Today we’d like to introduce you to MJ King.
Hi MJ, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
I was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, and always had an interest in art. The ability to capture a moment or tell a story is what makes art personal and powerful.
This understanding has been a foundational part of my life ever since I first began sketching at a young age, starting with Disney characters and drawing the figure with my cousin as a model in the backyard. I began exhibiting paintings and drawings in 2011 and my work has been shown throughout the United States (such as in Illinois, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York, South Carolina, Minnesota, and Ohio).
Deciding to pursue art, I went on to receive my Bachelor of Fine Art at Bowling Green State University in 2013. During the summer of 2012, I studied at Studio Art Center International (SACI) in Florence, Italy.
In early 2014, I attended The League Artist Residency at Vytacil in Sparkill, New York, and attended June 2015 The Azule Residency in Hot Springs, North Carolina. This journey culminated in earning my Master of Fine Art at Clemson University in 2016 and was the recipient of Clemson University’s Art Departments Research Scholarship.
At Clemson University, I had the pleasure of teaching the beginning painting course while in graduate school. This experience gave me insight into where I wanted my art career to go post-graduation. Instead of pursuing teaching, I became inspired to launch my own business as an artist.
Now residing in Greenville, South Carolina, I am working as a full-time freelance and commission-based artist. I specialize in portraits (pet portraits, house portraits, family & couple portraits), cityscapes & landscapes, and personalized requests that capture what makes your life, home, or place of business special. While I primarily work in oil paint, I also offer customized pieces in watercolor, acrylic, graphite, charcoal, and ink.
In addition to commission work, you can find available pieces in local upstate South Carolina galleries such as Open Art Studios in downtown Greenville & soon at The Back Door Gallery in Fountain Inn.
Also, you’ll find more available pieces in local businesses such as Victoria Valley Vineyards, Elevation 966 Winery, Kennington Family Winery, Plum Home & Gift Boutique, The Esso Club, and in the Cajun Woods shop inside of M. Tannery & Sons in Ram Cat Alley.
More information about my journey and background can be found at mjkingart.com.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I feel like I just found the road.. let me explain.
One struggle was realizing where I was and seeing where I wanted to go. For years I was a bartender to help “supplement” my career as an artist. Somehow, I didn’t see after each passing year, the bar was more of my career and my commission work was more the supplement.
When Covid shut things down in 2020, it forced me to look at my life and really look at how I was prioritizing (or not) my art career. The shutdown was a blessing for me, as it gave me the kick in the pants I needed to really address my goals.
Starting out as an entrepreneur and an artist, with no business background, certainly has been a challenge.
Thankfully after this realization, I consulted my brother, a successful businessman, who worked with me in developing a business plan.
He gave me insight on the business itself- how things run, how I should consider and look at my time, materials, expenses, how my website should operate, to network, promote, where to market, how to market, and build connections, branding. etc. All of this may sound obvious to an individual, but my mind wasn’t trained to look at this side of things. He really helped me look at my art not just as an artist, but now as a businesswoman.
Once I felt I had some of my ducks in a row, I decided to make the leap officially as a freelance & commission artist in January of this year. This meant leaving 2 service jobs and relying on art to provide for my life. It truly is the number one job now and I could not be happier!
With that being said, I compare this journey to a rollercoaster. The highs are so blissful and large, but the lows are just as extreme, deep, and plummeting. There is a lot of uncertainty, a lot of insecurity, putting yourself out there and exposing yourself to failure. It is uncomfortable and it is scary.
When I begin to feel overwhelmed with this, I try to remind myself that every day is another step closer. I am building my business and I do have a decent size ball rolling. It isn’t stagnant, I am moving forward and there is progression. Just got to keep pushing through and celebrating the highs and honoring the lows.
Another challenge has been learning how many hats one wears as an entrepreneur. I am my own employee, boss, marketing team, financial and legal team, website and social media promoter, and so much more. I have had to learn a lot and there is still so much more for me to learn.
I feel that will never stop, always learning and growing. Thankfully, I have an amazing support system. It really makes a difference knowing I have a group of friends and family who truly encourage, guide, and support me throughout this exciting journey of building MJ King Art.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am an artist and a painter. I work primarily in oil paint, however, I do also use watercolor from time to time. I fell in love with oils while studying in college in 2010 and haven’t been able to put them down since.
I also create drawings, and when I do, I choose to use charcoal or graphite. Charcoal is great because I can use it in powder form, applying with brushes, in a similar sense to paint. I enjoy mediums that flow and move across the surface, like oils, watercolor, and charcoal.
I create personalized, handmade, and unique pieces of art. Whether you are looking to add to your own home or gift to another, each piece is handcrafted and custom-designed to your needs. I offer an array of commission possibilities.
Some of the most popular include Pet Portraits (can be done in graphite/charcoal, watercolor, or oil), Portraits (Oil), House Portraits (Watercolor), and Landscapes, Cityscapes, Buildings (graphite/charcoal, watercolor, or oil). In addition to those, I also have done murals, signage, and other miscellaneous requests. The world is our canvas and I am just excited to create things that make people happy!
There are so many artists and each has its own individual style. My style is a unique blend of painterly, semi-realistic, and amplified color. You can tell you are not looking at a photograph.
That the photograph is referenced and the final result is a painting hand created. That is where the beauty and magic are for me. Watching things develop and refine through the layers and application of paint. Each piece created is original and unique, just like my clients.
I am most proud of my customer relations and reviews. My client’s experience and feedback have always been important to me and they are a part of every step of the creative process.
From start to finish, they are able to see their piece of art develop in real-time and are encouraged to provide any feedback along the way. Overall each order comes with a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee. If you visit my website, mjkingart.com, you will see my clients speak for themselves in my review section.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I believe commission work will continue to grow. Commission art has been going on for centuries dating back to nearly 5,000 years ago for portraits. Granted today it is a little different, but like everything else artists have worked to find themselves in the modern world.
Commissioned art pieces are special because they are so unique to individuals. They are more than a painting, they are a moment, a memory, a cherished place, or a sentimental time for that person. As an artist, we are able to take the information and capture these emotions in a physical and visual manner.
Humans are sentimental and emotional creatures, art is a part of who we are and I don’t believe that will go away. As supporting local and shopping small trends continue to push forward, I think artists will find the need in their work will keep increasing as time goes on. Art is the preservation of life, it will never die.
Pricing:
- Pet Portraits start at $45.00
- Portraits start at $275.00
- House Portraits start at $45.00
- Landscapes starting at $300
Contact Info:
- Website: mjkingart.com
- Instagram: @mjkingart
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mjkingart
