We were lucky to catch up with Josh Allain recently and have shared our conversation below.
Josh, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
Since August 16, 2016, I’ve been working on an ongoing project titled “Rockin’ Jazz”. Each fictional guitarist is named after a 20th-century jazz musician, and the outfits that most of the characters wear contain complex, psychedelic patterns. It’s my way of celebrating black culture generally and the black experience in rock and metal specifically.
Josh, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’m an illustrator from Upper Darby Township, Pennsylvania, outside of Philadelphia. Using pencil, Sharpie marker, collage, and Adobe Photoshop, my work is inspired by astronomy, music, and psychedelia. I graduated from the Maryland Institute College of Art with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in general fine arts on May 19, 2014. I’ve been exhibiting in group shows throughout the Greater Philadelphia Area since January 21, 2017, and I’m currently selling prints, clothing, mugs, and stickers through my website. For those wondering if there are any other creatives in my family, my maternal grandfather was three-time Grammy Award-winning jazz pianist Ramsey Lewis (May 27, 1935 – September 12, 2022).
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect, for me, is meeting new people and building a community of talented individuals from all walks of life. Anything is possible when we stay inspired and lift each other up.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
Attend an expo and purchase a piece directly from the artists. Follow them on social media to stay up-to-date on future projects and shows. Remember to credit the artists when you share their work, and stay away from A.I.-generated images.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.joshallain.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josh.allain
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoshAllainTheArtist
Image Credits
Josh Allain