Episode 06 | December 8, 2020
Jamal Collins
In this episode, we talk with designer and educator Jamal Collins about his life and work, how he found his purpose, and how he teaches his students to say no to the “easy path” in order to find success as creators.
INTRO
Welcome to “That’s a Hard No” – the podcast about saying no (in all its forms) so you can become the authentic and empowered person that this world needs.
Quick disclosure: While Sarah is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, this podcast is in no way a replacement for one-on-one therapy with a mental health professional. If you are struggling with mental health issues, we welcome you on this journey, but also invite you to seek out professional help.
Looking for a therapist? Here’s a good place to start: psychologytoday.com
SHOW NOTES
Jamal Collins is an incredibly talented graphic designer and visual communication design instructor from East Cleveland, Ohio. A graduate of the University of Akron, he started his career by working in the corporate world, but when the economy took a downturn around 2007, that all changed. Unemployed for five years, he explored a variety of career options, and eventually found his calling as a teacher and mentor with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
Jamal later founded the “Creative Kids Group,” through which he provides art education to students from grade school all the way through the college level. He also teaches adults at the PNC Fairfax Connection community center in Cleveland and continues to serve as a teacher and mentor at the Boys & Girls Clubs.
During our conversation, we talked with Jamal about his life, the lessons he imparts to his students, how teaching has changed during the COVID-19 pandemic, and so much more. We had so much fun talking with Jamal and learned so much from him. We know you’ll love learning from him too.
Where to find and connect with Jamal:
- Website – jayworking.com
- YouTube – jayworking
- Twitter – @jayworking
- Instagram – @jayworking
- LinkedIn – Jamal Collins (@jamalcollins1)
Resources & Recommendations
- Book – Psycho-Cybernetics by Maxwell Maltz (link to Amazon)
- Book – The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene (link to Amazon)
- Design Conference – Creative Control Fest, Columbus, Ohio
- PNC Fairfax Connection (community center) – pncfairfaxconnection.com
Credits and Thanks
- Special thanks to Reanna Karousis of Collective Reach and the Social Distance Happy Hour, who inspired and challenged us to start this podcast and helped us produce our first episode.
- Thanks also to our families and friends for all their encouragement and support, and to you, our listeners, for joining us on this adventure.
- That’s a Hard No is a joint production of Clever Girl Marketing and Purposeful Growth & Wellness.
- Logo design by Angela Giaco of A Pink Sunset. You can find her at apinksunset.com.
- Music: “Whiskey for Lunch” by GG Rigs. (Don’t judge us, you guys. We just like the song.)