JLAW
MAR 8, 2024
I don’t know what it is, but the change of the seasons is essential for me.
“To more art, more impact, and more creativity.”
Entry 008
It seems like I’ve been out of touch. Not really connected with ya’ll and that’s on me. But, this monolawgue is kinda like my therapy and allows me to share with y'all. 2024 has been interesting so far. This art game is an ever-lasting journey and I learn something new everyday.
The winter months were slow for me as I lacked the motivation to create new work for myself and for others. But, I turned the tide around February. I don’t know what it is, but sometimes this stuff comes in waves. And there’s certain tactics that help keep me afloat. From podcasts, to interviews to just seeing fellow creatives create work in the industry. Man, shouts to Taji with For The Record, King Rello, Noah Callahan with Idea Generation, Ronnie Fieg, Rachel Motley, and more. Those are the creatives that have been on a crazy run and help with the inspiration for me.
Good thing about Winter is that Spring is right around the corner. The days are getting longer and the temperatures are rising. For me, that brings more motivation and inspiration for my creativity as an artist. I don’t know what it is, but the change of the seasons is essential for me. They bring a different spark to my workflow and that’s essential for my growth.
Last time we talked, A WHOLE 7 MONTHS ago (I know, pitiful), I said I was just enjoying today’s wins and not projecting my future. But, it's been too long for me not to share with the homies. I’m still in the mural game. I completed a mural for the Baltimore Ravens in November, which was a huge win for my city. But, for 2024 I have a few projects in the works. I think murals are here to stay for me. The joy I get from the impact they have on the people and community is fulfilling. And that’s one of the main aspects of my artistry that keeps me motivated. I have to find the lanes that keep me motivated and serve as my purpose in being an artist.
In addition, I HAVE to get back into creating my personal collection of artwork this year. Remember the 2020-2022 days of ArtByJLaw? Let’s just say it was a crazy run of fine art & fine art collectibles. I’m talking puzzles with my artwork, keychains, fine art prints, clothing and much more. I gotta capture that feeling again and I know the people want it too. Definitely expect more personal work out of me this year, and I gotta run a collection or two along with it.
One last thing. I don’t know if you noticed, but I put myself on a challenge to post to social media everyday for 6 months. I’m damn proud to say we’re in month 3 and I haven’t missed one day since January 1. For me, I have a goal to effectively build my online community, but the reason for posting EVERYday is to build the habit of sharing my art journey and staying active. Along the way, I’ll find strategies and techniques to refine the system. I must say, it’s starting to become 2nd nature and by month 6, I know the efficiency + growth will be AMAZING.
Man, this is refreshing. I know it’s been awhile, but I had to give you the inside scoop. Y'all come first before gen pop, and I appreciate the support throughout the entire journey.
Let’s continue to change the world with art in 2024.
To more art, more impact, and more creativity. Cheers *raises glass*
-JLaw
JLAW
JULY 27, 2023
I just been telling 'em "We enjoying today's wins."
“Truthfully... you're making art for the World”
Entry 007
It’s been 2 months since I checked in with y'all. And I must say, it’s been BUSY. That’s what pushing your capacity to the limit looks like. Sometimes that has to be done to see how far you can take it to reach that next level (which looks different for everyone).
Now, let's break it down. For the last 2 months I’ve been working on two public art murals for both the East and West side of Baltimore. The funny thing about mural work is, it takes a lot of prep work and negotiations before the actual execution of the project comes to fruition. Talks for both projects started last fall and we were able to complete them this past June and now July.
First, the Mondawmin Mural. If you’re from Baltimore, you know Mondawmin Mall is important to the city simply for the fact it’s the only main retail shopping mall in Central Baltimore. Not only that, it’s one of the largest transit stations in the city for the bus line + subway line. With so many people traveling there on a daily basis, I just know the impact of what more art shedding a positive message will do for the community. I completed that mural project in late June and the beauty of it was connecting with everyone while painting. Being able to chop it up with people of all walks of life is what makes it fulfilling. I talked to school kids, people whose parents knew Thurgood Marshall, community leaders, and grandparents. Connecting with people through art is an undefeated feeling.
The reactions from the people is what fuels my public art endeavors. The art is my ideas and concepts, but truthfully, you’re making art for the World. You have to keep them in mind when conceptualizing and executing the artwork.
Now let’s get into the timing of these projects. I was slated to complete these projects in the Springtime (April + May to be exact). But of course, original timelines never happen lmao. So, fast-forwarding, we were getting into a pretty expedited timeline. I had to finish the Henderson Hopkins mural (East Baltimore) before summer camp was over. So, between the months of June and mid-July, I had to knock out 2 murals. That’s not impossible, but I would love to have some buffer between projects to decompress.
