Meet Austin Jones | Artist & Art Teacher

We had the good fortune of connecting with Austin Jones and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Austin, why did you pursue a creative career?
I pursued being an artist because ever since I was a young child, I always dreamed of being an artist. When I was in pre-school, my teachers noticed I had a talent for art. As I grew older, my parents encouraged me to keep doing it because I enjoyed it. And as I matured and went to college, I just kept going and I haven’t stopped. I’m about to turn 30 next year, and I don’t see myself ever not creating art work.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art covers several different things about me and the world I live in. Sometimes my art is about stories I tell or the characters I create and at other times, it represents figures or things that inspire me like musicians. And at other times, it’s about sending a message about certain things. As an example, I am an artist on the autism spectrum and my autism has both made it difficult for me and offered me a way to express myself through art. The one thing that sets me apart from most people is my appreciation and understanding of others and their perspectives. When I put myself in others’ shoes, I feel like I see the world through their eyes. I think being on the autism spectrum makes me especially sensitive to how others might feel. My art helps me to connect with my friends, family, and peers. I am most proud about how my art has evolved and turned into an art business. I learned that by doing caricatures of famous musicians, I could create pieces that people really wanted to buy. I develop different portraits/ caricatures and then print them onto canvas so people can hang them in their homes or offices or wherever they might want. I never thought I would be able to sell a lot of my art, but since I have started doing this, I have been able to sell more. As an artist, I once said that my would continue changing throughout my life. While I am creating my art, I know that I may not always create art in this particular style. My style might change and I look forward to seeing where my art goes.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take my best friend to Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo, WindnSea beach, Spencer Little’s art studio, La Bodega Art Gallery. I would also take him to Boomer’s Beach to watch the bodysurfers. My dad loves to bodysurf there and I like to go there and watch him and check out all the sea lions. I would take him to eat lots of Mexican food. I would take him to Rigoberto’s Taco Shop, El Indio, Ortegas, and Bahia. I would also take him to Bird Rock Coffee Roaster and to Sushi Dinner across from Mesa College. Another place that is really cool is Zion Market on Clairemont Mesa Blvd. Some fast food joints I really appreciate are In-n-Out and Jollibee’s.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to recognize my parents because I would not be where I am today without the love and support of my mom and dad. They have supported me since I told them when I was 5 years old at the dinner table that I wanted to be an artist. They have kept me going ever since.

Website: austinjohnjones.com
Instagram: @austinjohnjonesart
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-jones-0765085b/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/austinjohnjonesart
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9_lLoL1E3OCxUyr1hBCMVQ
Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/AustinJohnJonesArt?ref=seller-platform-mcnav https://3-austin-jones.pixels.com/