Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jordan Mckinney. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Jordan, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
Through experience! I’m still finding my purpose. I’m only 20 so I still have plenty of time to discover it. However, I’ve realized that the things I find most fulfilling have come from being open to new experiences. For example, I discovered my love for art by taking a chance with new friends in middle school, and I fell in love with teaching when I organized my summer workshop. I surround myself with inspiring people who open doors for new experiences, and then I continue pursuing the ones that spark joy!
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am an illustrator and I really enjoy working with highly textured, bright, and colorful artwork. I primarily cater my work towards children, but I know there are plenty of adults (like myself) who love cute things, so I cater to them as well. Right now, I’ve been more interested in surface design, creating graphics for children’s clothing collections, stationery, and partyware, but I also illustrate picture books. When I’m not drawing, I enjoy knitting, baking, and making ceramics.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Make good friends: Connections are everything. Making friends shouldn’t be thought of as a means to an end. However, surrounding yourself with other dedicated, hardworking creatives, can help you stay on track, and learn new skills. Maintaining these relationships takes a lot of time and energy, so make sure you’re connecting with people you truly want in your life for a long time.
Do what excites you: There is nothing harder than motivating yourself to do something you hate, or worse, find boring. If you have the privilege to choose your own projects, make sure you’re doing something you’re passionate about. People can feel you don’t even care about your work, your audience wants to feel your passion!
Be consistent: Practice leads to progress! I have noticed the most growth when I create consistently. While it’s important not to overwork yourself, I’ve found that taking long breaks from using my creative skills my art suffers.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
My mom has always been my biggest supporter. As a fashion and home goods designer, art as a career has never felt foreign to me. Growing up, I watched her work in her studio, and together we attended various art events. She even tried to jumpstart my illustration career when I was five by printing my doodles on t-shirts. Her constant encouragement and exposure to the creative world helped shape my confidence in pursuing art professionally.
It wasn’t until middle school that I decided I wanted to make art my career. Although I explored other creative outlets—acting, singing, and playing the violin for six years—everything changed when I was introduced to anime and manga through my friends in sixth grade. That moment sparked an obsession with drawing and art that I still carry with me to this day. My mom supported me every step of the way, from enrolling me in a technical high school to study graphic design to encouraging me to enter competitions and exhibit my work. Now, as I study illustration at The Savannah College of Art and Design, I can reflect on how instrumental she has been in helping me reach this point.
Beyond my journey, I’ve also found fulfillment in passing that support forward. Over school breaks, I’ve been teaching comics and character design at the IDEA Center for the Arts in Camden, NJ. Being able to introduce young artists to the possibilities of an art career has been incredibly rewarding and reminds me of the encouragement my mom gave me when I was their age. Her guidance and unwavering belief in my talent have shaped not only my success but also my desire to uplift others on their artistic paths.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jordanmckinneyart.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/klouddkidd/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanmckinneyart/
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
