We recently connected with Josh Blanaru and have shared our conversation below.
Josh, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
Pick a phrase + get it on a shirt! GUNS R BLAZIN, launched in 2021, aims to inspire others while looking good in the process. The concept of putting custom phrases on t-shirts, a trend that once ruled the 80’s shopping mall scene, is revitalized by GRB with an extra sexy t-shirt template and your choice of phrase from a vast selection of album art menus. With over 200 options ranging from uplifting to borderline bonkers, you’re sure to laugh and be inspired at the same time.
Choosing a phrase is a lot of fun, and these tees make great gifts! You can also request a personalized phrase by reaching out via email at [email protected] or sending a direct message on Instagram @gunsrblazin.
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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 a sensory person who enjoys the experience of taking in my environment and staying as present as possible. Along with this openness comes a strong curiosity to understand more about other people and the world around me. I try to absorb many types of things, but prefer to let the important ones inspire me, such as great music, vivid colors, ocean air, magical sunsets, and deep connections with ancient souls.
I don’t fit neatly into one category because my “identity” is based on a variety of components, not just my career or other divisive checkboxes. I’d like to think people are more than just who they date, what they believe, or how they present themselves to the world – especially on social media – because that messaging can be subconsciously tainted by societal programming and unrealistic expectations. We are all here with our own unique DNA sequence, which means each of us truly has something special to offer the world. It’s important not to let anyone make you feel like you’re not good enough or worthy, because you matter and are worthy of love!
GRB is about freedom and living in truth. We become powerful in our own lives when we decide to peel back the toxic layers that have been preventing spiritual growth and contentment. It’s cool to be kind – to yourself and to others.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
The mission statement of GUNS R BLAZIN is to “live in truth + be free forever”. This statement is crucial and encourages each of us to be our authentic selves – deliberately and fearlessly. The goal of the phrase t-shirts is to express yourself without saying a word. They are designed to empower, inspire, and encourage. These tees provide an outlet to emit your own frequency and attract those who match your energy. At its core, GRB is about inspiring everyone to be themselves and live a life they can be proud of.
It feels like many of us are undergoing an inner transformation, catching glimpses of how to connect with our higher selves by creating more meaning in our lives. We can actively take steps toward inner healing by understanding more about who we are on a soul level and how our unique gifts can positively impact the world around us. It’s important to focus our energy on becoming the person we want to be proud of – and be inspired by. Let’s encourage one another to vibrate higher and invite a healthy evolution of change to reshape our lives for the better!
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
Being creative allows free-flowing energy to radiate from your deepest soul. It creates a safe space to express yourself authentically and can lead you on a path to inner healing. We often feel different and sometimes changed after experiencing art forms that resonate deeply within us. Music is a massive source of inspiration and a key element in my creative process. I love how music feels and how it guides me in different directions while I create art.
During lockdown, I began cataloguing music from various genres into two distinctive playlist series on Spotify (profile search: Josh Blanaru): “Music That Feels Good” and “Night Vision”. There are multiple editions under each playlist name, and I frequently use them as a soundtrack for everyday life. I enjoy sharing music with others and bonding over songs that truly evoke emotion.
Photography is also a big passion of mine. I am magnetically drawn to abstract silhouettes, complex shadows, and mysterious shapes. I love discovering accidental patterns in everyday life and capturing them in a unique way that tells a story. I enjoy the idea of creating something entirely new or reinterpreting the norm in an interesting way. I’m more of a listener than a talker, so expressing how I perceive my environment comes naturally to me.
Lastly, creativity has brought me to this special moment where YOU are reading this. Thank you for taking the time to learn about GUNS R BLAZIN – I hope you’ll join me on this meaningful journey to live in truth + be free forever!
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