Meet Jon Evans: Graphic Designer & Illustrator

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

Hi Jon, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Literally the only thing I had growing up was my imagination. I always looked at things in a way most people would not even think about. I think part of that came from the time I spent alone as a child. Growing up and being a only child I was forced to use my imagination a lot. I began drawing like most kids when they were coming up but for me it kind of stuck. Drawing became a outlet for me. It has always been a peaceful moment in my life. Drawing for me is like one of my favorite things. As I got older and I was nearing college I found out there are ways to actually do this as a career. The most beautiful thing about having a career in a creative field is that you’re getting paid to create and you’re also having fun while doing it.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art could be described as being socially aware. I like that platforms like this and social media exists because you can find more people who work and think kind of like you. It is a great community but could also work as a weapon if not used carefully. With my artwork and social media networking I was able to talk to some really cool people. One of those people being Damil Bryant. He’s an animator on the show, Bob’s Burgers, He’s also done a ton of stuff outside of that as well. He’s a really cool guy. I was almost really really close to getting Stephen Bliss to come to Creative South before COVID hit. Stephen Bliss is an illustrator who did a lot of artwork for the Grand Theft Auto series. I made friends with Mike Leavitt who is a great person and a art toy designer. As far as any of my accomplishments being easy along the way, I would say absolutely not. I am have been in a lot of dark places and still to this day. I don’t think things ever get easy. We just find ways to cope with the situations. I still struggle. The best way to overcome challenges is to stand up to that one thing that’s knocking you down and push it out of the way. Even when we appear weak we are a lot stronger than we even know. I could have given up when I was diagnosed with MS, but I kept going. I’m still going. I’ve learned a long the way that anything that we want in life isn’t going to come easily. If it’s something that is truly for us we are going to have to go through some things before we can celebrate a victory. I’d like the world to know that I am just a artist trying to make it like anyone else. We get down and we get back up. I want to make the world feel what my work is portraying whether it is a logo for a business that reflects a family tradition or an illustration that resignates with you regarding mental health or a childhood memory.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well as of right now I wouldn’t recommend anywhere seeing as there is a pandemic going on. But before the world turned into a disaster satirical movie I would frequent the High Museum. That is where I saw a Basquiat for the first time. We were also able to see Virgil Abloh’s “Figure of Speech” exhibit there. Also a Kehinde Wiley and a few others. There is also Trap Karaoke which is definitely an experience to say the least. My girlfriend and her friend love it. We are both big concert goers so whenever things get a little better we will be going back to concerts. Atlanta has a festival called One Music Fest that I have been going to since 2016. We were able to go in 2019 before everything crazy happened with the world. As far as food I would recommend Slutty Vegan. I also enjoy Taco Mac. Both are black owned and have really great food. Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to God first. Without God we are nothing. God makes a way out of no way. I have seen dark days with my health and fighting back and forth with my own mind, but God always made a way. I’d like to also shoutout my family. I have a strong support system behind me. A wonderful and beautiful girlfriend who has been by my side and always rooting for me. Mike Jones is also someone I would like to shoutout. He believed in me and never hesitates to take the time to mentor me whenever I need him. He was one of those people I met who actually is working the career goals I would want to have one day. So to actually meet and speak to someone like that on a regular basis makes this journey feel worth while. Last but not least I’d like to thank my teacher, Miss Cannon. She was the first one to actually give me a job straight out of college and believed in me when I probably didn’t even believe in me. All of these people are near and dear to my heart. They have all encouraged me to be the best me I could be.

Website: jonjerrellevans.com

Instagram: @neverlearnedtoswim

Image Credits
Jon Evans