We had the good fortune of connecting with Jamaal Benison and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jamaal, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My thought process behind starting my own business was really about empowerment and utilizing my God given talent. Once I discovered what I was passionate about it went from expensive hobby to getting paid for content projects. I also wanted to see what it was like to put value on my work versus someone else putting value on my work. Those are some of the initial thought processes I had in wanting to start my own business.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What sets me apart from everyone else is just my unique way to connect with people. I love to make others happy through art. I take tremendous pride in bringing to life the content my clients want to achieve. I am an absolute perfectionist. I want the perfect visual with each project I take on. I am also in to the very classic way of doing things. I dont follow trends as they go out of style. I believe in timeless art that stands the test of time. One other thing that sets me apart is I believe in telling a story in still or motion images. I want to leave people with interpreting what they are seeing when they see the art creation. I am most proud of the opportunities I’ve had to document history/moments when it comes to Floyd Mayweather, Malaak Shabazz, Naomi Tutu, Michele, Leroy Moton, Mary Liuzzo and so many more. I am where I am professionally because the belief people have in me and the network that was built because of my work. It was not easy and the best way to overcome those challenges was to always improve and fine tune your art. Learn from missed opportunities and never settle like you have arrived. I want the world to know that my brand and story is about producing positive illustrations to the world. Its about uplifting people through images. It is about showing my community in a light that is not often seen in the mainstream world. It is about creating a legacy that will outlast the physical world.

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
If my best friend was visiting the area, here is what my itinerary would be. Reunion tower for a look over the city. Nylo Hotel downtown Dallas for a good time. Sprinkle in a little House of Blues. Take a tour of the Cowboys stadium. If its not to hot, we can visit Six Flags. Eat at the Pecan Lounge, Dakota Steakhouse, Ida Claire and other places I can’t name right now. We could be adventurous and do IFly as well.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to thank Voyage Dallas for wanting to feature me in the Shoutout series. I want to thank the Most High for the talent given unto me. I want to thank Tiffany Nelms, Thomas Muhammad, Akwete Tyehimba, Kanisha and Herschel Jordan, Adele Foster, Tiara Davis, Amelia Meadows, JeMese Chamberlian, Reign Ifa, Quanesha Peair and so many more. I point these individuals out specifically because they were around in my early development as a visual artist and has referred me to so many other great people I met along the way that trust my talent. I want to thank each and every individual that has trusted me to help bring their vision to life.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jay_of_dorjaba/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamaal-benison-b1428921/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DorjabaProductions
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbMiplZF3WHo6IxJUYeisfA?view_as=subscriber

Nominate someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.