In this powerful episode of the ArtiGras Podcast, host Sarah Lapierre sits down with Janeen Talbott, a multidisciplinary creative whose work spans filmmaking, painting, and social activism. From her childhood in a creative Jamaican household to serving in the Peace Corps in Ethiopia, Janeen’s journey is a masterclass in how life’s most uncomfortable moments can become a wellspring for artistic direction.

From "The Art Bug" to Film School

Janeen credits her creative spark to her mother, who nurtured Janeen’s talents from age three. While her mother wasn't able to pursue her own passion for fashion, she made sure Janeen had everything she needed—from scrap fabric to reams of paper—to build a creative life.

This early support led Janeen to a degree in journalism, but her time in the Peace Corps in Ethiopia truly defined her future. While abroad, Janeen saw firsthand how media images frame perception, realizing that storytelling is a powerful tool for representation.

"I realized that film is a powerful tool to represent myself and others who look like me. There should be more depth and breath to the types of black people represented in media."

The Art of the Hustle: Crowdfunding & Responsibility

Filmmaking is as much about logistics as it is about art. Janeen shared the realities of being an independent creator, particularly the "daunting but powerful" process of crowdfunding.

For her upcoming project Scarlet, Janeen emphasizes three keys to success:

Trusting the Audience: Letting people into the "fishbowl" of your process.
The Hook: Getting others as excited about the project as you are.
Fiscal Responsibility: Showing exactly where every dollar goes.

A "Closeted" Painter Steps Into the Light

While filmmaking is her primary modality, Janeen is also an accomplished painter. Most recently, she won the commission to create the official artwork for the National Battle of the Bands, taking place in the Palm Beaches.

Her piece captures the explosive energy of HBCU marching band culture—a world Janeen knows well as a Florida A&M alumna. The artwork depicts figures rising from a drum major’s whistle, a design inspired by the cohesive energy of a live halftime show.

Beyond commercial work, Janeen nurtures her "inner child" through a deeply personal series: portraits of family matriarchs painted directly onto mirrors. ---

Leading with Audacity

Janeen’s ultimate advice for fellow creatives is simple: Lead with Audacity.

She defines this as the expectation that you will eventually get a "Yes" and the belief that your vision is inherently valid. Confidence, she notes, is a skill that can be built over time—you just have to have the audacity to start.