Collection: About Me
Donald Marshall Jr. is a visual artist from New Orleans, Louisiana. He discovered his passion for art back in the first grade, drawing cartoons for his classmates and occasionally getting in trouble for sketching on the desks in his classrooms. Throughout middle school and high school, Donald continued to hone his skills by taking art classes that fueled his creativity.
In 2013, Donald enrolled at Nicholls State University with the goal of earning a degree in graphic design. Although he excelled in his graphic design classes, unforeseen circumstances led him to complete only two years of study before returning to New Orleans.
Despite stepping away from formal education, Donald remained dedicated to his craft. He continued drawing and expanded his expertise in digital art and graphic design. By 2023, he began focusing on developing his skills in traditional painting. Reflecting on this transition, Donald explains, "If I can create these pieces on my iPad, it can't be that difficult to make something more tangible by putting paint to a real canvas." His shift to traditional painting was partly driven by a desire to challenge a statement he once heard: that digital art isn’t “real” art. Although he disagrees with this sentiment, Donald’s determination to prove naysayers wrong has always fueled his growth as an artist.
Today, Donald’s art serves many purposes. “Art is actively saving my soul, so I’ma do this regardless of the outcome,” he shares. For him, creating is a form of stress relief, self-expression, and a way to bring the ideas in his mind to life. While he occasionally revisits digital art, his primary focus now lies in creating vibrant acrylic and oil paintings on canvas. His work often draws inspiration from his personal interests, including music and video games, resulting in pieces that burst with energy and color. “I’ve been finding unlimited inspiration in my interests. Whether that be music, video games, or something else, these might not always make for the most complex or thought-provoking pieces, but it’s been getting my brush to the canvas more frequently,” he says.
Donald’s journey reflects his resilience, passion, and ability to adapt as an artist, ensuring that his creativity remains a constant and driving force in his life.