The Mondawmin Mural project ran from June 1st - June 18th. And next up, was Henderson Hopkins that we started the same day we finished Mondawmin (no days off for real). Henderson Hopkins School is an Elementary/Middle school in East Baltimore. A Johns Hopkins partnership school, Johns Hopkins created this school as a gift to the community after they forced over 500 families to relocate due to their expansion in East Baltimore. The school may not be a 100% cure to that, but it shows how important this school is to the community. Me hearing this history before committing to the walkway mural was enough for me, I was sold. I know the impact this artwork will have on the community, school and children. This project had a different dynamic to it. Since it was a mural at a school, we were surrounded by the motivation and encouragement of school children throughout the project. Children are the future and their outlook on life is so pure and motivating. It kept us going through those 99 degree days and sweltering heat.
This project was publicly funded through Arts Every Day and Maryland State Arts Council. I’m forever grateful for them to provide the capital needed to get this completed. When doing Public Art projects, capital is one of the main components that are vital to the process. Many projects don’t have private funders, so organizations such as these are so important to Public Art and further pushing art to the world.
The reaction that we’ve received from the community, kids, and public leaders have been out of this world. And when you’re creating public art, you have to remember who the art is for. That is so crucial for those types of projects. I think we nailed it from the theme to the messaging of the mural.
I also wanted to give a major shoutout to my brudda Rod (Mr. @RodSzn). He was rockin’ with me for basically the entire first half of the summer. For the Mondawmin + Henderson Hopkins project, he’s been there to assist and provide his mural game expertise, which I truly appreciate. From the dedication to the uncanny methods that are essential to murals, I appreciate having someone in the art game I can lean on. Forever locked in bro!
Most people have been asking me, “what’s next for you?”. And I just been telling ‘em “We enjoying today’s wins.” I really want to live in the moment and enjoy these wins man. A lot of times we are always looking towards tomorrow, we forget what we’ve accomplished today. And that sh*t is major man. I can’t take this lightly and I have to enjoy these accomplishments. We live in a time where we’re on go 24/7 and this year has taught me to slow it down a bit and bask in the present time.
What’s next for me isn’t established yet, but time will tell for sure.
Let art take over the world.
-JLaw
JLAW
MAY 12, 2023
How can you enjoy the fruits of your labor, if you run yourself into the ground?
“Art fuels me and I know it’s my calling”
Entry 006
This last month has been a helluva experience. My 2nd post of 2023, a lot has happened in this last month. The highs and lows of entrepreneurship definitely revealed itself, but I’m grateful for the lessons learned. April was one of those ones. I was sought out to be on the panel at BroccoliCity, which I’m extremely grateful for. Shout outs to Keish from The PR Alliance, this is a testimony to tap in with your people. We really live in a time where we can create our own ecosystem and we gotta take advantage and use our resources. The BroccoliCity event was everything I could imagine. The audience were very receptive and loved what the advice I gave to navigating in the creative industry. And that’s what I’m all about. If I’m able to reach people in my industry and expand their knowledge, I can’t ask for anything more.
But with full transparency, life will bring you the lows that come along with the highs. In major contrast, I had a medical emergency two days before BroccoliCon where I had to go to the hospital. I don’t know what was going on, but I was having chest pains and my heart was racing extremely fast. All in all, I checked out to be okay from the tests, but it’s not encouraging when the medical experts can’t detect what the issue could be.
I had to take a pause and self-reflect of what really caused this episode. Something that has never happened before, I did realize that I “work” all the time. Now in my eyes, I love art. I love creating, so I don’t think of the things I do all that time as “work”. But, technically it is because it’s how I make a living. I need to intentionally take breaks and keep my mind off of my art practice. And I’m hard headed because my girl and accountant tells me this ALL THE TIME. And I guess God said, “Yeah it's time. If you not gon’ do it, I’m going to make you listen.”
From this incident, I've been trying to change things that I can control. Not being given a diagnosis, I have intentionally been more conscious of my diet, taking intentional breaks during work, fasting from social media (finishing a 2 week fast now), and completing breathing exercises/meditating (surprisingly, this has been very helpful. I never thought about doing this before).
This has been eye opening for me in regards to self care. How can you enjoy the fruits of your labor, if you run yourself into the ground? It’s a healthy balance you have to keep in this world man. And I literally just posted about wanting to work all the time because it’s my passion. I still stand by it being my passion, but you CAN’T do this all the time. It’s not beneficial, I don’t care how bad you want it or your drive for your goals. And if you don’t stop, your body will stop for you.
