Life & Work with Jamal Collins

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamal Collins.

Hi Jamal, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself. 
I’m Jamal Collins, born on June 30, 1970, and raised in East Cleveland. I was always a creative kid and had a love for drawing, comics, and cartoons. I attended Shaw High and took Art 1 and Art 2, but due to my grades, I wasn’t able to get into the vocational school of Commercial Arts, where cutting-edge advanced levels of the arts, such as airbrushing and using designer markers, were taking place. Fortunately, I attended Akron University and majored in Graphic Design in 1991, during a beautiful time for technology and design. I graduated with a BFA and worked as a Graphic Designer at Fortune 500 companies like PWC and Time Warner for over a decade. 

I started to struggle with creativity and found myself jumping from job to job until I reached a point where I was out of work for five years. During this time, I survived off of unemployment and took on small design jobs as a freelancer. I caught a break after volunteering at the Boys and Girls Club and applied to be an Art Teacher. Observing consultants doing specialized programming, I presented the idea of teaching graphic design. We conducted a pilot, and shortly after, the program grew to 10 locations, teaching over 100 kids a month about design, marketing, and critical thinking. 

Driven by a vision of inclusivity and empowerment, I founded The Creative Kids Group, an organization dedicated to nurturing young creatives, entrepreneurs, and business owners. Through immersive and comprehensive visual education, his programs cultivate creativity, critical thinking, and equip individuals with client-based skills. Moreover, participants receive training in social awareness, marketing, branding, and promotion, culminating in platforms to showcase their exceptional work. 

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?
Navigating through those tough times, I discovered resilience I never knew I had. Despite not being a teacher by trade, my passion for making a positive impact led me to embrace the challenge of teaching in the inner city after school. Yes, it was a rollercoaster dealing with hunger, gangs, and fights, but it shaped me into the person I am today. I learned the ropes on the fly, finding creative ways to connect with students and foster a supportive learning environment through being myself finding my voice as Design Educator. It wasn’t easy, but those experiences fueled my determination to break down barriers and provide opportunities for those facing adversity. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m Jamal Collins, and my work is all about blending my love for design, art, and education. With over 20 years of experience, I specialize in graphic design, having started my career in corporate settings, working for Fortune 500 companies like PWC and Time Warner. 

However, what truly lights up my passion is teaching and mentoring young creatives. As an art instructor at PNC Fairfax Connect and an adjunct professor at Case Western Reserve University, I get to inspire and guide budding talents on their artistic journeys. I’m also the proud founder of The Creative Kids Group, where we run visual education programs, teaching not just design skills but also smart thinking and practical aspects like dealing with clients, social dynamics, marketing, branding, and promotion. 

What I’m most proud of is breaking down barriers, especially for those facing tough challenges. Establishing the After-School Graphic Design Program at BGCC is a highlight, providing guidance and opportunities for young minds to shine. 

What sets me apart is my commitment to community building and child development. I don’t just focus on technical skills; I strive to empower young creatives with an entrepreneurial mindset, showing them that with the right guidance and tons of passion, they can turn their dreams into successful businesses. Whether speaking at conferences or teaching globally, I’m always eager to share my insights and experiences, fostering creativity and mentorship in a way that’s uniquely me. 

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was always a creative kid with a keen interest in art. Drawing, comics, and cartoons were my go-to outlets for self-expression. I had this innate curiosity that fueled my imagination, and I was never shy about exploring different ways to bring my ideas to life. 

Personality-wise, I was a mix of enthusiasm and determination. I enjoyed pushing my creative boundaries and was never afraid to try new things, even if it meant facing challenges. That resilience became a defining trait as I navigated through various experiences, from public school to overcoming setbacks in my career. 

My interests were pretty diverse. Beyond my love for art, I found joy in learning about technology and design. This passion eventually led me to pursue Graphic Design at Akron University, a decision that marked a significant turning point in my journey. 

Looking back, I see a younger version of myself who was driven by creativity, eager to explore the world of design, and determined to make a positive impact on others. Those early interests and traits continue to shape who I am today as a designer, artist, and educator. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jayworking.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayworking/
• Facebook: facebook.com/jcollins013
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamalcollins1/
• Twitter: twitter.com/jayworking
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_EnoQ140nWHMVLcH6ECQVg