Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonathan Whitely.
Hi Jonathan, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am a follower of Jesus, grew up in a Christian home, and everything I do centers around my faith and that includes my art business, Jonathan Draws You. I got into drawing as soon as I knew how to breathe haha. It just always came naturally to me. I would watch cartoons like SpongeBob and anime shows like Dragonball Z and draw these characters in my notebook. Any time there was a paper and pencil in my hand, I saw it as an opportunity to draw the characters I love. I read manga (Japanese comics) a lot when I was younger, and my dad even encouraged me to teach myself Japanese for a time because I wanted to move to Japan to become a manga artist and create my own anime. I remember several times throughout my school years when my teachers caught me drawing instead of listening to their lectures and would take away my illustrations until class was over. Drawing was so second nature that I ended up doodling on assignments without even realizing it sometimes. For the record, I’m not saying kids should draw on their class assignments, but I believe that God’s natural giftings were preparing me for something down the road. Don’t get me wrong, there were times where I was interested and wasn’t interested in drawing. But long story short, my friend and I were walking around my city looking for ways to engage with others and share the Gospel, so I suggested that I could draw people and use that as a means to reach my community, and from that point on, Jonathan Draws You was born, October 2021.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I’ve wrestled with finding the right time to start. I realized if I kept waiting, it was never going to happen, so I might as well get a head start now. Another early challenge had been drawing in front of people. This was very difficult at first because I work best in my own space with no distractions or people around me, but in this line of work, my environment is the exact opposite, so I have to adjust accordingly. But it’s been fun to step into that. I’m normally not good at adapting on the fly, and this business has helped me get better at that. It’s been an amazing journey!
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a live-cartoon portrait/caricature artist. I specialize in drawing everyday people in a manga/anime art style. One of my goals is to have others leave feeling proud and encouraged. When I am doing slower events, I try to engage in meaningful conversations that point people to Jesus and try to remind them that they have a purpose and are valued. As I feel led, I’ll leave an encouraging word or verse that points people to Him. Being able to share Jesus, bring joy, encourage people, and make an income off of what I’ve always naturally done has been one of my proudest accomplishments.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
There are so many! I would say one of my favorite times was going on vacations with my family. My cousins and I would play video games, watch anime and movies, and just hang out. I’m originally from West Palm Beach, Florida, so when my family and I took trips to Universal Studios, Bush Gardens, and Disney Land, it was a really special time. Doing these things inspired a lot of the creativity that you see in me today!
Pricing:
- Cartoon Portrait Service: $100/hr
- Cartoon Portrait (1 person) – $20
- Art Lessons ($20/person, 5 person minimum) – $100
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jonathandrawsyou.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathandrawsyou/?hl=en
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeVbNKRYCx9BcbFIPxHjzhQ
- Other: https://linktr.ee/jonathandrawsyou