Moving onto more exciting news. I’m in the works to add more art in the city. I just want to make the city look damn good. There are two mural projects I will be starting in the next couple months, and I can’t wait to reveal them. I learned the impact that public art can have on the community and from the Patterson Park Basketball Court project, I saw the effects first hand. Specifically, being able to spread my artwork to the world is the impact I look for. I’m going to say it every time, “Evoking that emotion from the people when they see my work is what I strive for.” That’s using my God given talents to make a change and affect others.
I also plan on dropping my full collection, Champagne Flowers, later this year. I revealed my first piece at the Reed’s Fund Artists for Autism art show last month. The reaction I got from the attendees was what I needed and turned me up for the rest of the series.
All in all, life has its peaks and valleys, and I’m honestly just grateful to be here to experience it. Finding that balance and maintaining your faith and values guarantees you will always win. Art fuels me and I know it’s my calling. We roll with the punches and as long as I’m improving each day I can’t ask for much more.
Appreciate ya’ll
- JLaw
JLAW
JAN 02, 2023
I’m no expert in this space, but getting a taste of grant life has motivated me to go full fledged in ‘23.
“I always say you miss 100% of the shots you don't take”
Entry 005
It’s been awhile.
The last quarter of 2022 went fast and when that happens, I try to intentionally enjoy everything that comes my way. You have to be consciously in the moment because it will come and go QUICKLY. As much as I would like to share everything I’m working on, I have to enjoy the moment and truly reflect on it. From completing the Patterson Park Basketball Mural Project to having my 5th A Reason To Dress Up Art Show with Creatively Mindful, the last 3 months of 2022 flew by.
I’m super grateful for the opportunities that came my way in 2022, and everything from the wins to the losses are learning experiences for me to grow in 2023.
One of the major things I learned from 2022 is securing grants for my art business. I was able to secure two grants for my art projects and I see how much of a benefit they can be for my artistry. This year I plan to explore even more opportunities because of the benefits.
The art grants allow me to tackle projects and not have to worry about the financial strain or burdens it may bring to complete my different projects. I truly appreciate the organizations that put value in the arts to provide a budget.
Some of the Organizations that artists should look for grants are:
- Baltimore Office of Promotion & Arts
Always look at your local city government website, state government website, local congressman and national banks for different grants they provide to artists and creatives.
I always say you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. So Apply, Apply, Apply! The worst thing that will happen is you won’t get the grant. But, with a denial, don’t be afraid to ask for feedback from the grant committee. Most grants allow you to apply multiple times, so don’t be discouraged if you’re not accepted. That’s just an opportunity for you to try again.
I’m no expert in this space, but getting a taste of grant life has motivated me to go full fledged in ‘23.
More personal work. More Originals. More #ArtByJLaw.
To an amazing 2023,
JLaw
JLAW
JULY 27, 2022
Sometimes you have to step aside from doing your own artwork to give your creativity a rest.
“Stay tuned, because I won't disappoint.”
Entry 004
Choosing a different path in 2022 for my Artistry.
I’ve recently discovered that this year my artistry’s focus has changed compared to last year. And the crazy thing is, the pivot has been just as fulfilling for my career as an artist. It’s a great learning experience to know that I can change up my course as an artist and still be able to provide for myself along with growing in my career.
So let me break it down for you.
Last year in 2021, I focused on doing product based campaigns with a year long project I presented to the world. More specifically, I released a plethora of products on a monthly schedule to my customer base. From t-shirts, to pillows, I used this model to run my business for the most part. This method proved to be effective because I had a schedule of outlook on revenue/expense figures for each month of the calendar year. On top of that, I was able to provide my audience with fresh, new artwork each month. It kept them interested and excited for what was to come in the future. I didn’t focus on much commission work, which contributes to a good portion of my income as an artist. So, taking that path was risky, but showed that I have OPTIONS of how to operate as an artist.
Fast-forwarding to 2022, I completely changed my business model for this year. I knew I was taking on a huge project with painting the Basketball courts at Patterson Park, so I had to really focus on time management. From designing & raising capital, to scheduling, I wasn’t sure how much time actually goes into a project like that, but I’ve learned it is pretty intensive. Having that on my plate, I focused on doing more commission work and fine art projects. I haven’t cranked out any product based artwork concepts this year (yet). Doing commission work for the likes of Marlon Humphrey of the Ravens, selling some of my original artwork to my collectors, and securing a brand deal for TVOne & CleoTV (shouts to my guy Cook) has been a huge benefit for me.
