We had the good fortune of connecting with Zion Jones and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Zion, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor behind my success would be my community. I could seriously not ask for a better support group. In February of 2021, I drew influential African Americans that were from my mom’s hometown, Williamston, NC. for Black History Month. I received so much attention from my mom’s Facebook community and my passion for art became known throughout my family and friends. Renee Purvis, Martin County School Board Vice-Chair, suggested I enter these art pieces in an art show at the Martin County Arts Council. Oh what a moment! This event propelled me like no other! Almost all of my family came to this event. I received so much support and motivation to keep going and I did just that! Every time I would feel unmotivated, I would think of my proud family and friends who have supported me since the beginning and how they would not want me to quit.
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.
I’ve been doing art for over 5 years now, and my style has changed many, many times since then. However, what has stayed consistent over all these years is my love for using vibrant, popping colors to enhance my sketches of women of color. While I’ve started to draw more men lately, drawing women has always been super fun for me. There are just so many ways to design and style them. My specialty is creating digital art, which is art made on a digital device. It wasn’t until around sixth grade (2020) when I started to draw more seriously after getting my first drawing tablet for Christmas. Since then, I have been perfecting my craft.
I would not be where I am today with the overwhelming support I receive from my community when I first started. Their support keeps me motivated to be the best I can be. I wouldn’t say my journey was easy, but I wouldn’t say it was hard either. All I do is be myself and share my passion with others, which produces positive results. Yes, there are times where I would doubt myself. Before vending events I would think about not making any money or not getting any engagement. Yet, every time, I would be proven wrong. I learned that believing in yourself and putting yourself out there is enough. There is no room for negativity. You will never know what will happen without trying!
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 the area, I would definitely take her downtown to visit the parks, the Civil Rights Museum, and the Cultural Arts Center. It features beautiful art galleries including the African American Atelier, founded by Congresswoman Alma Adams.
We would also check out the stores nearby (my favorite is Pop Vintage and Standout Vintage), and eat at my favorite restaurants, Crafted and Pizzeria L’Italiano. Some other spots outside of downtown include the Greensboro Science Center, the Friendly Shopping Center, Tate Street (a strip of restaurants and stores near Greensboro College), the Red Cinemas (a super cool movie theater with beautiful art murals on the outside), and, of course, the Four Seasons Mall which has a Round 1 inside.
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 my mom, Tracie Jones. She is the one who jumpstarted my business and helped me with everything I needed in order to be successful. She’s been to every vending and service event I have done and her support is amazing, Thank you mommy, I love you!
Website: https://iamzionjones.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artxyzion/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artxyzionn?mibextid=LQQJ4d