Good is a Great Start: Meet Illustrator and Designer Jericho Clemente
LA-based creative artist and designer Jericho Clemente sits down with A Great Idea team member J to talk queer creativity and the AGI value that inspired their original "Pride In Our Values" artwork
Jerico Clemente’s illustration of "Good is a Great Start" is part of a four-part series commissioned by A Great Idea for Pride 2025. This illustration series, by queer artists from across the US, is a visual representation of AGI’s four core values that guide our year-round commitment to community-centered, mission-led, equity-driven storytelling that is inclusive of all lived experiences and expressions. As a proudly LGBTQ+-owned agency, we wanted to invite visual storytellers to join us as elevate their work and celebrate the power of queer creativity. Learn more about this initiative here.
What is your artistic process?
My process involves a lot of research and numerous iterations. Understanding the “Why?” for me is the most important part of it all. I start by asking questions like: “What’s the goal? Who is the audience?” This helps set everything for me so I can work smoothly. Research is the next part, I flood myself with as much inspiration as possible! Then, the fun and chaos starts. This is where I edit ruthlessly, doubt myself, and feedback happens. Feedback is such an important part of the process. As a creative, it’s always nice to hear other people’s input on my work. Then the delivery—let’s be honest, there’s no perfect output—I feel like every time I deliver something, I always reflect on the things I could’ve done better. But one thing I realize is this is how I grow and become better at my craft: by continuously learning and never being too complacent at my skills.
What are your biggest influences and inspirations?
Everyday life, to be honest. Design is everywhere! I always look at my surroundings and reflect on how things are never just there; it is designed that way for a purpose. Everything is! I see other creatives’ work and get so much inspiration from them.
What brought you to art and illustration?
Design was never on my radar growing up; it was sort of a hobby that I know I’m good at, but never thought it would be a career for me. I always wanted to be rich and famous, but when I realized that dream is impossible (lol), that’s when I started taking design seriously. And looking back, I would never change a thing, that moment has led me to this day. And here I am, changing the world, one design at a time.
What do you try to accomplish with your art?
I want people to feel something when they see my art. I always try to design with purpose as much as possible. A beautifully designed art is one thing, but a beautifully designed art WITH PURPOSE is so much more meaningful.
What challenges do you face as an artist in today’s world?
Surprisingly, not AI! It is I who I always have to face! Like any other artist in the world, I struggle with Impostor Syndrome. One of the hardest things is quieting the voice that says, “You’re not good enough. You’re just faking it. Someone else could do this better.” and despite it all, I keep showing up. Because even on the hardest days, making art still feels like home. And at the end of the day, you're earning your paycheck. Imposter syndrome is not earning a paycheck, and it’s living rent-free in your head. So begone!
What does “Good is a Great Start” mean to you?
Allowing yourself to begin imperfectly, honestly, and bravely. You don’t need to be exceptional, you just have to be you. Progress beats perfection! Trust what you have so far, and keep moving forward.
How does “Good is a Great Start” show up in your life and the work you do?
I try not to be perfect, but instead build from what I usually start with. It is impossible to be perfect, and let’s face it, there’s no such thing as ‘perfect’. So I always strive for what I can do, I work my way up, and I always reflect. Because good work always leads to greatness!
View more of Jericho Clemente’s work here.
A Great Idea will be sharing the illustrations and behind-the-scenes interviews from each artist across our platforms throughout Pride season. Follow along on Instagram and visit agreatidea.com and check out the full series. Let’s do great things together!
