How to Master The Art of Success: James Jean Style

It was only a week ago that I clicked on a video interview featuring James Jean, a Taiwanese illustrator and artist based in LA. Shantell Martin interview Mr. Jean as a part of a series where she chats with other artists about their making process, how they got to where they are, why they do what they do, and much more. You might know him from his collaborative campaign with Prada, his poster design for the new movie Everything, Everywhere, All at Once, or even his design for Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio movie out on Netflix. I've been obsessed with his work and allotment in the art world for some time now, and this interest has only grown in recent years. He has shows, books, merchandise, jewelry: anything you think an artist can make, he's done it, and he's done an amazing job at that.

I was so intrigued by this interview simply because I was dying to know how Mr. Jean became so successful in his career, and how an artist like me could do the same sooner than later. There's no set formula for success, especially in the art world, where your career is largely dependent on others support and opinion of your work. But I think there were a lot of good tips I got out of the video, which I'll share below:

1. Practice. Practice Practice. James Jean said that in his program at SVA as an illustration major, he drew at any time and place he could. The more you draw, the more you'll master your surroundings and imagination. Capturing your surroundings is an important foundation as an artist, even if you don't necessarily consider yourself a realist.

2. Share Your Art with the World. Mr. Jean said back in the day(we're talking early 2000s) he shared his process on his website by blogging through his website and uploading to many different platforms. If you're reading this as an artist, I'd suggest using all the different platforms available in order to upload your work. And hey, you might just get discovered!

3. Apply to Internships and Jobs. During this interview, I noticed how James Jean was so open about admitting that he was rejected everywhere before DC Comics have him a chance at an illustration career. Today, platforms like Handshake, Indeed, and LinkedIn are great ways to find jobs you're interested in.

James Jean posing with a painting for his 'Dope!' article interview

James Jean explains he wasn't certain about his future for the majority of his career. He explains that he'd switch his major from comic design to illustration and hadn't necessarily known that, through his DC job, he would be where he is today or reach his height of success. By just looking at his website, you might think he'd always been extremely successful, but the interview unravels a more complicated journey filled with trials and tribulations. Towards the end of the meeting he says, "I think I got well known because of the easter eggs I left in my covers. I didn't know I'd end up where I am today, but I'm glad I did." He basically wraps up his early beginnings here and goes on to say that every artist and their process of making is different, but that the path to success can be a tricky one.

The whole interview resonated deeply with me. As an art student attending Pratt for graphic design but having switched from a painting major, I had doubts that I wouldn't be as successful because I didn't have a determined plan from day one. However, artists like James Jean really are a prime example of success in spite of a changing course. I hope that despite my changing path, I can continue to follow the above principles, take advantage of my surroundings, and truly make a great mark with my short time here on Earth.