Rising Stars: Meet Jordan Carter of Ohio

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jordan Carter.

Hi Jordan, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Jordan Carter. I am an artist from Columbus, Ohio that loves the pure essence of art. Since I was a kid, I always imaged being a creative in some facet. Whether that was making stoves out of paper and tape or doodling in every notebook I owned, creativity lived in me. Through elementary to high school, I maintained that curiosity. I had the opportunity to attend Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio as a biomedical engineer student. I, shortly, realized my interest for the arts began to fade. From there, I switched my major to Fine Arts. A few years later, I obtained my degree.

I’ve always had an amazing support system from family to friends and even complete strangers. That alone, I am grateful. Taking that love and motivation, I began selling my artwork at local events. I went from small tables with no crowd to tents and an entire community in attendance. I owe a lot of my drive to my parents, especially my mom. She attended every event with me. From lugging around paintings and heavy equipment to sitting outside in extremely hot temperatures even if I just sold one piece, she never complained! She told me to keep going.

My brand WATFLVR, what a true family legacy values and remembers, is dedicated to my late mother who lost her fight to cancer in 2021. She is a piece of me. Emotions, identity, and love meet form. WATFLVR honors the idea that nothing is created in isolation. My creativity never stopped flowing until I lost my mom but now, it flows different in the best way. Grief is never ending but neither is the love. Life experiences, ideas, and inspirations are limitless. Being an introverted person allows my creativity to act as a second voice. There’s a raw yet minimalist theme I carry through every medium I use. I hope to invite connection and beauty while reminding us that even in brokenness something meaningful can be rebuilt.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I faced a few challenges being an artist. Balancing life, work, and my craft can become difficult and expensive! Every decision won’t be perfect but every choice teaches you how to prioritize, maintain, and make room for the life you’re building. At the end of the day, make sure you’re pouring into yourself. There’s no art if there’s no you.

In doing shows, I had to build my confidence. Creating pieces in the comfort of your space while listening to your favorite playlist, feels different than presenting your pieces to potential buyers. Sometimes you’re going to stumble over your words and underprice your yourself but as long as you keep going, it’s all a part of the journey.

I graduated from a program through the Lincoln Theatre in Columbus, Ohio during a time in my creativity when I felt lost. I leaned into my community and sought out knowledge and understanding. I didn’t allow that rocky road to discouraged me. It helped me grow as a person and an artist.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am an artist that specializes in acrylic paintings and graphic designing. I create many tangible items such as lighter cases, stickers, digital prints, coloring books, and keychains! I, also, accept commissions on my paintings, lighter cases, and graphic designing.

I am most proud of the community I have built. I am proud of the knowledges I’ve gained through all the people I’ve met along the way! What sets me apart from others is my ability to create pieces that feel electric, bold, and hard to overlook. I enjoy working with silhouettes, color blending, and striking compositions that immediately pull the viewers in while still leaving enough mystery to make them look twice. My work carries confidence, personality, and energy.

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success to me is having the freedom to create, comfortably, in a space that feels true to me. Creating a beautiful life and memories, maintaining my peace, and continuing to connect and grow with my community is all a part of that feeling.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.watflvr.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/watflvr
• Facebook: https://Www.facebook.com/WATFLVR