Jasmine Becket-Griffith is an artist unlike any other. With her instantly recognizable fantasy-inspired artwork, she has captured the hearts of art lovers around the world. Best known for her large-eyed characters, often featuring faeries, dragonlings, and other magical beings, Jasmine’s paintings have earned her a well-established place in the art world. Her journey from a young girl selling art to becoming a global figure in the art industry is a testament to her talent and dedication.
A Childhood Passion That Turned Into a Career
Jasmine’s artistic journey began when she was just five years old, selling her artwork before she even fully understood what it meant to be a professional artist. By the age of 15, she won a National Spelling Bee prize, which allowed her to purchase the art supplies she needed to pursue her craft. By 1996, she transitioned into a full-time freelance career, making a living from her art. Over the years, her creativity has led her to work with prestigious names like Disney, and she’s even embarked on art safaris in Africa!
Despite her success, Jasmine’s work is still fueled by a passion for exploration. She spends a large part of her life traveling and drawing inspiration from the world around her. Whether it’s through museums, nature, or her own travels, her imagination never runs dry. She keeps a running list of ideas, adding new ones almost every day, ensuring that her creative spirit stays alive.
The Origins of “Strangeling”
The name “Strangeling” has a personal connection to Jasmine. It was a nickname given to her by her husband during their high school days, a blend of “strange” and “changeling.” What started as a fun moniker for her Dungeons & Dragons characters eventually became the name of her website in 1997. Today, “Strangeling” has become synonymous with Jasmine’s art, a name that has grown from a personal joke into a trademark associated with her entire artistic brand.
Balancing Commissioned Work and Personal Projects
As a successful artist, Jasmine found herself constantly booked for commissions, sometimes up to three years in advance. At first, she took on every project that came her way, driven by the fear of missing out on opportunities. However, over time, she realized that maintaining balance in her life was crucial. She now limits the number of commissions she accepts, ensuring that she has enough time for personal work that allows her to express herself more freely. This thoughtful approach has allowed her to remain true to her artistic vision while still maintaining a successful career.
Creating Art: Jasmine’s Process
Creating a new painting for Jasmine starts with an idea that’s often planned years in advance. She’s known for her eidetic visual memory, which helps her vividly picture her work before she even starts painting. Once the concept is firmly in her mind, she begins with a rough sketch directly on a gessoed panel, using a paintbrush and water to create a fluid design. This allows her the flexibility to make changes on the fly.
Jasmine uses an Old Masters technique for her underpainting, building up layers of shading before adding color. Her acrylic paints are thinned to a watery consistency, enabling her to layer them quickly, using a hairdryer to speed up the drying process. As a vegan artist, she chooses synthetic brushes over animal hair, further reflecting her personal values.
Expanding Her Art Beyond Paintings
One of Jasmine’s most ambitious projects has been the creation of a Perpetual Calendar, which features hand-painted figurines of her characters. The calendar is designed to be used for hundreds of years, and it combines function with the whimsy of her fantasy creations. This project allowed Jasmine to explore new mediums and share her work in a way that was both creative and interactive.
However, the rise in popularity of her art has led to challenges, particularly with copyright infringement. Jasmine has had to take legal action against the widespread piracy of her work, which included bootleg versions of her paintings being sold at conventions. Despite the challenges, she remains committed to protecting her intellectual property while continuing to create and share her art with the world.
The Freedom of Being an Artist
What Jasmine loves most about her career is the freedom it gives her. She can paint whenever she wants, travel the world, and support her family and friends through her business. She also prides herself on creating art that resonates with people, particularly those who connect with her work on a personal level.
In addition to her creative work, Jasmine has embraced platforms like Patreon, where she can directly connect with fans and supporters. She sees this as the future of art, where artists can engage with their audience in a more personal, non-commercialized way, free from the influence of algorithms and advertisements.
Looking Ahead: More Challenges, More Art
As her career continues to grow, Jasmine remains committed to challenging herself. She’s determined to make each painting more complex and skillful than the last, pushing herself to grow as an artist. She hopes to create art that appeals to both children and adults, bridging the gap between ‘high-brow’ and ‘mass market’ art. For Jasmine, the goal is simple: to paint what she loves, while hoping that others will enjoy it too.
Jasmine Becket-Griffith’s story is one of creativity, passion, and resilience. From a young girl selling her artwork to a globally recognized artist, her journey is an inspiration to anyone pursuing their dreams in the arts. Whether through her stunning paintings or her innovative projects, Jasmine’s work continues to captivate and inspire a global audience.
