We had the good fortune of connecting with Stan Jackson and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Stan, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Initially, drawing and creating cartoons was a hobby. Over time, I started to develop a fan base. That’s when I recognized God gave me an artistic talent to share with the world instead of being content with working for someone else. I wasn’t a traditional portrait artist, so starting my own business was a great opportunity to show that you can generate income as a caricature/cartoon artist. In addition, it’s a cool and fun career not corny like some people may think.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a caricature/cartoon artist and illustrator. My style of art is a blend of traditional caricature art and a touch of portrait realism. I like to call it a hybrid of the two. This is what sets me apart from other artists. I am most proud of having one of my art pieces, “Hip Hop Mural” displayed in the Universal Hip Hop Museum in New York. I’m also proud of illustrating my first children’s book in 2019, “Daddy What You Cooking.” I’m excited about my Facebook Group (Cartoon University). It was formed in 2020. I went through a transition period, in order to get to where I am today. Before I left my job as a courier, I was very consistent with my artwork. I would come home from my full time job and dive into my art. Eventually, I started getting an overwhelming amount of client requests. I realized doing both was causing stress and my full time job was holding me back. Furthermore, I learned that failure is actually progress if you keep going. I want the world to know that we all have gifts and talents that we can benefit from if we are willing to step outside of our comfort zone and tap into them. Gemini2Face is a creative art brand that reflects fashion, style, personality, culture, and history.
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?
If my best friend was visiting for a week, I would take him to Downtown Atlanta. We would eat at places like the Juke Joint, Ray’s in the City, and the Varsity. We would visit places like Six Flags over Georgia and White Waters, Centennial Olympic Park, and some of HBCUs like Clark Atlanta or Spelman. We would also visit the College Football Hall of Fame and The World of Coke. 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?
There are individuals in my life who have helped me along this journey of becoming the artist and entrepreneur I am today.. My parents invested in me as a young artist. My wife (Quanda Jackson) has been my inspiration, business partner, and biggest cheerleader since day one. My friend Brian Daniels mentored me as an artist. My co-workers at my previous job encouraged me to leave and pursue my art career.
Website: www.shopgemini2face.com
Instagram: Gemini2face-art
Twitter: gemini2face_art
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/cartoonuniversity/?ref=share
Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/Gemini2face