Meet Jade Warrick

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jade Warrick a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jade, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

I’ve always struggled with imposter syndrome, and I think that’s something many artists and creatives can relate to—especially Black women in positions of power or control. Historically, we haven’t always had these spaces, so it’s easy to feel like we don’t belong. It’s east to feel like we are imposter’s.

For me, imposter syndrome was a constant wet blanket until about a year ago. What really helped was surrounding myself with others who felt the same way, creating a network of support where we could uplift each other. Finally getting therapy made a huge difference, too. It helped me realize that I’m not an imposter, that I’m not just taking up space—I’m in a space that’s mine to share with others. Imposter syndrome only exists to hold us back, and shedding that weight has allowed me to flourish in ways I never imagined.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

So as you know, my name’s Jade Warrick, though many know me as TrashKiD. Im originally from Los Angeles, but I’ve made my mark here in New York’s Capital Region. For me, art isn’t just a career choice—it’s a calling. My murals and public art pieces are more than just visuals; they tell stories that blend history, personal experiences, and community pride. Through my work, I aim to spark the conversations that need to happen, whether they’re about development, healing, or the everyday passions that keep us all going.

A lot of what I create is inspired by the comic layouts I’ve loved since I was a kid, and that passion has stayed with me into adulthood. You’ll see that influence in many of my pieces, where I bring a narrative style that feels like a comic panel come to life, filling spaces with stories that engage and connect.

I founded the Art and Wellness program, Amplified Voices. It’s goal is to amplifly the voices of communities needing more life-enrichment programming. Currently we are using murals as a way to promote healing and empowerment.

Hosting PBS’s (locally WMHT) A House for Arts (AHA!) and formally serving as the Curator of Public Art and Placemaking in Troy, NY – These were natural extensions of my belief that art should be at the heart of how we live and interact as a community.

With over a decade in arts education and a portfolio that I’m truly proud of, I see myself as more than just an artist—I’m a storyteller, an educator, and someone who’s deeply invested in community engagement. My art is about transforming urban spaces into something meaningful, inviting everyone to connect more deeply with their surroundings and with each other.

Beyond my creative work, I’m a fierce advocate for the arts because I know firsthand how crucial they are to driving economic opportunity and revitalizing our communities. I’m always pushing for more funding, better integration of the arts in development planning, and stronger support for artists because I believe the arts have the power to create inclusive growth and improve quality of life for everyone.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Building confidence has been one of the most important things that helped me succeed. I’ve learned how to do it in a way that’s authentic, caring, and centered on people. That confidence has also made me a better public speaker, which has been huge for my journey. Being able to get in front of a crowd, control the room, and bring joy or provoke thought—all of that ties back to confidence.

Staying connected with my community is another big part of it. It’s something I’m getting better at, even though, as an introvert, it doesn’t always come easy for me. But I’ve realized how important it is to connect with fellow artists. Having a network can really change your life. I’ve also learned a ton from other muralists around here, which has helped me grow my career a lot. There aren’t many places offering adult mural workshops, so getting to work with some really experienced muralists has been great. There’s no real school for muraling that I know of, so having these kinds of resources has been a game-changer for me.

My advice for artists trying to follow in a familiar path or journey is find yourself a network of like-minded individuals. Sign up for online workshops, or in-person workshops if that’s accessible to you. Immerse yourself in your fears, and then they won’t seem as scary anymore.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

I’m eager to collaborate with more community institutions and youth-focused organizations. My dream is to expand my mural (art) program, Amplified Voices, into schools and intuitions beyond the
Capital Region of New York. I want to start laying the groundwork for my organization to grow and demonstrate the powerful impact that art and wellness can have—not just in youth-focused spaces, but in any setting that can benefit from embracing the transformative power of art and wellness, and it’s impact on what enriches our daily lives.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Trashkid_art ; AmplifiedVoicesNY
• Facebook: https://Facebook.com/AmplifiedVoices518
• Other: Amplified Voices Video from our first mural.
  https://vimeo.com/446514246