Operating in this mode has allowed me to focus more on client based projects, which is a breath of fresh air. It unlocks a different part of my brain that disconnects from the personal side of creating my own artwork. Artists, read that sentence again. Sometimes you have to step aside from doing your own artwork to give your creativity a rest. It’s vital, because burnout is real. Once you get to that point, it’s too late.
We’re now over the hump and more than halfway through 2022. Here in July, I have made the same profit this year that I’ve made in all of 2021. I’m learning how to cut my expenses to operate more efficiently as a business owner. This is a great point because I have to often remind myself that even though I’m an artist I still have to be the CEO and run this business as efficiently as possible (if you are an artist, I highly recommend Quickbooks to keep your accounting books in order).
My outlook for the rest of 2022?
I’m itching to pop back out with my personal artwork. I’m currently working on a piece now that will have an entire rollout, products and maybe an activation. I’m excited for this one, as it will be my first personal painting this year. I can’t wait to reveal what it will be. Stay tuned, because I won’t disappoint.
We’ll get up soon,
JLaw
JLAW
JUNE 30, 2022
We all have decisions to make in this life. Own your decision & follow it through until the end.
“My main mission as an artist is to use my work to provide change ”
Entry 003
Picking & choosing my opportunities as an artist + entrepreneur.
A lot of time in this life as an artist entrepreneur I feel like I have to do a lot on my own without any help. But, over these past 12-15 months I’ve been learning how to leverage myself and learn the game of being an artist. It’s not just about painting pictures or doing art shows; it’s really a lifestyle that encompasses a plethora of things you have to do to reach your full potential.
Picking and choosing the projects I take on are important because they can change your path as an artist and put you through different experiences that can affect you for life. Over this last year, I’ve taken on a project to design a mural for the basketball courts at Patterson Park. This is a huge public art project that takes a bunch of planning, fundraising and capital to complete. I didn’t know what it would take to get to this point, but I’m glad I embraced it because I unlocked some new keys to this art game.
Working behind the scenes, I learned how much money that the state and government provides for art. This also opened my eyes to how important the arts are to society. Millions of dollars are provided in state budgets to go to artists to beautify this world. And specifically for this mural project, I was awarded a 4-figure and 5-figure grant to fund the project. The process wasn’t easy, but no one said it would be easy to get what you truly want. Just think, I participated in public hearings for the grants to be awarded. The Creativity Grant & the Public Artworks Across Maryland Grant were the grants awarded to me. You know I have to plug other artists in, so they can apply for them as well.
Gaining the attention of the community has been a task as well. You have to be unapologetically persistent to get what you need. From the media day with the local news stations to building social media campaigns, all of those things are necessary to get your project out to the public. Learning about how important press releases are for communicating was a real eye opener on the tools that are essential for success.
Above all, I’ve learned I had to deny opportunities that have come my way this year. I can’t do it all, and I have to make those tough decisions on what I want to pursue. This mural project has gained my attention because I know of the benefit and impact it will have for the Baltimore community. My main mission as an artist is to use my work to provide change and impact the world through my visuals. And I know with this project, that is happening right before my eyes.
Updates on the mural project:
With just being awarded the grant money for the project, we now have enough capital to fund the project. We ran into communication issues with the city contractor for coating the courts the wrong color, so we will be pushing back the install for the courts to the end of summer/early Fall 2022 because the coating has to be redone before painting the mural. As Nip says, The Marathon Continues. But, I know it will be worth it.
We all have decisions to make in this life. Own your decision & follow it through until the end.
Until next time,
JLaw
JLAW
may 11, 2022
There is artwork I created 5 years ago that I had for sale under $600. That same piece has sold for over $1,200 in 2021
“What did Mitch say in Paid in Full? “I love the game. I love the hustle.” ”
Entry 002
I often think about the patience I have for myself as a visual artist. I say this in relation to how I value my artwork to my patrons and supporters.
I’ve been doing this for 6 years now and each year I show myself that my artistry should be valued like a stock. And when I think of it that way, I think my supporters and lovers of art should have that same mindset.
Let’s break it down.
I started as an artist in 2016. I knew who I was as a person, my values, work ethic, & craftsmanship. With that being said, my foundation as an artist was solid and had projections to rise as time goes on.
Knowing the foundation I have for myself, I had to now prove that to the world. I always had the ideology to under-price and over-perform when you are offering a new service or product. I use this concept because the goal is to show people why you’re worth investing into. Once you provide an undeniable product or service, it becomes a necessity and people won’t argue if the price increases, because you have shown how much value your product/services provides.
