Meet Justice Jackson | Illustrator & Storyboard Artist

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

Hi Justice, what inspires you?
As a visual artist I am most inspired by the world around me. Sounds a bit cliche, I know, but the world we live in is truly a marvel to behold as long as you take the time to do so. Technology has advanced much throughout the ages and we are now at a point where technology runs nearly every aspect of our lives, and that is a shared experience across many countries all around the world. To take a step back, or perhaps a few steps back, and take in the world is truly invigorating because it brings us back to the core of what it means to live and participate in this beautiful planet we inhabit. This concept and belief is what I try to imbue my artwork with.

There is an artist, who has sadly passed away, named Kim Jung-Gi. Many people within the art space have heard of him or seen his work in one way or another. His work has always pushed this truth that observation of the world around you is critical to gain a full understanding of any and every subject. To observe something on a screen can only get you so far. To observe something in three-dimensions informs your understanding to its fullest extent. I want to be able to understand as much as I possibly can within this world so that I can draw it and capture its essence, in a way that only my observation through my eyes can, with pen and paper. I also hope to inspire others to take a moment and simply observe. Whether that be to: draw it, photograph it, write about it, create a song about it or a million other things. I simply believe that the world itself is one of the most inspiring things we can witness.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I felt incredibly lost ever college. I nearly gave up on art when I received some awfully negative reviews of my exit portfolio the day before graduation. Around the same time I had come to learn of my mother’s alcoholism. Coming out of college I was unable to nail a job within the art space and on top of this, I had to take care of my mother while trying to start my own life. I got married right out of college as well so I was also juggling giving my new wife the time and effort she deserved on top of all of these things.

Within all of this though I decided to come back to art, and I believe that art was what helped me the most to overcome these challenges. Much of my art is about the imaginative possibilities of what we are capable of when we not only take the time to explore it, but when we need to escape and overcome the upsetting and disappointing moments throughout life.

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?
Well for me, some of the most exciting and interesting places are art museums, especially LACMA and the Getty. I feel like this is such a stereotypically answer as an artist, but it’s true! There is much we can learn about people, history, as well ourselves when we take the time to immerse ourselves in all types of art throughout all ages.

As far as food is concerned I would want to take them to Gwen on Sunset Blvd. I went there for my birthday last year and it was revolutionary. I had never had Wagyu before and though it is quite expensive, I believe that if you eat meat you owe it to yourself to try it at least once. They were also just very hospitable all around and even gave me a piece of cake as we left. It was a very memorable experience.

I would also want to take them on a trip to Catalina Island. To be able to escape the hustle and bustle of the city to spend a day, or a few, on a literal island is such a beautiful treat. From taking a tour of the island, to exploring the ocean in a submarine, to eating and shopping along the coast–it’s not just a want but a need to check out.

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?
My spouse, Sheriden Jackson, is not only the most important person in my life but also the one I give the most credit to when it comes to helping me achieve all I have. I do not know where I would be without her so I give her all the thanks in my successes. We have been together for 13 years so far and I look forward to the many years to come.

I would also like to shoutout one of my middle school teachers, Mr. Maloney, who was the mentor to most inspire me when it comes to art–specifically drawing. He was a science teacher but he would include drawing in pretty much everything he did, from fun illustrations on tests to designs and characters to help us understand and keep us engaged in what he was teaching. I now include drawing myself in everything I do because of him.

I would also simply like to give a shoutout to everyone who has ever commented on my artwork, even if it was a critique. Both types of comments provide encouragement and fuel the flames of desire that I have for my work.

Website: https://www.justicejacksonart.com/

Instagram: @justicejacksonart

Linkedin: Justice Jackson

Image Credits
All of these photos are mine.