Check Out Shatara Jordan’s Story

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

Hi Shatara, 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 grew up on the east side of Cleveland my whole life. After getting my Art Associates degree at Cuyahoga Community College, I decided to continue my studies at Cleveland State University. I’m pursuing my Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre. I wasn’t always confidently invested in my craft. I’d say my journey really started from switching to an art high school for my senior year. I felt alienated at my current high school and couldn’t really express myself creatively. I was also a pretty shy, quiet, and an introverted kid. I slowly started to get out of it once I got to my new school, The Cleveland School of Arts. Here I felt safe to be my authentic self, and ever since graduation, I’ve been working on my craft professionally ever since. I remember doodling in my notebooks in class, making up raps at lunch tables, and just living the typical life of a creative person. I just knew I wasn’t meant to do anything else.

After high school, I started doing productions at local theatres like Cleveland Public Theatre and Talespinner Children’s Theatre. I also began getting more invested into film, modeling, and poetry. Along the way, I’ve been able to work on films like Judas and the Black Messiah, White Noise, model for Puma, Xhibition, The Guardian, Shooting Without Bullets, and some local Cleveland clothing brands. As of 2022 I’ve competed in my first Women of the World Poetry Slam, and ranked top 25 in the nation.

After working on so many projects, I was inspired to develop my own. I’m currently producing a film, “When A Poet Loves,” written, directed, and starring myself. Updates regarding the film are on the Instagram page @whenapoetloves.film. I wanted to create a black love story centered around two poets. The story taps into self-discovery, the power of love, and men expressing their vulnerability. I also wanted to display how cinematic poetry can be, and integrate it into other art forms. It’s the biggest passion project I’ve worked on so far, so I’m really excited to share it with the world. I believe I came a long way in my artistic journey because I know the younger me would’ve been too scared to be doing the things I am now.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I have faced age discrimination, racism, sexism, and self-doubt along the way. I also know what it’s like to not have access to certain resources when it comes to bringing a project or idea to life, but I’ve become really good at working with what I got. I’ve also gotten better at pushing through self-doubt and not letting any racist or sexist remarks get the best of me. Being a creative black woman from Cleveland definitely comes with its own challenges. I’ve learned that the secret is to learn as many skills as you can so you can give yourself opportunities.

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a multi-disciplinary artist. I act, direct, produce, write, dance,… if it’s artistic, I’ve probably done it to some degree. I don’t limit myself to what I practice. I’m currently most proud of producing my own film “When A Poet Loves.”

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
I’ve learned that everything happens for a reason; nothing is ever a loss as long as I’ve learned from it. It’s very important to take your time with the things you love. Rest and breaks are just as important as the work ethic because burnout is real, and you can’t do your best work if you’re not taking care of yourself first.

Pricing:

• I sell hoodies with my artwork for $60
• I sell framed portrait artwork for $30-$45
• I do custom paintings starting at $100
• My spoken word performance rates range from $150-$350
• I accept donations to help fund the projects I’m working on

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mixxedrose/?hl=en
• Youtube: https://youtu.be/nErAT-6cNNM
• Other: https://ioby.org/project/when-poet-loves

Image Credits
Sierra Yatis
Chelsi Knight
The Poetry Party