We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Joel Blenz a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Joel, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?
One of the most valuable lessons my parents instilled in me was a strong work ethic. They emphasized the importance of taking initiative and actively pursuing my goals, rather than passively waiting for opportunities to come my way. As a young man the idea of sitting idly at home playing video games was not encouraged; instead, they taught me the value of hard work and perseverance in achieving success.
My parents led by example, as they both held jobs and managed a small business on the side. Whether it was selling children’s clothes at flea markets or running a pet shop out of their love for animals, they were always engaged in productive activities. Their dedication to their work and their entrepreneurial spirit inspired me to follow suit and put in the effort to pursue my own aspirations.
The work ethic instilled in me by my parents has been a guiding force in my life, motivating me to stay committed and dedicated to my endeavors. I am grateful for the valuable lesson they imparted and the foundation they laid for me to strive for excellence in all aspects of my life.
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.
Since I can recall, I have had a deep passion for drawing and painting, inspired by the comic books and cartoons of the 70s-80s. Art became my sanctuary, allowing me to escape into a world of creativity and self-expression during challenging times in my upbringing.
Over the years, I have cultivated a dedicated following for my work, which has been a humbling and rewarding experience. My creations often stem from repurposed materials and discarded items, particularly metal, which I breathe new life into through vibrant colors and innovative designs. This process of transforming waste into art not only fuels my creativity but also aligns with my commitment to sustainability and environmental consciousness.
One of the highlights of my artistic journey was the opportunity to create a mural for a VA Post in Florida, as well as numerous uplifting murals featuring positive affirmations. These projects have allowed me to share my art with a wider audience and make a positive impact through visual storytelling.
I take great pride in the joy and inspiration that my artwork brings to others, and I am always grateful for the support and appreciation of my audience. Moving forward, I strive to continue creating meaningful and impactful pieces that resonate with people on a deeper level, spreading positivity and creativity through my art.
I am currently expanding my artistic endeavors by introducing new projects and offerings to my portfolio. This year, I am excited to announce the upcoming release of a toy and a digital collectible, both of which showcase my creative vision and unique style. These ventures mark a new chapter in my artistic journey, allowing me to explore different mediums and reach a broader audience through innovative and diverse creations.
In addition to these new ventures, I maintain a dedicated studio practice where I create the majority of my pieces and prepare materials for my mural projects. My studio serves as a hub of creativity and experimentation, providing me with the space and resources to bring my artistic ideas to life.
Through my toy release, digital collectible, and ongoing studio practice, I aim to offer a range of products and services that showcase my artistic talent and creative vision. I invite clients, fans, and followers to explore my diverse portfolio and experience the depth and richness of my artistic expression across various mediums and platforms.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
One of the lessons I had to unlearn in my artistic career was the belief that my kind of style or the art I was creating, was just a hobby and did not have a viable career path. As a child, I viewed art as something fun to do, not something that could sustain me financially
After trying out various career paths, I came to the realization that art was my true passion and calling. It became clear to me that any endeavor I pursued had to be connected to art or creative expression in some way. This realization marked a significant turning point in my journey, prompting me to dedicate myself wholeheartedly to the artistic field.
This transition was not without its challenges, as it required me to adapt and evolve as an artist. I spent countless nights contemplating ways to push the boundaries of my creativity and develop my artistic style. Patience became a valuable lesson as I navigated through the process of self-discovery, understanding that growth and experimentation were essential components of my artistic development. It was a journey of introspection, where I explored how to translate my thoughts and ideas into tangible expressions on canvas or wood frames and walls, constantly refining my techniques and artistic vision.
Alright – so here’s a fun one. What do you think about NFTs?
Since being introduced to NFTs and digital art, I have developed a strong appreciation for the concept. It reminds me of the joy I felt as a child drawing my favorite superhero characters. NFTs provide an opportunity to design and own unique digital assets, much like creating your own cartoon. I find the potential to use NFTs for various purposes, such as offering exclusive discounts and experiences to token holders, to be both exciting and innovative.
We have a cool project coming up that I think people will love.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.joelblenz.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joelblenz/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joelblenz/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelblenz/
