Meet Shardaya Jones | Abstract Artist & Graphic Designer

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

Hi Shardaya, why did you pursue a creative career?
I have always been a creative individual, even as a child. I was quiet but unique in my expression. My mom always talked about how I would mix colors & prints in fashion. I knew how to draw at a young age, and with development, I started understanding and expanding the gift more. As I got older, I started taking my artistic abilities seriously, which led me to pursue an art degree. I cannot envision myself in any other career path because I LOVE color and paint, design, fashion, and being able to tell a story, to create an experience through creative outlets!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art explores faith & spirituality through abstractions of color & form. The openness of abstraction allows anyone to believe in something more exceptional than the natural eye can see. I feel that my language of color sets me apart from other abstract artists. My ability to blend colors and create cloud-like spaces positions me in a unique creative lane. I am excited about the direction my art is going! I am currently in my MFA program at the Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD), and getting to this point was not easy. I am proud of how far my confidence in my paintings has come. My development as an artist started during my undergraduate career at The Univerity of West Georgia. My professor’s knowledge of art and skill laid a great foundation, but I pride myself on my love for learning and growing in my craft. I stay current on what’s happening in the art world, so I constantly evolve. I overcome challenges in my career through faith and prayer and embracing the journey. I trust the process of creating and the gift God has given me to paint. I anticipate having paintings in collector’s homes, galleries, museums, and commercial institutions.

As a graphic designer, my goal at SM Studio is to create a visual experience for your brand, business, or organization. I have been designing for about five years, and I went full-time in 2020. Designing is like another canvas because I think of it as painting stories through design! Good graphics & branding can make or break your business because the visuals are the attention-grabber. I have had challenges in learning how to be a successful entrepreneur, but I always make sure that I am attentive to my clients and that their vision comes to life.

I want the world to know that I desire to be a light and change perspective…one canvas at a time.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
There are so many good food spots and hidden gems that I haven’t even tried yet! Lol! If my best friend came to ATL, I would take them to Old Lady Gang for brunch. We would have to visit Puttshack or Top Golf for some fun. I feel it wouldn’t be right if we didn’t do something artsy, so we would visit The High Museum or the Van Gogh Experience. Going to Krog Street Market for ice cream and riding scooters on the beltline are a must!

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?
My support system is incredible! I believe it’s vital to feel celebrated, and my family does an excellent job of that. When I have an event, paint a new painting, get a new design client, my village celebrates my victories. It brings me joy knowing even if they don’t understand my work, they still value my passions. It’s the little things that make me feel loved, like my mom sharing pictures of clouds or art or my friend’s reactions to my paintings. Being an artist can be challenging mentally and physically, so having people encouraging me is essential to my success. I am grateful for my mentor, who snuck up on me in the most needed and necessary way because she is constantly a reassuring voice in my life. She encourages and inspires me to be the best version of myself. I cannot name everyone, but I am blessed to have people who get the vision and support it!

Website: https://www.shardayajones.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shardaya-jones-8a0080197/

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