We were lucky to catch up with JD (Josh) Shultz recently and have shared our conversation below.
JD (Josh), thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s jump back to the first dollar you earned as a creative? What can you share with us about how it happened?
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’m JD Shultz. I began my journey as a professional artist and musician at 18. Selling my art is the only real job I’ve ever had. I had my 1st art show in 1987 in Santa Monica Ca. I sold every painting that was there for sale. I never looked back, but I also stayed true to the course of musicianship and lifelong dreams of playing my music on that big stage. I go by the name “Human Brother”. I write, produce, play all of the instruments and mix my own material. I release the music independently. I have a new album, “Spirit Animal” coming out in early 2024.
My music is more of a way of life, than a career. It’s a true passion that fuels my life and my art. I don’t know where I’d be without the gift of expression through music, but I’ve built a very unique business centered around my artwork. This allows me the freedom to follow my heart each and every day.
In 2019, I opened up The JD Shultz Gallery in two separate locations in Studio City, Ca. It was a hit until the pandemic hit and I had to close both locations.
Closing was actually a great blessing for my business. I was able to pivot into a more online business using my email list of a few thousands of my collectors, social media and private showings at my home gallery.
In early 2020, my phone started ringing off the hook from people needing original art for their new and remodeled homes.
I paint in many styles, mediums and themes. This allows me to decorate an entire house with my art and turn it into a designer’s masterpiece.
I’m currently decorating many homes all over Los Angeles. I take so much pride in every piece and every wall that needs art. From size, to colors that work with the decor…to medium, theme and subject matter.
I have a long list of celebrity collectors from Kobe Bryant to Gal Gadot and Larry King to name a few.
I’m currently working with real estate investors, developers and staging companies that are allowing me to curate my own art throughout these beautiful multi-million dollar homes all over Los Angeles.
News! I just completed a permanent art installation in the main room at Guitar Center on Sunset Blvd. The original flagship store. It turns out, I’m the only artist in the history of Guitar Center who’s been able to use their beloved Hollywood store as a personal showcase for their art. My work has decorated the store since 2011.
You can see my art there every day. While you’re there, take a lunch trip a mile away to the world famous Canter’s Deli on Fairfax Ave., where you’ll see my painting of Canter’s hanging proud in the main dining room.
What sets me apart from most other career artists, is not just painting in one style. I’m like a chameleon. My father, Jack, was a career artist as well. He gave me the best advice. He said “you should have something for everybody and learn the art of selling”. Those insightful words truly helped shape my career. I must mention that everyone in my immediate family became professional artists. My mom, Carole, was the queen bee who drove us all into art at a very young age. She was a cosmically connected spiritual woman who channeled her creativity into a career as a sculptor and painter. My older brother, Adam, and younger sister, Rachel are both incredible artists.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
I take more pride in my efforts in philanthropy than anything. I’ve currently raised over 200k with my art for some of the most notable charity foundations. I’ve made it my life mission to help bring art and music education back into schools, where it belongs. In my lifetime, I’d like to see laws passed that make it mandatory for every human to play at least one instrument. I believe that this planet would be in much better shape if it was a planet of musicians that speak the universal language that is “music”. Imagine if future politicians and world leaders could all get together and play instruments together. That would help solve many problems with how we communicate and relate to people with a different belief system. We’d be able to meet more in the middle if we could only relate more. Relate with music and art I say!
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is truly getting to know yourself. Having the freedom and time to dig as deep into your psyche to reach your honest and true potential as a human being. We’re all artists when we come into this world with a box of crayons. Life is short, why not live your truth, express your creativity and help bring more harmony and color into the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jdshultz.com
- Instagram: @jd_shultz
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jdshultzart
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jd-shultz-447699167
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/1humanbrother
- Other: www.thejdshultz.com www.jdshultzart.com