We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Josh Universe a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Josh, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I have always been an inwardly emotional person. Since childhood I use art as an escape fro my surroundings and a medium for my feelings. As I became older I continued drawing in silence, but it took a backseat to other interests I found. Once I started college I quickly realized the career path I chose was not what I truly wanted to do. This sent me into an episode of depression and confusion. Until one day I remember sitting in my dorm room on the verge of tears. Almost instinctively I got up, reached into my closet, and grabbed a pencil and copy paper. I started drawing, one page after another. It felt so good, and I felt relief from my thoughts. This was the turning point in me deciding that was what I was born to do.

Josh, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I got my start in this industry six years ago. I began teaching myself to paint in 2016, and developed my skills from there. Following my college graduation I started networking more with professionals in the field and my career truly started from there. I am a multidisciplinary artist with a focus in painting and mural work. My work is what sets me a part from other artists. I pull from my thoughts/feelings on life experiences and real world events, and I portray these emotions in my own unique visual way. I am most proud of the perseverance, consistency, and dedication I’ve shown to my craft. One of the main things I want people to know about myself is that Josh Universe is more than a brand or an investment. Strip away the name and the labels, and I am just a real person wanting to shine light on internal battles many of us fight, while also bringing beauty to the world through my art.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

The biggest goal driving my journey is simply to go as far as I can go. I want the recognition, fame, and success, and I am not afraid to say it. But through that success, I want to show other creatives that it is possible. Through consistent commitment, dedication, and goal setting, we can have whatever we want in this life.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

As a creative, especially freelance, you have to look at yourself as a brand and business. Have your paperwork in order such as business license and tax documentation. Doing so will help build confidence in you when dealing with companies and clients because of how you conduct yourself as a legitimate business.

Contact Info:

• Website: Universeartgallery.net
• Instagram: Joshuniverse