Jamaal Lee is an illustration artist from Elizabeth, New Jersey. Born and raised in New Jersey, he graduated from Thomas A. Edison Technical & Careers Academy, where he studied graphic design. He pursued an associate’s degree in liberal studies at Union County College and briefly attended Montclair University in 2019 to obtain his BA in animation and filmmaking. Due to tuition fees, he paused his studies to complete a payment plan, but the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted his return. Instead, Lee continued working as a tier one associate at Amazon, where he has been employed since 2017. He is a loving son and only child to his mother, Teresa Lee, whom he cares for due to her disabilities, and was predominantly raised by his grandparents, Mary H. and Howard J. Lee, who deeply influenced his values and aspirations.

Lee has been drawing since the age of five, inspired by Blue’s Clues and actor Steve Burns’ handy dandy notebook. His favorite childhood shows include Looney Tunes, Scooby Doo, Dragon Ball Z, Batman: The Animated Series, Rugrats, and The Simpsons. Influenced by artists such as Walt Disney, Bruce Timm, Stan Lee, Jean Michel Basquiat, Bruce W. Smith, and Pablo Picasso, Lee developed a unique style that has gained praise on Instagram and recognition from celebrities. In 2010, during his sophomore year of high school, he created his original character, Yates.