Patience, Uncertainty, and Dish Washing: How Jonni Cheatwood Became a Renowned Artist and Built a Business Along the Way

<p>He dropped out of college without a clear sense of direction.</p><p><br/></p><p>Then one day, while working in the “dish pit” at a restaurant, he received a call that Usher Raymond wanted to collaborate with him (cue the lyrics to <em>Let It Burn</em>).</p><p><br/></p><p>It was a 7-year journey of financial struggles, latte-making shifts, and uncertainty that ultimately led to exhibitions across the globe – from the USA to Australia, Hong Kong, Finland, London, Berlin, Beirut, and Shanghai.</p><p><br/></p><p>In this episode, Marcus Murphy, my co-host, and I have the privilege of interviewing <a href='https://instagram.com/jonni_cheatwood?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA=='>Jonni Cheatwood</a> about the business of art, the lessons he gained from more than a few mistakes along the way, and his path from college dropout to a successful full-time artist (<em>y’all, Jonni is LEGIT - he has collaborations with businesses like Target and TedX!</em>).</p><p><br/></p><p>Click play to hear all of this and…</p><p><br/></p><p>[00:01:05] Jonni’s upbringing in a home filled with art and his early exposure to art museums.</p><p><br/></p><p>[00:05:00] Jonni’s journey from taking art classes in high school to dedicating his whole life to art and his career.</p><p><br/></p><p>[00:08:59] How Jonni experimented with trying different things to discover personal passions and self-understanding.</p><p><br/></p><p>[00:11:27] How Jonni views failures as learning experiences and navigates how to find his place in the art world.</p><p><br/></p><p>[00:16:18] Jonni’s early experiences with art and the start of his painting career.</p><p><br/></p><p>[00:17:08] How Jonni felt when he made his first sale and the realization that his artwork can be bought and sold.</p><p><br/></p><p>[00:20:53] The role of friends and community in Jonni’s artistic journey </p><p><br/></p><p>[00:24:17] The power of painting in public </p><p><br/></p><p>[00:26:01] The process of starting a painting and the challenges of working with a blank canvas.</p><p><br/></p><p>[00:2