Jonae Sandolph is a junior majoring in Digital Media Arts. She is a multidisciplinary artist specializing in illustration, graphic design, and photography. Most recently, she served as a graphic design apprentice with Pensole Lewis College x Nike, gaining hands-on experience in brand and design work within the industry.

Sandolph’s creative achievements include winning the Congressional Art Competition for Harris County and a Links Art Competition for her local district. She has also collaborated with an industry professional on a large-scale recreation of Pablo Picasso’s Guernica at Post Market in downtown Houston, Texas, and held a one-year tenure as Vice President of Eclectic, a student art organization.

Through her practice, Sandolph continues to explore diverse mediums and creative opportunities while building a portfolio that bridges fine art and design. She is also passionate about inspiring students from underrepresented and less fortunate backgrounds, showing them that success in the creative field is possible and within their reach.

Jonae Sandolph is passionate about proving that those who come from difficult circumstances are not only capable of succeeding in creative fields, but are also allowed to dream. As someone who has faced financial hardship, a challenging family dynamic, and mental health struggles, she understands the pressure to stay in survival mode and silence creativity. Even when the world tells people like her—Black, under-resourced, and navigating personal challenges—that they can’t, Jonae believes they can. Through her work, she strives to show that creativity is not a weakness but a strength, and that authenticity, vulnerability, and sincerity can lead to lasting success. She is committed to inspiring others from similar backgrounds to embrace their creative identity and pursue careers that reflect who they truly are.