Meet Danni Jnai

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Danni Jnai. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Danni, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

Resilience, for me, is deeply rooted in a mindset shaped by hard work and a belief in the value of persistence. I’ve learned over time that setbacks and failures are not the end of the road but rather opportunities to learn and grow. Each challenge I encounter teaches me something new, helping me to adapt and improve. I approach every problem with the belief that there’s always a solution, even if it’s not immediately apparent. This perspective, combined with a strong work ethic, drives me to keep pushing forward, no matter how tough things get. It’s the understanding that every failure is just a steppingstone toward success that fuels my resilience.

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?

Thank you for the opportunity to share my story. As an artist, my work spans a diverse range of projects, from illustrating books, making art for animation and designing for local businesses to taking on corporate design projects for companies like SodexoMagic and Warner Bros. Music. I specialize in concept art and illustration, particularly for animation, but also provide graphic design services when the right opportunity arises.

Art has been a lifelong passion for me—it’s something that found me rather than the other way around. My journey with art began as early as I can remember, and it’s been a constant source of joy and expression. Through my work, I aim to share slice-of-life stories that reflect my own experiences, challenges, and triumphs, in the hope that others can relate and find inspiration.

One aspect of my life that I’m particularly passionate about is advocating for special education. As someone who was diagnosed with dyslexia and ADHD, I faced numerous challenges growing up, including bullying, social anxiety, and difficulties with reading comprehension. These experiences have shaped who I am today and fueled my desire to inspire and mentor young people facing similar obstacles. I’m proud to have recently taken on my first mentee, helping her navigate the same challenges I once faced.

Danni J’nai Creative Works, my company, is dedicated to creating unique, feel-good, and educational storytelling through illustration, concept art, and graphic design. Whether I’m telling my own stories or helping others bring theirs to life, my goal is to showcase life through art and provide a source of inspiration and education for artists, creatives, and entrepreneurs.

Currently, I’m expanding my business by developing my first 2D animated short film. This project is particularly exciting for me as it represents a new way of storytelling and growth beyond what I initially believed possible. My journey has taught me that it’s not about what you go through, but how you get through it. I hope my work and my story can inspire others to take control of their narrative and pursue their passions with confidence and resilience.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Reflecting on my journey, there are three qualities that have been most impactful.

First, it’s not just about having a goal; it’s about understanding what it takes to achieve that goal. Preparation is essential. When you’re well-prepared, you feel more confident, and that confidence can open doors for you. My advice to those starting out is to invest time in researching and understanding the skills, knowledge, and resources needed to reach your goals. This foundation will set you up for success.

Second, discipline has been crucial. It’s about putting in the work consistently and being willing to sacrifice time to hone your skills. For me, this meant dedicating countless hours to improving my illustrating and design abilities. The process itself is a learning experience; the more you do, the more you discover about your craft and yourself. So, my advice is to stay committed to your growth, even when it feels challenging.

Lastly, advocating for yourself is vital. No one else will do it for you. It’s important to communicate your needs and aspirations because people can’t help you if they don’t know what you’re aiming for. Speaking up has been a game-changer for me; it has led to opportunities I might have missed if I stayed silent. Remember, you never know where your next opportunity might come from, so don’t be afraid to voice your ambitions.

What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?

In the past 12 months, my biggest areas of growth have been building my confidence and enhancing my illustrative design skills. Through consistent effort and practice, I’ve seen a significant improvement in my ability to convey ideas visually and present my work with assurance. This journey has taught me the power of dedication and the value of continually pushing my creative boundaries.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.dannitate.com
• Instagram: @danniJnai
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannitate/

Image Credits

Danielle Tate