JT Daniels’ Murals Uplift and Inspire

Just Do What You Do

JT Daniels’ Murals Uplift and Inspire

JT Daniels, ’11, always drew as a kid…and always got in trouble for it. “My teachers would ask my parents to clean out my desk that was stuffed with comic books that sparked my imagination,” he said.

If he could go back in time, Daniels said he’d tell his younger self not to feel bad about the “weird” things he drew. Someday, his designs would become giant murals on buildings across his hometown in Kansas City, Mo., and featured on products shipped around the globe.

Shared experiences

“When I see a blank wall, I see an opportunity to communicate,” said Daniels, whose signature style intertwines characters and patterns infused with vibrant colors. Often considered a community activist, Daniels wants his work to help people feel included and uplifted. “Public art has the ability to inspire communities and convey our shared experiences. When I subvert colors and use playful patterns, it’s my way of helping people overlook preconceived ideas of identity and ethnicity.”

His murals have been commissioned by clients including the Kansas City Royals, Kansas City Streetcar Authority, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Samsung, Sprint, Ten Thousand Villages, UMB and Whole Foods Market.

Looking closely, you'll find his signature phrases "sup" and "yep." While "sup" is slang for "what's up?" Daniels compresses it in his designs to stand for “surviving under pressure.” “Because we’re all dealing with something, it’s a message that I believe is universal,” he said. While “yep” is slang for “yes,” Daniels considers it an acronym for “young empowered people.”

Daniels began to embrace his talents in high school as the designated artist for school projects, painting custom skateboards and selling illustrations to friends. After a year at Columbus (Ohio) College of Art and Design, he transferred to Park University in 2009 because it offered art students 24-hour secured access to the studio. “That is a big advantage for artists like me who don’t always create during traditional hours,” he said. “In some schools, students compete for limited studio space and can’t afford to rent their own.”

After a popular solo exhibition in Park’s Campanella Gallery, Daniels graduated in 2011 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in fine art. One of his paintings remains on display in Thompson Commons on the Parkville Campus.

One call changed everything

Looking at his bold murals, it’s hard to believe Daniels struggled with confidence. “I wasn’t sure people liked my art. I often felt like a failure,” he said. Trained as a fine artist, he kept his passion for his comic-style designs mostly to himself. “I thought being an artist meant doing what others thought art should be.”

He rented a studio a few years ago that required a six-month upfront payment. The space was for commissioned work, most of which he said fell through. “I was financially down and out, working three jobs to support my family,” he said.

He nearly gave it all up.

While wrestling with the idea to give up his studio and making a list of equipment to sell, he got a call that changed everything. A scout was looking for Midwest artists to photograph in their studios for a marketing campaign. Daniels laughed, remembering he said, “Sure. Whatever. I’ll do it.”

Photos of him in his studio made their way to a New York advertising agency. It was his comical, free-flowing designs in the photos’ backgrounds that captured their attention. “I remember holding my youngest child when I opened an e-mail asking me to come to New York City. Apparently, the agency had been checking out more of my work online,” he said.

Daniels had been selected as one of 10 artists to design one of 10 new labels for Brisk iced tea, a brand owned by PepsiCo. “All of a sudden, a world-renowned company liked the work I wasn’t sure was worthwhile,” he said. Other than basic color guidelines for Brisk’s popular lemon flavor, Daniels said they told him to simply “do what you do.”

He had to contractually wait a year before he could talk about his Brisk design. “I continue to receive e-mails and posts from people around the world who love my design.”

The experience gave Daniels the courage to let the world see more of the art he loves to make — and changed the trajectory of his career. With more opportunities for commissioned work, he recently left his full-time job with Johnson County (Kan.) Developmental Supports. As an art specialist at JCDS for a decade, he encouraged adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to pursue their artistic talents and independence.

“I’ve learned what makes an artist — or anyone — stand out is an authentic voice,” Daniels said. “It’s fun doing what I love and knowing people like what I do.”

Daniels pictured with his wife Jackie and children.

Daniels’ “Red” mural on the side of the historic Dayton Hotel has become a focal point for visitors to downtown Lee’s Summit, Mo.

Daniels developed the mural on the side of the Ten Thousand Villages store in downtown Overland Park, Kan., which sells fair-trade crafts and housewares made by women around the world.