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Rising Artist At 12
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A quiet swing, a rooftop at sunset, a barbershop buzz—sometimes the places we know best say the most. We sit with 12-year-old artist Jalani Vickers to explore how ordinary scenes become emotionally rich portraits, and why small choices like a hoodie slogan or a jersey number can carry unexpected weight. His world is part city dream, part neighborhood memory, and fully intentional about mood and meaning.
Jalani walks us through his process from pencil sketches at his bedroom desk to polished digital color with help from his uncle. He explains that reading graphic novels sharpened his eye for pacing and characterization, and that visits downtown feed his love of cityscapes, even when the skyline is imagined. We unpack standout pieces from the Nonchalant Dreadhead series—an introspective kid on a swing wearing “Tax The Rich,” a focused hooper in a familiar court, and a tightly framed barbershop that makes you feel the room’s warmth. Along the way, he talks about discipline learned from boxing, the joy of being truly seen by viewers, and the difference between art that looks cool and art that makes you feel something.
We also get real about support systems and access. Jalani’s mom, Blair, shares how she noticed his shift from doodles to deliberate work, why they debated the series name, and how local makers' markets and a simple online shop create real paths for a young artist. If you care about youth creativity, urban storytelling, and the craft of turning everyday life into lasting images, this conversation will give you fresh ideas and a lot of heart.
Listen now, share your favorite moment, and tap follow to catch future conversations. If the story moved you, leave a quick review—it helps more people discover voices like Jalani’s.
Support the show
Do us a favor and like, comment, share, and subscribe so you don't miss any future episodes. To see the full video on YouTube go to Listen Up with Host Al Neely
Reach out to us on our socials and hit us up with any questions!
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: ListenUp4U
Facebook: Let's Talk About It - Listen Up
Twitter: ListenUp@Listenup4U
Website: listenup.biz
YouTube: Listen Up with Host Al Neely
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By Al NeelySend us a text
A quiet swing, a rooftop at sunset, a barbershop buzz—sometimes the places we know best say the most. We sit with 12-year-old artist Jalani Vickers to explore how ordinary scenes become emotionally rich portraits, and why small choices like a hoodie slogan or a jersey number can carry unexpected weight. His world is part city dream, part neighborhood memory, and fully intentional about mood and meaning.
Jalani walks us through his process from pencil sketches at his bedroom desk to polished digital color with help from his uncle. He explains that reading graphic novels sharpened his eye for pacing and characterization, and that visits downtown feed his love of cityscapes, even when the skyline is imagined. We unpack standout pieces from the Nonchalant Dreadhead series—an introspective kid on a swing wearing “Tax The Rich,” a focused hooper in a familiar court, and a tightly framed barbershop that makes you feel the room’s warmth. Along the way, he talks about discipline learned from boxing, the joy of being truly seen by viewers, and the difference between art that looks cool and art that makes you feel something.
We also get real about support systems and access. Jalani’s mom, Blair, shares how she noticed his shift from doodles to deliberate work, why they debated the series name, and how local makers' markets and a simple online shop create real paths for a young artist. If you care about youth creativity, urban storytelling, and the craft of turning everyday life into lasting images, this conversation will give you fresh ideas and a lot of heart.
Listen now, share your favorite moment, and tap follow to catch future conversations. If the story moved you, leave a quick review—it helps more people discover voices like Jalani’s.
Support the show
Do us a favor and like, comment, share, and subscribe so you don't miss any future episodes. To see the full video on YouTube go to Listen Up with Host Al Neely
Reach out to us on our socials and hit us up with any questions!
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: ListenUp4U
Facebook: Let's Talk About It - Listen Up
Twitter: ListenUp@Listenup4U
Website: listenup.biz
YouTube: Listen Up with Host Al Neely