Jordan Jones is an illustrator, graphic designer, and mixed media artist based in Baltimore. Via retakes and variations, he examines ambiguity and origination. Often, his work incorporates creative game tactics.
You’ve explored apparel, industrial products, notebooks as mediums. Would you consider yourself moving way from the traditional canvas?
I will always be grounded in traditional media. I do feel myself moving beyond a traditional format due to digital capabilities. I feel that digitally I can place my work wherever, however I want.
Your website is beautiful and playful. What advice do you give to other artists trying to set up an online portfolio?
I consider my website part of my art. I want to create an experience, I want to be able to create everything I want to convey. I want my voice to speak loud in everything I do. I would suggest other artists trying to set up an online portfolio to do the same. Experiment, have fun, however you work and what ever peaks your interest, explore. Through the mess ups and success. Be Transparent.
Kudos for your unique style. How did it evolve? Where do you look for inspiration?
It evolved from visual journalism, I documented life visually through my eyes starting when I was in high school as an intern for MICA (Maryland Institute College of Art). I felt that my co-interns and professors as well as people in general had an interest on my art process and this made me feel important. Creating to me is like an adventure or a movie that I’m seeing for the first time.
Like many artists you have day-time job. How do you consider work-life balance? Do you find time to promote your work?
Yes, I have 2 part-time jobs and still find a way to make art. I sometimes get a little sleep actually… LOL It’s tough but it’s a void that I don’t think will ever be filled unless I create. I promote my work through Facebook, walking in shops presenting my work, applying for local contests and gallery exhibits and just introducing myself.
What are your thoughts on social media, and how it helps or hurts artists?
It helps create a following, it brings like minded individuals together to form a community. It also hurts because it leaves your work open for plagiarism or for being overlooked simply because everyone does it.
What are your thoughts on physically displaying your work?
I feel physically displaying your work truly captures an intimate experience. It’s incomparable.
How has it been working with Tekuma? What’s different about their approach?
It has been great! It’s hard trying to live one in reality and one in creativity. However Tekuma makes it possible for me to be at my daytime job and at an art opening showing my work at the same time.
Lastly, could you describe one of your illustrations for us? Share the story behind it?
“This illustration promotes art,” says Jordan. “It brings color and beauty to that which hands touch or create.”
The print features a swan, which represents purity and grace. To him, the animal reflects the inspiration that he feels while making art. Swans are not forced or evasive. Instead, they’re fluent and ethereal.
