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Joelle Diane: Cultivating Artistic Passion and Community Spirit at Monochrome Canvas in Akron




Rising star Joelle Diane, 34, is known locally as "Jo" and is well-known in Akron's arts community. She grew up in Akron, Ohio, where she was born. Her story, which starts with her early dream of becoming a well-known singer and ends with her own prosperous fine art giclée print shop, is one of tenacity, passion, and unwavering creativity.


Joelle began her artistic career at a young age. She attended Miller South School for the Visual and Performing Arts and Firestone High School to study visual and performing arts. Her interests eventually turned from dancing, which she loved, to visual art, and she decided to study for a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) at Columbus College of Art & Design. Her study abroad program in Florence, Italy, where she refined her artistic abilities and expanded her viewpoint on art and culture, was a crucial component of her education.


Her childhood dream was to become a well-known singer. Her introverted nature and her passion for visual art, however, diverted her from her goals. After college, Joelle struggled to find employment in the field of creativity. As a result, she worked in a number of occupations, including nightclub work, bartending in coffee shops, and nannying in Aspen. Before she got her big break, she worked as a production designer for a small Chicago film. Her work here marked the beginning of a diverse career path. She continued on to work in several capacities and locations, spending some time in sales.


Eventually, she established Monochrome Canvas, a fine art boutique featuring giclée prints on the Cuyahoga Falls/Akron border. Joelle founded the business to fill a giclée printing services quality gap in the neighborhood. Monochrome Canvas offers an intuitive ordering system, fast turnaround times, and a variety of fine art materials to artists and designers in need of superior printing services.


Joelle's career has yielded several notable accomplishments. She created Rubber City Clothing's new logo and was the inspiration behind the iconic artwork that was displayed on the front page of the Beacon Journal during a solar eclipse event. Her membership in the Akron T-Shirt Club and collaborations with local businesses and artists are proof of her commitment to elevating and nurturing the neighborhood's creative community.


Her ideology places a strong emphasis on giving back to the community. She has launched campaigns to support groups like Adventure Satos, which addresses the issue of stray dogs in Puerto Rico. Her collaboration with the Sojourner Truth Education Fund further demonstrates her commitment to working on important and good causes. Her journey has not been without challenges. She emphasizes the need of confidence and self-advocacy despite the ageism and sexism she has encountered in the workplace. She advises aspiring entrepreneurs to focus on projects that fulfill them, acknowledge their worth, and disregard detractors. To adapt and grow, she highlights the need of contracts and lifelong learning.


Looking to the future, Jo envisions focusing more on her fine art, participating in artist residencies worldwide, and creating job opportunities as a supportive employer. She aims to move Monochrome Canvas operations out of her home studio and expand her team.

She is happy to acknowledge her successes, which include completing significant projects and receiving recognition from the neighborhood. Her business is growing and in a prosperous position, which is good for the Akron community. Her objectives with Monochrome Canvas are to continue her artistic pursuits, build long-lasting partnerships, and support local artists.


This story is one of creative fervor, civic engagement, and entrepreneurial spirit. Her work at Monochrome Canvas inspires people to follow their hobbies and give back to their communities while also enhancing Akron's artistic community. Her company may be located at Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, 44223, 2323 7th St. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Her Instagram account is @_monochromecanvas, and her Akron T-shirt Club initiative is @akronclub. You can stay updated with her on social media. You may find her at monochromecanvas.com.


Written by: Journalist Shay

Social Media: @journalistshay


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