Meet Jacque Njeri | Artist, Graphic Designer and Artivist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jacque Njeri and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jacque, what inspires you?
I find my inspiration in people who wholeheartedly pursue their passions and excel in what they do. When I see individuals fully immersed in their chosen paths, radiating joy and enthusiasm, it sparks something within me. Their genuine love for their craft and joy in getting their desired results motivates me to embrace my own passions and push beyond my limits. Whether it’s an athlete pushing the boundaries of human capability or a janitor gleefully sweeping away, their infectious energy inspires me to infuse my own pursuits with passion, authenticity, and a sense of fun. Also, that way, I am able to find inspiration everywhere.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art falls under the banner of African futurism. As a proponent of Africa and its potential, contributing to this genre brings me immense joy. It allows me to showcase a positive and uplifting view of the continent and to challenge the stereotypes perpetuated by mainstream media about Africa, especially in the fields of science, technology, and space travel. Through my creative expression, I aspire to push the boundaries and depict African characters as pioneers and innovators in these domains. Ultimately, I hope my art becomes a powerful tool to shift perceptions and contribute to a more balanced representation of Africa’s capabilities and aspirations. I want to ignite a sense of pride and optimism in the hearts of people, both within and outside the continent.

What set’s me apart is I absolutely love what I do and it comes with an ambition to match. Coming from a small town, my dream was to work in the city, but my art has expanded my world beyond what I imagined. Despite the challenges, my relentless passion and effort have brought me to where I am today and it’s exciting to be presented with opportunities that allow me to keep breaking the ceiling.

One lesson I have learned along the way is once you conquer your mind, you can conquer anything.

I want the world to know that my work, despite having an innate creative skill is a product of unwavering passion and continuous learning and I hope my journey inspires others to pursue their dreams fearlessly, no matter what. With dedication, you can achieve anything you set your mind to!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My ultimate favorite spot would definitely be away from the city and by the beach. Away from the Nairobi traffic. There is something about tropical beaches that create the perfect environment for relaxation and unwinding. If my friend was visiting we would jump at the opportunity to take the first flight out to Diani, a breathtaking destination known for its pristine sandy beaches. There, we could lounge and bask in the soothing ambiance, feel the warm sand between our toes, and indulge in the refreshing taste of Madafu. The seafood offerings at Diani are equally exquisite, and indulging in fresh food would make the experience even more memorable. We would be leaving behind all stress, and returning feeling truly rejuvenated for the grind again.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to thank my family for their unwavering love and support. They have celebrated my achievements, held my hand during tough times, and encouraged me to pursue my passions wholeheartedly. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Website: www.jacquenjeri.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/jacquenjerii

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacquenjeri/

Image Credits
Kathomi Maorwe & Pieter Kers