The Jazz of Art: Ronald Chloe II’s Soulful Approach to Digital Creation
Meet Graphic Designer & Artist, Ronald Chloe II
“Afrocentric. Refreshing. Realism,” says 27-year-old artist Ronald Chloe II, when asked to describe his artistic style in three words. Some artists paint with brushes; others with pixels. Ronald Chloe II? He does both. This North Carolina A&T State University Graduate is a “graphic designer by degree and an artist at heart”, blending creativity with technical skill to produce visually striking digital art.
Maryland-born and North Carolina-raised, Ronald’s talent became clear in the fifth grade when he began incorporating artistic principles like shading, into his sketches. As technology evolved throughout his childhood, he gravitated toward digital art in young adulthood, drawn to its convenience and ability to share his work on a larger scale. Today, Ronald creates digital artwork using his iPad, Apple Pencil, and software like Procreate and Adobe Photoshop.
The Admiration & Inspiration
Ronald finds inspiration in his family—the ones who have supported him from the start. He fondly remembers creating a Mother’s Day portrait for his mom—though, looking back, he jokingly admits it “looked nothing like her.” Still, he’ll never forget the pride of creating something meaningful and sharing it with someone he loves. That sense of connection and meaning continues to drive him, but it doesn’t stop there. Ronald also draws heavy inspiration from African-American and popular culture, seamlessly combining these influences in what he calls his “mashup” artwork.
In the piece Forest Hills Drive x Fresh Prince, he reimagines Will Smith as the Fresh Prince in the style of J. Cole’s Forest Hills Drive album cover. One hidden detail is James Avery, who played Uncle Phil, illustrated in the clouds. This is a tribute to Avery’s legacy as a beloved father figure on screen and a nod to J. Cole’s lyric, 'First things first, rest in peace, Uncle Phil. You the only father that I ever knew,' from No Role Modelz.
Forest Hills Drive x Fresh Prince (2022) by Ronald Chloe II
In 2020, Ronald turned a meme of celebrities with bowl cuts into one of his most ambitious mashups, inspired by Tyler, the Creator’s EARFQUAKE music video and Igor Grammy win. Over 10 weeks, he created The Bowl Cut Grammy Afterparty, featuring 60+ celebrities and fictional characters sporting the infamous hairstyle at a Grammy afterparty. This playful yet detailed piece is a perfect example of Ronald’s knack for blending humor, cultural commentary, and artistry into something that feels both familiar and completely unexpected.
The Bowl Cut Grammy Afterparty (2020) by Ronald Chloe II
The Soundtrack of Wall-Worthy Art
If Ronald’s art had a soundtrack, it would be filled with the soulful rhythms of jazz and soul. His artwork is rich, vibrant, and full of feeling with Black culture at the center. His creative process starts with a blank canvas in Procreate, often with jazz and soul music playing in the background. So it’s no surprise that his work carries the same warmth, rhythm, and depth as the
legends he listens to and admires like Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway, Al Green, and The Emotions.
Ronald believes artists should "create artwork that [they] would hang up in their house" rather than simply making art to receive validation from others. This mindset has led to some of his most meaningful and rewarding pieces. One standout work, Heaven Hoops, is a heartfelt tribute to the late Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna Bryant. The piece envisions a basketball court in heaven, featuring legendary figures from professional basketball history. Bringing this vision to life was no small feat. Ronald spent six weeks conceptualizing not just heaven itself, but what a celestial basketball court might look like.
Heaven Hoops (2024) by Ronald Chloe II
Another piece close to Ronald’s heart is Black Love circa 1973, depicting his grandmother and his late grandfather, after whom he is named. The illustration shows them dancing in front of a record player, surrounded by vinyl that shaped their love story. Created as a surprise gift for his grandmother, the artwork honors their enduring bond and celebrates the legacy of Black love across generations.
Black Love circa 1973 (2024) by Ronald Chloe II
Fueling the Creative Momentum
For Ronald, the joy is in the journey, embracing the delayed gratification of the artistic process because it’s “ the difference between a homecooked meal and something you put in the microwave.”
Despite his 40-hour work week and third-shift schedule, he remains dedicated to the craft of his creative passion, managing time constraints through scheduling and goal-setting. Strategic with his free time, he understands that while his creative process may take longer, perseverance is key. When creative blocks arise, he combats them with breaks to recharge, returning to his work “more energized to create.”
Ronald’s goal for the future? To keep the creative momentum going. Whether through posting on social media, debuting at a museum exhibit, or launching his e-commerce, he’s ready to go to the next level of showcasing his art that blends creativity, culture, and boldness. With a style that mixes humor, depth, and a love for his roots, Ronald’s art inspires and resonates with many as he continues to make his mark.
Find more of Ronald Chloe II’s artwork on Instagram (@kingraravisuals), X (@kvngrara1998), and Facebook (@Ronald Chloe II)