This becomes a repetitive cycle as time goes on. I remember I first started selling my original artwork for under $100 (shouts to the people that invested early). After you make that first sale, the price goes up. And as you grow more and more, the price increases with you! I’m at a point now where I make 4-figure sales on my artwork. Just looking at the growth makes me appreciate the journey, but also allows me to analyze my methodology to how I got to this point.
Stay down ‘til you come up.
That phrase is simple, but has so much meaning behind it. There is artwork I created 5 years ago that I had for sale under $600. That same piece has sold for over $1,200 in 2021. That's a 100%+ increase in value in 5yrs. Sounds like an investment in my book. Nothing changed with the artwork, but PRICE WENT UP.
You may ask, why would the price go up if it’s the same artwork from 5 years ago?
The GENIUS behind the artwork has changed. I’ve accomplished so many things in those 5 years, so the price has to go up. From other work sold, to galleries that I’ve been accepted into; it’s only right that the price increases as my stature as an artist increases.
What did Mitch say in Paid in Full? “I love the game. I love the hustle.”
And that’s really the truth. I always knew what I wanted in being an artist and what I can provide to my audience. It’s me. I’m him! And it’s a beautiful site to see when the plan comes together and the stock just goes up. Ages like fine wine. *Chef’s Kiss*
To more price increases,
JLaw
JLAW
April 20, 2022
The Baltimore art scene in '22 seen through the eyes of a young Black 28 year old artist gettin' to it..
“It's nothing to pull up on another artist's event just to see them shine”
Entry 001
So, listen. It’s 2022, we’re 2 years in since the pandemic started, and things have looked different from my perspective as a visual artist in the city. I honestly used to say there wasn’t a lot of opportunity in Baltimore in the creative art scene. But, my stance on that is starting to change. Of course, there are bigger cities out there, but it’s really what you make it.
Just thinking about these last two years, the connections I’ve built in the art scene have been beyond genuine. The ‘crabs in a barrel’ mentality doesn’t really apply here. I’ve been able to collaborate with other organizations (shoutouts to Blk Ass Flea Mkt) and seek advice from other movers and shakers in the city. I’ve learned to build those relationships because we move stronger as a unit. We can’t do it all on our own and you have to learn to be an asset.
It's nothing to pull up on another artist’s event just to see them shine, or jump in and give advice when you see that someone is struggling in their craft. Most of the time that same energy is reciprocated when you genuinely are looking to help out. Prime example, I had my media day for The Patterson Park Basketball Mural that’s slated to kick off this summer and my guy Insanely Dope pulled up on me. What started out as just support for me to get word out about the project, turned into a 90-minute long convo about art shows, clothing manufacturers, and business gems dropped from both sides. Scenarios like that come naturally and show how valuable it is to just be an asset on this creative scene.
From the actual event scene, my art collective, Creatively Mindful, that I co-own was able to persevere through 2 years of being away to have our 4th “A Reason To Dress Up” art show and the people did not disappoint. Our highest grossing show to date, it really opened my eyes to see that the people of this city really enjoy the arts, man. We weren’t a forgotten case and the people answered the call. This leads me to think about everything that the city has to offer. You genuinely can’t say there isn’t anything to do, y'all are just not looking for it. Shouts to my guy APoetNamedNate for his weekly poetry slams throughout the city. From Hampden to Downtown, he really puts on for the creative vibes as a whole. And it’s not just poetry. His events also include live painting, vendors, and comedy. It really comes all together for a good ass time. I can list events that occur at least 5 days a week in the city, which I feel like wasn’t always a thing I could do with the art scene. I Love to see it for the city.
One last topic, I want to hit, but definitely will expound upon at a later time is how I view myself as an artist. I’m not represented by a gallery or have an agent [yet], but I’ve been able to build connections and make a way for myself in this city and beyond. But, then on the other hand I look up to the work of Megan Lewis, Wendell Supreme, Devin Allen, and Jerrell Gibbs. I see the partnerships they’ve built with major companies, represented by galleries and see the reach that their work has. All of this just fuels the fire for me. Watching them work and seeing their accomplishments is a major motivation. This is something that can’t be overlooked. Seeing it done in your own city makes it tangible, and more real.
As I sit back and think about it, you can always complain about what can be better about the city. We can have more galleries, more events, more festivals, but one thing you can’t say is that the scene is dead. Y'all just ain’t looking for it.
To my first blog ever *raises glass*,
JLaw