We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tami Jo Urban a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Tami Jo, thanks for joining us today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your creative career sooner or later?

I often wish I had started my creative business sooner and dedicated more time to advertising and marketing my work. If I had begun earlier, I could have participated in more art shows, connected with wider audiences, and pursued opportunities like working with an art agent or joining a collective. These steps would have allowed me to grow my artistic presence and explore collaborations that could have taken my career further. While I’m proud of where I am now, I can’t help but wonder how much more I could have accomplished with a head start. That said, it’s never too late. Start now, whatever it is you want to do. Don’t wait for the right time. It’s never the right time, because it’s always the right time!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I began my art training early, studying under private tutors who helped me develop a strong foundation in technique and creativity. My passion for art led me to earn a Master of Fine Arts in Biomedical Illustration, a discipline that combines precision and artistry. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working as a creative for esteemed companies such as General Motors, Campbell-Ewald, and JGA, contributing to projects in the automotive, advertising, and retail architecture and branding industries. These experiences have allowed me to merge my artistic skills with strategic thinking to create impactful, visually compelling work.

My business is a full-service art, design, and illustration company dedicated to bringing creative visions to life. From logo design to comprehensive digital and print collateral, I provide tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of each client. In addition to commercial projects, I also take on private commissions, creating personalized artworks that resonate deeply with individuals. My services extend to large-scale art installations, transforming spaces with impactful, custom-crafted designs. Whether for businesses or personal clients, my goal is to deliver exceptional, visually striking work that leaves a lasting impression.

In my studio difficult doesn’t exist, and the impossible…well, that just takes a little longer.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

There is immense satisfaction in knowing that my art evokes emotion in others, whether it brings joy, introspection, or even discomfort. I create with the intention of reaching each audience member in a way that feels personal and unique, yet all my work stems from a singular, authentic source—my perspective and vision. To me, success is achieved when a drawing or painting I create, rooted in my own experiences, resonates with someone else in a way that aligns with their entirely different, yet parallel, journey. It’s this connection—bridging the gap between artist and audience—that drives my passion and inspires my creativity.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

It’s incredibly humbling to have a talent that brings people together to celebrate art—like being the “rock star” of paintbrushes and sketchpads. There’s something surreal about walking into a room and hearing, “Wait, you’re an artist?” Suddenly, everyone wants to know you, be friends with you, and maybe even have you sketch their pet. It’s amazing to be embraced for doing something I love, even if half the time people think I live a mysterious, bohemian life (spoiler: I spend a lot of it hunched over a desk in a Snoopy blanket). Still, it’s pretty awesome when your work sparks conversations and connections. Who knew moving a crayon around could exhibit this much influence?

Contact Info:

• Website: https://theurbanmachine.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamijourban/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tamijourban
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamijourban/
• Twitter: https://x.com/tamijourban
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@tamijourban
• Other: https://tamijourban.com

Image Credits

Tami Jo Urban