Today we’d like to introduce you to Jazmine Pickens.
Hi Jazmine, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My creative journey began as a hobby. While attending Michigan State University in East Lansing, I spent my free time painting and sharing my work on social media. That passion deepened as I interned at organizations like the Lansing Art Gallery, where I began to see the impact of art in the community. Then came a pivotal moment: one of my advisors, Dominique Deverueax, reached out and invited me to be a vendor at her Black Girl Day of Play event. Until then, I had never considered selling my work. That experience lit a spark—and soon after, JazzyP Paints LLC was born.
JazzyP Paints was created to offer creative services that uplift and celebrate artistry as a vital life skill. From face painting and murals to paint-and-sip parties and after-school or summer programs, I wanted to create joy and connection through creativity.
After graduating from MSU, I found myself drawn to the world of technology and design. I joined the MSU Apple Developer Academy in Downtown Detroit, where I learned the full scope of UX design and app development—from coding and interface design to project management. That immersive experience opened a new door: graphic design. I began teaching myself Adobe Photoshop and completed the Google UX Design Specialization through Coursera. At the same time, I took on freelance work in graphic design and content management, while serving in roles like Program Coordinator and Lead Instructor at nonprofit organizations such as JOURNi and Code 313.
Then in January 2024, a new chapter began. I was invited to model for TreyVision4K Photography through his portfolio builder program. As soon as I got started, things began to take off. I used my portfolio photos to practice design techniques and sharpen my editing skills. When TreyVision noticed my work, he offered me a position as a photo editor at his studio. I kept modeling and creating, and soon noticed something: people were loving the quality of my edits and the concepts I developed for my shoots. That insight led to the launch of JazzyP Graphics—a studio-grade editing service tailored to photographers and models, transforming what started as freelance gigs into a growing business.
As I continued modeling, editing, and occasionally taking on art commissions, my photoshoot concepts started gaining recognition. I began receiving TFP (Trade For Print) collaboration offers from Detroit-based photographers. These creative partnerships resulted in magazine placements, including cover features in well-known photography publications like StyleCruze Magazine and MAC Magazine. From there, I walked in runway shows for brands such as GinaT Fashion, Glammi Collections Boutique, Bianca’s Boutique, Archive29, and more.
Through all of this, I realized that what happens behind the camera intrigued me just as much—if not more—than being in front of it. I began directing my own photoshoots: styling the models, developing creative concepts, scouting locations, designing props and sets, and editing the final visuals. That full-circle approach led to the formation of JazzyP Direction—a creative direction service that offers everything from concept ideation and model styling to set design and editing for photographers and small brands.
Thanks to networking, modeling, and the power of social media, I later connected with Delora Green, the streetwear designer behind CagedJuelzDenim Collection. She invited me to create UGC (User-Generated Content) for her brand—a role that allowed me to craft fresh, on-trend visual content while pushing the limits of my creativity. Since then, I’ve received additional opportunities to model and produce content for makeup artists and skincare brands. UGC is still a new avenue for me, but I’m excited to keep learning and evolving in this space.
At the core of everything I do is a deep love for creating—whether it’s through painting, design, modeling, or creative direction. My businesses have given me the opportunity to connect with others in meaningful ways. There’s something grounding about helping someone unlock their confidence or creative expression. Personally and professionally, this work brings me peace—and I’m always looking for new faces, fresh ideas, and opportunities to create something beautiful.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The biggest obstacle I faced throughout my journey was, honestly, myself. I experienced moments of doubt—fueled by closed doors, rejected job applications, and feeling overlooked by the communities I hoped to be part of. Those setbacks chipped away at my confidence from time to time. But eventually, I realized I didn’t need to wait for a seat at someone else’s table. I could build my own. That shift in mindset led to the creation of my business.
One of the greatest challenges I’ve had to navigate is understanding that skill and knowledge alone aren’t always enough to open every door. Often, it’s about who you know and who’s already in the room. Other times, it’s about having the courage to create an entirely new room of your own—and inviting others in.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I do a little bit of everything—painting, charcoal drawing, poetry, modeling, prop design, set building, photo editing, and more. But at the core of it all, I specialize in storytelling—communicating emotions and ideas through my work. A photo may be worth a thousand words, but I aim to shape which words people think of when they experience my creations.
People tend to know me for different things, depending on how they’ve crossed paths with me—some know me through painting, others through modeling or design. I’ve built a diverse brand network rooted in these various creative spaces. What I’m most proud of, though, is the development of JazzyP Direction. It’s the culmination of everything I love—wrapped into one business that allows me to bring joy, confidence, and creativity to others, while also fulfilling myself.
What sets me apart isn’t just my skillset—it’s my heart. I don’t collaborate with others just to gain something; I partner with people to spotlight our collective strengths. For me, it’s never just about the star player—it’s about the whole team. That mindset is something I carry with me into every creative space I step into.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
With great risk comes great reward—and I’ve definitely embraced that, even if I don’t always see myself as a risk-taker. To me, taking risks is really about confidence and faith. It’s about trusting yourself enough to leap, even when you don’t know exactly where you’ll land.
I’ve taken many leaps: speaking in front of crowds of 100+ people, investing over $10K into my first business while working a full-time job, and stepping onto the runway with zero experience. Each of those moments felt huge—especially because I had grown more shy and reserved in response to life’s challenges. But every risk I took pushed me past my comfort zone, and each one led to something rewarding. My businesses are living proof of that.
If you asked me what I think about risk-taking, I’d say it’s one of the best confidence builders out there. It strengthens your resilience, sharpens your mindset, and prepares you to face future challenges with both grit and grace. And in the creative and tech spaces, both are absolutely essential. Risk is necessary—not just for growth, but for discovering who you really are.
Pricing:
- Professional Edits Special- 3 photos for $25
- Creative Direction Services Rate- $50 Hourly
- Facepainting Services Rate – $75 Hourly
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsjazzyp/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jazminepickens/
