Today we’d like to introduce you to Jourdon Gullett.
Jourdon, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
When I was younger, my father painted cars, motorcycles and semi-trucks. Whether it was body work or something custom, he would work on stuff in our basement. I have a lot of memories of taking time masking things, holding tools, and sometimes getting to use a spray gun with him. However, looking back at high school is when I started to realize this art thing may have some potential. I did a few portraits, won some cash for an art show and did my first mural. I went to college at The American Academy of Art in Chicago really focusing on working with assorted materials and styles from printmaking, watercolor and oil painting. I wanted get the most out of it. Following graduation, I quit my job and sold my car to pay for a few months of rent. I pretty much decided that from there on I was only going to do work that would benefit my career.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I grew up skateboarding with friends and there is a lot of overlap with being creative and going out to skate. Admiring the artwork for board graphics and all the other gear that comes with it. Hoping one day I could be someone who is lucky enough to create images on things that people would enjoy and support. Naturally, drinking beer was and is another outlet I enjoy, so being able to apply the same approach with skateboarding with beer kind of felt like a natural thing to get into. I’ve been designing and developing stuff for Solemn Oath Brewery and ended up being in the mix of all the incredible work that the beer culture/industry has created. Going to a liquor store and seeing all the work of various artists on a shelf. I get the same feeling about it as I do when I go to Uprise Skate shop and see the variety of board graphics. They both fall outside of the art and design world, but is a place where creatives can really do whatever they want.
I have made art out of frustration and sadness. It can be like pulling teeth for me…sometimes you have to pay bills and you definitely need to keep working regardless of how you feel. In those moments, I certainly struggle to push myself to have the patience to sit down and get motivated. It is not to say I have not done interesting things from it, but I look at those drawings and they have elements in them that I may not typically do. I understand it is my hands that created the work, but it was not easy on my mind.
What do you think it takes to be successful as an artist?
I worked at Menards through college, and I remember thinking…
If I can make stuff on my own accord and still pay my bills each month – That would be success.
I’ve been fortunate enough to make that happen and I still have that same sentiment ten years later. However, what’s next? Who knows…
I don’t think there is a specific characteristic that maybe essential to successful artist. I have seen so many approach their lives as creatives in different ways.
On my end, it was being out and about, networking, making friends, and realizing if you want any sort of career at this, you work on yourself and your craft, till you die.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
A majority of the work I have done in the last few years can be seen within’ the food & beverage industry. Creating package designs for the fine folks at the brewery, Sawada Coffee, Metric Coffee, and various restaurants around Chicago. I’ve worked with clients like Dr. Martens, Mama Tried, Kumas Corner, Broken Shaker, Emporium and a variety of local skateboard brands. Leading up to that, I have spent about ten years with After School Matters working with Chicago Public School students creating public art in various forms.
How others can support the arts? It seems there is a huge demand for artists over the last few years. The wildness of the internet has brought on a whole new outlet for work. It’s a good time to be a creative person. I just hope those reading this who hire folks like us. We too want a family of some kind and want to be paid accordingly.
Contact Info:
- Address: Jourdon GullettEast Garfield Park
Chicago. - Website: Jourdon.com
- Email: info@jourdon.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/jourdon
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/Jourdon.Gullett
- Twitter: twitter.com/Jourdon_
- Other: www.instagram.com/thedamnvan
Image Credit:
The Annex – Chicago. Slime Skateboards. Solemn Oath Brewery. Dr Martens. Green Street Smoked Meats. Sawada Coffee. Mama Tried.
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
