Jamaal Barber, born in Virginia and raised in Littleton, North Carolina, has been fascinated by illustrations in children's books and comic books since a young age. His early passion for drawing, which began on the back of his tests in elementary school, led him to pursue a career in art. Inspired by Romare Bearden's life story in high school, Jamaal decided to become an artist.

In 2003, he graduated with a BA in Communication Arts from East Carolina University, winning the 2002 JOSA award for drawing and 1st Place in Graphic Design for the Rebel Magazine. In 2004, Jamaal moved to Atlanta, GA, where he now resides with his wife and two children.

Jamaal's artistic journey took a pivotal turn in 2013 after witnessing a screen printing demo at a local art store. He began experimenting with printmaking, which has since become his primary focus. His woodcuts and mixed-media prints illustrate the new Folio Society special edition of The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead. Jamaal has participated in the MTV/Smithsonian Channel art competition show The Exhibit and has worked with prominent organizations such as Twitter, the New York Times, Penguin Random House, Black Art in America, and Emory University.

His fine art paintings have been displayed at Art on 5 and the Mano-a-Mano art show. His prints have also been featured in the Atlanta Printmaker Studio Biennial show and the Hudgens Center For The Arts.