Najee Strickland is a multidisciplinary artist whose creative roots run deep in his Memphis, Tennessee upbringing. Surrounded by the vibrant influence of his mother's bold interior design and his father's custom clothing creations, Najee developed an early passion for art. By the age of six, he was already expressing himself through colorful stick figure drawings, heavily inspired by the lively cartoons on Nickelodeon and the comic strips featured in the Commercial Appeal newspaper.

As Najee grew, so did his artistic skills. By thirteen, his work showed significant development, experimenting with a variety of media including oil and chalk pastels, acrylics, and oil-based paints. Between the ages of fourteen and seventeen, his style evolved into highly detailed portrayals of people, marking a clear shift toward realism and depth in his portfolio.

At eighteen, Najee pursued higher education in Architecture and Engineering Technology at Southwest Tennessee Community College. However, by his third year, he realized that this path didn’t align with his true passions. Seeking more time to dedicate to his art, he made the unconventional decision to leave college and join the Memphis Fire Department. This choice allowed him the flexibility to focus intensively on his visual art.

Now based in Oakland, California, Najee commits himself full-time to his creative endeavors. His journey reflects a deep dedication to evolving his craft, embracing change, and staying true to his artistic vision. Today, Najee Strickland is not just an artist but a testament to following one's passion authentically, blending the rich cultural influences of his past with his dynamic present.      

“You have to be innovative and inspire the world all at the same time.”

Image provided by Deangelo JAmes