ve provided me thus far. I can’t wait to see how our collaboration continues to shape the future of art and technology education in our community.

Website: www.jamjamart.net

Instagram: www.instagram.com/pixeljam_808

Twitter: www.twitter.com/jamstarx

Facebook: www.facebook.com/jamminwichu

Image Credits
Grace First Productions