We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Justin Strom a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Justin, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.
How did you learn to do what you do?
My journey started with the curiosity of experimentation. I was drawn to texture, color, and movement, and I spent countless hours in the studio pushing materials to their limits. Over time, I developed my own techniques—like my signature bubble painting process—by layering trial and error with a willingness to explore. I also learned from other artists, and a lot of observation.
Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process?
I would have trusted my instincts sooner and not waited for external validation. Also, I would have documented more of my work and progress early on, which would’ve helped me refine my voice faster and build an audience more quickly.
What skills do you think were most essential?
Creative problem-solving, perseverance, and self-discipline were huge. Technically, understanding composition, layering techniques, and how to manipulate texture gave my work its unique identity. But just as important was learning how to market my art and tell the story behind each piece.
What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
Time and mental focus. Balancing my art with other responsibilities, like running a business, often pulled me away from the studio. Also, having ADHD made it challenging to stay consistent or finish projects, but I’ve learned to work with it rather than fight it—building routines, using tools, and leaning into bursts of inspiration.
Justin, 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’m Justin Strom, a visual artist known for my textured and experimental painting techniques—especially my “bubble painting” process, which blends unpredictability with precision. I create original artworks that evoke movement, emotion, and curiosity, often inspired by nature, water, and the unseen forces that shape our world.
My journey into art started young. I was always drawn to color and composition, and I’ve carried that obsession into adulthood—refining it through years of trial, error, and relentless creativity. I started in drawing at first, and eventually moved into painting. My mother was a painter and this always left a huge impression on me. I officially launched Justin Strom Fine Art to share that vision with a broader audience and to build a career around doing what I love.
My work includes original paintings, limited-edition prints, and custom commissions. What I offer is more than wall art—it’s a window into feeling. Clients often tell me my pieces bring peace, energy, or presence into their homes and spaces. I think that emotional connection is what truly sets my work apart.
What I’m most proud of is developing a visual language that’s entirely my own. The textures I use are real, not digital—every layer is hand-built, and every piece is a one-of-a-kind result of both control and chaos. My only goal as an artists has been to have my own original style. I’ve also started sharing more behind-the-scenes content on social media, helping people connect with the process, not just the final product.
For anyone discovering me for the first time: I want you to know that this is more than a brand—it’s a lifelong pursuit of beauty, energy, and meaning. I’m here to create work that resonates with you, challenges the norm, and invites a deeper look into how far we can push paint.
Have you ever had to pivot?
One of the biggest pivots in my life was transitioning from being a studio-based artist to stepping into the world of live art sales with Park West Galleries. It wasn’t just a career shift—it was a personal transformation.
For years, I was most comfortable behind the canvas, quietly building my body of work. The idea of traveling constantly, being on stage, and presenting my art in front of crowds terrified me. I had built a routine and a sense of safety in the studio, and stepping outside of that felt overwhelming—especially with my ADHD and my natural tendency to avoid high-pressure social settings.
But I knew I needed to grow, and that meant getting uncomfortable.
So, I spent nearly two years preparing—mentally, emotionally, and artistically. I worked on refining my portfolio, practiced presenting my work out loud, and challenged myself to say “yes” to opportunities that scared me. When the chance to work with Park West came along, I was finally ready to go all in.
That pivot completely changed my life. I learned how to connect with audiences, how to speak confidently about my work, and how to build relationships with collectors from all over the world. It pushed me to evolve not just as an artist, but as a communicator and a business owner.
The experience taught me that fear is often just a sign that you’re about to grow. Now, I don’t hide from those feelings—I lean into them. Don’t let the stories in your head stop you from going after your dreams.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
Absolutely. Two of the most influential voices that have shaped my entrepreneurial mindset are Tony Robbins and Les Brown. Their teachings helped me reframe how I approach fear, motivation, and the importance of consistent action. Tony’s focus on personal power and Les’s message about taking ownership of your story really resonated with me—especially as someone navigating the creative world while also trying to build a sustainable business.
A lot of people think being an artist is somehow separate from being an entrepreneur—but it’s not. Art is a business. Just like any other business, it involves product development, branding, customer experience, marketing, and financial planning. The emotional and creative labor might look different, but the challenges—like staying consistent, managing doubt, building systems, and showing up when it’s hard—are the same.
What those mentors taught me is that mindset is everything. Whether you’re launching a tech startup or trying to sell your first painting, the real battle is between your ears. Believing in your value, mastering your habits, and learning to communicate with impact—that’s what sets successful creators apart.
Their influence has helped me stay focused on the bigger picture: building a long-term, fulfilling art career that doesn’t just survive—but thrives.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.justinstromart.com
- Instagram: @justinstromfineart
- Facebook: Artist Justin Strom
- Other: TikTok, @justinstromfineart
