Persistence is the key to success
- J. Legay
- Jul 25
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 26
Interview with J. Legay
1. Please tell us something about your background and your art journey so far.
My background and art journey began almost as soon as I could crawl, with my parents recalling that I was coloring on walls at a very early age. I always knew I was meant to be an artist. I studied and graduated with degrees in Art and a special major in Graphic Design, but for over 30 years, I worked in a career dedicated to protecting children, disabled individuals, and the elderly. It was only after retiring from government service that I returned to art full-time. I made a significant shift from traditional analog art to digital art by purchasing a tablet for the first time ever. As a Baby Boomer, the learning curve with new technology was challenging, but with perseverance, it has finally been rewarding. Art remains nourishment for my soul.
2. Describe what a normal day looks like as an artist.
A normal day for me as an artist starts around 6 am, largely because my dogs won’t let me sleep in. I moderate a Facebook group called “Daily Art Challenges for Procreate Fans,” created by the username Rebecca Blu. This group prompted me to draw daily and in doing so my skills began to return and I feel have surpassed anything I created in my college years. Interacting with the many talented members of this group, ranging from beginners to professionals, is a highlight of my day as they provide positivity and support to digital artists. The rest of my time is spent researching and submitting to Open Calls, managing and promoting my social media accounts, corresponding, photographing images for reference material, learning about different artists and styles, and creating my own digital artwork.
3. Can you tell us more about the theme in your art and your inspiration?
The themes in my art are strongly influenced by my love for bold colors, which reflect both my bright personality and my faith. My artwork expresses the deep love I have for my faith and the God I serve.
4. How does your art life impact other parts of your life?
My art life greatly impacts other parts of my life by shaping my outlook to be both bright and yet calming. When I was younger, I lacked patience and often became frustrated with my work, sometimes crumpling it up and discarding it without thought. Now, I am my own biggest critic but have become much more forgiving and patient with my process. I am committed to figuring things out instead of giving up. My desire to succeed drives me to find solutions whenever I face difficulties.
5. Could you share any difficulties and hardships you had to face in life and how or if you managed/overcame them?
One of the biggest hardships I faced was returning to art after a long absence. When I left the art world, it was all analog — wooden desktops, drafting pencils, erasers, paints, and T-squares. Returning over 30 years later, I encountered the digital art world, completely unfamiliar to me. At first, I felt too old to learn all this new technology. However, I committed to showing up every day, even if only for a few moments. Over time, those moments became minutes, then hours, then days, weeks, months, and now years. The key to overcoming obstacles was simply persistence — showing up and trying every day.
6. Tell us about your best experience in the art world so far.
My best experience in the art world was the first time I opened an email to find my work accepted for an Open Call. This acceptance opened the door to gallery exhibitions, both in person and online, book and magazine publications, interviews, donating art for fundraisers, selling my artwork, and mentoring others just starting their artistic journeys.
7. Share your worst experience in the art world.
While I have not had any outright negative experiences in the art world, I have learned to be cautious and discerning. Not every formal email requesting to feature my work comes from honest intentions. Over time, I have developed the wisdom to pause and research galleries or opportunities thoroughly before committing. It’s exciting to receive congratulations, but it’s also important to protect my artwork from dishonesty.
8. What practical advice can you give to fellow artists?
My practical advice to fellow artists is simple: don’t stop. There is always a solution, but sometimes you have to work a little harder to figure things out and sometimes that involves more time.
9. Is the artist life lonely? Please share your thoughts and experiences.
Regarding loneliness in the artist’s life, I believe you are never truly alone when you are creating art. Even when I am not physically making art, my mind is always engaged in memories and experiences, I love thinking about my next project. I rarely feel alone when I am alone, but occasionally I can feel alone even when surrounded by others.
10. What are you working on at the moment and are there any upcoming events you would like to talk about?
Currently, I am working on the first publication of my own coffee table art book. My goal is to have it sold in bookstores, online and bookstore galleries, sharing my work and vision with a wider audience. In all, my art journey has been one of growth, patience, and faith. Art continues to be a vital part of who I am, nourishing my soul and connecting me to others in meaningful ways.
Website: https://www.jlegay.com
Social media: https://www.instagram.com/jlegayartist
