We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Joe Willey. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Joe below.

Alright, Joe thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I don’t remember a time when I didn’t make art. I always had crayons, coloring books, pencils, ink, and paint. When I was a boy, I drew all the time and eventually attended the Maryland Institute, College of Art.

Even natural ability needs to be honed and improved. I believe I could have sped up learning a craft—that is what art is—by talking to others who did what I wanted to do. I would still have to do the hard work, but asking others for direction would have helped me to become proficient faster.

In a sense, the ability to ask for help is a fundamental skill for a person to have. There were times when I was too intimidated to ask, and it slowed down my progress.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am an artist and writer who specializes in telling stories. Some stories I tell are in prose and are an opportunity to share someone else’s history with others. Some stories are told in images that represent an idea or reflect what is hidden in a book. Recently, I have become more involved in creating my own stories and am in the process of finishing my first picture book as well as a book of essays on earning a black belt in Krav Maga (martial art).

Working with a client is always a collaboration. I want them to trust me and know that I will tell their story with enthusiasm. I ask questions. I have found that my clients tell me what is important to them and I begin with that end in mind. It sounds simple, but it works.

My visual work is unique and most clients work with me because of my specific style. I use ink and watercolor on paper. I haven’t been able to get what I want digitally. It may sound odd, but I like working without an undo button. I believe it is part of being a craftsman and it is important to me.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

I once thought building a social media presence would bring me work. I spent time creating work for Instagram instead of finding clients. Now, I research clients—usually agencies or businesses—and email directly. Usually, I get a response and know immediately if there is potential for work.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I like seeing a finished product. It may be an article in a magazine or an illustration on a poster, but I know that work did not exist before the project began.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.joewilley.net/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joewilleycreative/

Image Credits
Nate Willey