Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Adaku.
Hi Jessica, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Jessica Adaku. I’m a Nigerian-American. My passion for art and creativity happened when I was very young. I was inspired by Japanese Anime and Disney animation growing up, and it has always been influential for me to this day.
But since watching animation as a child, I never really saw characters that represented me or even looked how I wanted them to look. I had no one to up to in terms of artistic influence.
So I thought, why don’t I do it myself?
I can draw my own characters.
And so, my journey to becoming an artist started in this early passion.
As I got older, I continued drawing, working on my art style to where now I’m currently satisfied with my art. Years of frustration had eventually paid off, when I finally started to see results of a style that is unique to me.
My art is intentional, with a focus on Black Female Characters in a feminine art style, in different aesthetics.
From ethereal to Gothic to Princesscore, just drawing Black Girls in these aesthetics and themes, I feel like healing my inner child.
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?
My journey with art wasn’t easy.
Drawing can be hard and time consuming at times especially when you’re starting out.
Back then, it was hard for me because I suffer from an Attention deficiency, and procrastination is something I excel at.
Over the years, I developed a faster drawing speed to combat this problem.
My attention span can be frustrating, so I sketch and draw very fast to get the concept out. Afterwards I take a break from it, and then come back to finish drawing.
My disability is something I’ve suffered from all my life, and it eventually led to problems as I got older. It wasn’t until one day, I decided to get help in my mid-20s.
After getting help and support, my mental health has improved significantly.
I feel so much better about myself. And in turn, it has helped me see drawing in a different light, from frustration to understanding.
Being artist was never simple for me with an attention disability but having a positive mindset has changed my perspective and my life.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
So, I’m a digital and traditional artist and I have a focus on drawing black females in Disney/Anime Hybrid art style. Most of my recent work is really focused on concept art and developing my characters to my current style.
Right now, I’m proud where I’m at with my art style, it took a lot to get here. With consistent practice, I feel like developed a unique art style that feels right to me.
So, I created three art collections based on different vibes called the Femme Noire Collection. Each collection is a different theme in which I draw black females in aesthetics. I feel like no other person has done this before and I feel super excited to develop them even more.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Patience, Practice and Consistency are the main lessons I learned as an artist.
With patience, I became less frustrated whenever something doesn’t work out, especially when it comes to my work.
Practice and Consistency helped me shaped an art style that I’m happy with. By drawing everyday and developing on my own style, my art improved over time.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/jessicaadaku.co
- Twitter: https://Twitter.com/jessicaadaku
