Designing for Good.
“Let’s take a critical look at what ‘high-quality’ visual language & experiences mean.
We can change the perception of what constitutes a 'good' neighborhood with communal creative interactions—using tools like graphic design, murals, and just art in general to spotlight the beauty of areas and people who’ve historically been undervalued.”
From public art design, event production, curation and consulting, wielding ART as a conduit for positive impact.
Janell sits down live on Lumpen Radio to discuss the role of Designers and Artists — as learned from her practice— to serve with (and honor) a community.
NBC News Now: National Coverage of UnBlocked Englewood — Tonika Lewis Johnson’s repairative Art project with Janell as co-steward of beautification efforts
WGN News interviews Janell as a primary curator of event: Englewood Music Fest Celebrates 5th year anniversary
A dinner moment with some of the Community Leaders activating revitalization with Art —documented for NextStopChicago’s campaign
Creative Strategist, Thought-partner-meets-visual-solution-producer. ARTIST.
Janell is very good at leading the distillation and delivery of ideas, and am most vibrant in spaces where she can help teams communicate and build experiences.
Public Art producer. From sculpture concepts to project management of murals, a manifestor of magic.
Art Director with 20+ years of graphic design experience in educational publishing and non-profit spaces.
Owner of JNJ Creative LLC, an award-winning micro-biz producing collateral & design concepts for philanthropic and public-serving entities.
Co-founder and Director of Activations & Engagement for Englewood Arts Collective, a dope lil’ group of professional artists from this south side Chicago neighborhood, reframing the narrative of what can be.
Model multitasker
Biggest role to-date is Mama. Curating Black boy joy on a daily basis and doing her part to shape a world where he can grow up safe and seen fuels most of her efforts.
photo credit: Buzz of VS Consulting
TL,DR:
In brief, catch Janell all up and through Chicago. Behind a laptop, at an arts activation, or consulting with residents, local leaders and bureaucrats alike to advocate for and upend misperceptions of systemically misrepresented communities using the best skill at her disposal: creativity.
“I stay shouting from the rooftops how dope you are! You’re our not-so-secret graphic-designing/grant-writing, event-coordinating/ project-managing leader & I’m just glad to have you in my corner.”
—Tonika Lewis Johnson, MacArthur “Genius” fellow, 2026
What’s possible?
Consultancy work & speaking engagements considered on a rolling basis.
Press, Press, Press, Press, Press!
NewCity: Designing a Better Chicago, From the Ground Up
Curated by Janell Nelson, 60 Years After MLK’s Chicago March, ‘Fierce Urgency Of Now’ Exhibit Reflects On His Legacy
WGN news- 2025 Englewood Music Fest celebrates Homegrown Talent and Resilience-EAC Arts Village
Art as Restorative Justice: Supporting UnBlocked Englewood
The Englewood Arts Collective Is Transforming A Vacant South Shore Storefront Into An Artist’s Haven
Choose Chicago Commissions Local Artist Janell Nelson to design tourism cover
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