How do you take your coffee?
On a day-to-day basis, I typically order simple black coffee. If I brew it at home, I do the same. When I want to treat myself, I'll find a friend to hang out with and I'll order a nice Kyoto iced coffee with the large square chunk of ice in a whiskey style glass. What can I say, I really enjoy the simplicity of black coffee, lol.
Bio
JT’s work weaves together various elements, such as characters and phrases, into streamlined designs that represent the heartbeat of the urban community. Overlapping faces and figures within the illustrations are visual representations of people that he’s interacted with. These conversations and interactions then become the compositions that signify the always transforming and growing human experience.
In his work, he takes the opportunity to add in phrases or words that have personal meanings, where one of his favorites is ‘SUP’, which stands for “Surviving Under Pressure”. While creating public art and spending time in various locations, JT became aware of the fact that when individuals say “what’s up” to each other, that this act basically becomes a narrative of what has ultimately helped us to survive. The idea of ‘SUP’ then begins to encompass the idea of what it is to be human and how we survived that. He wants to take that embodiment of what “Surviving Under Pressure” means to people and give it life through art.
What's your creative process?
My process includes finding the right youtube video/playlist or audiobook to listen to. After that, it depends on what my end goal for the project is. If it's client based, I will spend a lot of time researching the given topic and will try to formulate some type of storyline for the artwork so that I can concentrate on what it is I'd like to communicate through the design. If it's personal work, I focus more on finding the right vibe. Then I'll just spend time in the sketchbook (I always start projects by drawing in my sketchbook) and once I feel I've found a few elements that I like, I'll scan the images in and transfer them over to adobe illustrator.
What's your favorite project you worked on and why?
One of my favorite projects to date would be my collaboration with BRISK Iced Tea. For me, it was the first time I was able to work with a high profile client that really allowed room for me to be myself creatively. It allowed me to make something that was really near and dear to my heart and that, at the time, was the best reflection of who I was as an artist. The design is organic, it's got flow and it's got style.
JT's Sample Creations
Brisk ice tea (Learn more)
KCI Airport art installation (Learn more)
We invite you to explore the vibrant world of JT Daniels Art, a Kansas City-based muralist whose work captures the spirit of community and resilience. His art blends overlapping faces, figures, and meaningful phrases—like his signature “SUP” (“Surviving Under Pressure”)—to reflect the shared human experience. Rooted in real-life interactions, JT’s designs transform public spaces into narratives of connection and strength. With each piece, he brings authenticity and purpose, creating art that resonates deeply with the communities it inhabits.