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

Alright, Jaroslav thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

I was brought on as a website artist for two viral marketing campaigns for the last two Jurassic World films from Universal & Amblin. A friend of mine brought me on his newly formed company, Chaos Theorem LLC. that was aimed at delivering expanded media for the films and I was offered the role as an illustrator for assets on the website. Being a big fan of Jurassic Park, this was a dream opportunity for me, and both cases were a success, thanks to our talented team. The reason this experience meant a lot is because it launched a clearer path for me to become a more confident and professional working freelance artist. I was able to learn about work pipelines and team collaborations, which was informing in how to proceed further and grow with other clients and vendors.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’ve been an artist essentially my whole life. I can still remember my early years of picking up a pencil at four years old and drawing what’s inspired me since then (dinosaurs, cars, Jurassic Park, etc. haha). I’ve been zeroed in on art as a way of life from then on and it’s helped me form a strong identity for people around me. In my adult life, I quickly moved into the realm of professional freelance when good timing and opportunity converged. I was already working one of my dream jobs as an animatronic/ prop character painter for a company in Vermont when I was suddenly offered a chance to work on official Jurassic World media through a friend in my network. I quickly realized freelancing could be a great opportunity to not only build my portfolio and advance my skills, but also network with great professional people and companies – which helps build reputation. I pride my self in delivering quality work, and being quick- two things most clients prefer. I graduated with a BFA in painting from a classical-focused college in Connecticut, and I wanted to apply what I learned to commercial art. Thus far, I am proud of my accomplishments and grateful for all the opportunities I’ve had with clients and vendors- whether it was toy, trading card, statue or video game companies. I always learn about the business and how to hone my skills from each experience. It’s also important to note that it’s crucial to keep practicing your craft outside of work as well; keep learning and growing, because it should never stop.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

I recently conducted an insightful interview with one of my childhood artist heroes/ inspirations, and his name is Larry Selman. He illustrated a lot of the Kenner toy packaging art that was everywhere in the 80s and 90s. I bring this up because I asked him if he felt there could be a return to “traditional artwork” on commercial products, since it has become a very rare commodity today. His answer was that it was very possible, because “things always change”. Each generation has something they grew up with through the arts that is unique and impactful to them- whether they realize it or not. When the time comes for that generation to become an adults and lead with new ideas, those ideas will likely stem from their childhood subconscious (at least if you have a creative spirit). With that, we need to be able to tap in to our inner childhood as often as we can, because that is essential in creativity for the human experience. It’s a long-winded answer, but the bottom line is, if we understand and treat the creative instinct we all have with respect (even in the face of its new challenges, like generative A.I.) we can preserve a thriving artistic ecosystem that maintains its important place and value in culture.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

One of my biggest goals, which I’ve been lucky enough to start seeing with some of the projects I’ve been privileged to contribute to, is to inspire future artists the way I was inspired growing up. As I mentioned before, Larry Selman, the packaging illustrator for Kenner toys, greatly inspired the trajectory of my life when I saw his beautiful illustrations on boxes that were largely intended to simply house the product and eventually be thrown out if the consumer didn’t wish to keep the box. But these illustrated packages were like a museum at the store for me back then. I saw the creative world he illustrated the toy in and it sparked my imagination and desire to create myself. This was a fundamental moment in my journey, and my hope is that I can ignite the creative passion for the next artist through my commercial art. And that why I make an effort with my work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jaroslavkosmina.art/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaros428?igsh=NHZ4MTc0a2Fkd2Vj&utm_source=qr
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaroslav-kosmina-07a282b2?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Image Credits

Jaroslav Kosmina (for all).