Meet Jacob Starr | Illustrator

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

Hi Jacob, what makes you happy? Why?
My husband, two dogs, a good martini, french fries and anything by Sade.

In terms of art, I’ve always been a creative person. When I was little I was quite timid, but expressive through drawing. I became kind of known as the kid in class that liked to draw. As I got older, I realized it was just a part of my DNA. I still daydream constantly, thinking about projects and building up pieces or designs in my head. I’m inspired by art, music, nature, film, and life around me. For me the process of sitting at my little art desk, zoning out for hours and then getting to see the final product is so fulfilling. If my work brings joy to other people, makes them think, or gives them inspiration that’s super rewarding. Selfishly though I just enjoy the process.

I’ve explored lots of different topics over the years. A lot of my work revolves around pop culture, fantasy and nostalgia. I love referencing icons of music and film, usually with a twisted since of humor and playfulness.

When I was a kid, I was obsessed with the Wizard of Oz, and the idea of opening up a door to vibrant color and imagination was so enticing. I try and convey that with my work as well, hopefully allowing the viewer to be transported to a different place even if just for a moment.

I’ve been drawing since I could hold a pencil, and studied art in college. However, life happens and even though I got the opportunity to do some creative enterprises over the years, it really wasn’t until the pandemic that I started drawing again consistently. I went from basically no output to several pieces a week.

Five years later and I’ve learned that being a creative person is imperative to my happiness. Getting to express my creativity, has allowed me to start to get back to who I really am. It took a few years to realize, that like Dorothy, I had to be the one to open up the door to that beautiful, vibrant world of color myself.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Being from the foothills of North Carolina, I was basically in the middle of the state and had both the mountains and beach right at my fingertips. I’m a beach boy, so I would definitely recommend hitting up one of the many NC beaches and getting toes in the sand for some sun and relaxation. My family grew up going to Topsail, so it has a special place in my heart. The mountains are also right up the road. A weekend in Blowing Rock will do the trick. Beautiful downtown, charming shops and restaurants and inspiring nature.

As a Charlotte resident, I love local staple 300 East. I’ve been going since God was a boy and even got the chance to collaborate with them on some fun merch. It’s a lovely, cozy environment with excellent food.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are too many people to name, but my parents were so supportive and encouraging of my art and love of the creative world from day one that without them I don’t know if I would have had the confidence to pursue it further. They were both creative in their own ways, and hard workers. They instilled those values in me. In a way, what I do is a tribute to them. I leave a little piece of myself with everything I do, and their love and influence can’t help but shine through.
Also my high school art teacher Brenda Hardin for motivating me through those scary teen years, my brother for being one of my biggest cheerleaders, and my husband for being my rock and saving grace.

Website: https://www.jacobpopstarr.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacobpopstarr/