By Renada JeNae Toyer
In Bradenton, Florida, an impactful artist whose work has been recognized on a national level. Jamiel Law is now a familiar name in artistic circles after he was awarded the Coretta Scott King Book Award for Illustration for his work on Jimmy’s Rhythm and Blues: The Extraordinary Life of James Baldwin.
He may not be the loudest voice in the room, nor does he aim to be. Instead, he describes himself as a “quiet artist.” His illustrations are deeply felt, purposeful, and thoughtful. “I don’t always go for the most obvious or loudest interpretation of a prompt,” he explains. “I try to find a thoughtful angle, one that invites the viewer to slow down, to sit with the image, and maybe see something a little differently.”
A Career Shaped on Purpose
His journey into the arts didn’t start with children’s books. Like most illustrators, his path began through different areas of the creative industry–film, editorial work, and advertising design. “I thought I’d go a different route,” he says, “but following that passion led me to unexpected opportunities.” It was always the storytelling that guided his artistic path, not just the specific job title. “I got into art because I love telling stories,” he says. And in the different chapters of his career, he continued to find ways to do just that whether it was visually or emotionally.
A Black Artist within the Industry
As a Black illustrator, he understood the challenges that came with navigating through creative spaces where representation is slowly catching up. He values the importance of authenticity in his work. Though he doesn’t always draw literal reflections of his identity, it is shaped within everything he creates.
“A lot of it happens subconsciously,” he says. “It’s not usually a direct, one-to-one story from my life. It’s more about the emotional residue those experiences left behind.” He pulls from feelings–comfort, safety, and reflection–especially those experiences that relate to his childhood or personal relationships.”
The mood or feeling of a memory is what drives the storytelling in my art, more than the specific events themselves.” The emotional gradation has become part of his artistic signature. It allows his illustrations to feel lived-in, authentic, and personal, even when telling someone else’s story.
Advice for the Younger Generation
Being someone who found his own direction through a combination of formal education and self-study, he’s passionate about sharing his craft and what he’s learned with the younger generation of artists–especially other young Black creatives who want to enter the field.
“Take time to discover what you love about art and why you’re doing it,” he says. “That ‘way’ might evolve but having it helps ground you.”
He also continues to encourage artists to study the work of others–not to imitate, but to understand the craft. “There are so many people out there doing incredible work. Reach out, ask for a portfolio review, absorb what you can.” It’s not only about what you know but who you know.
Most importantly, he reminds young artists to keep living life. “Don’t be one-dimensional. Enjoy your life while you’re making your art. The life you live will deeply influence the work you create.”
Rooted From Bradenton
Based in Bradenton, he continues working on books and visual projects while finding time to mentor artists like himself, reflect, and continue to stay grounded. Bradenton may seem reserved and quiet compared to larger cities, but it fits his creative process. “It gives me the space to think. To really sit with my work.”
His career, though it’s still growing, is already touching lives and leaving a mark. With the Coretta Scott King Award under his belt and more opportunities on the horizon, he’s proving that powerful art doesn’t have to be loud to be unforgettable.
It just has to be real and original. And his work is nothing if not that.
