Daily Inspiration: Meet Boss Illustrations

Today we’d like to introduce you to Boss Illustrations.

Hi Boss, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Since we have last been in communication, I would say a lot has changed and looking back at everything really sets that shift into perspective. Over the last two years I’ve dialed in my career as a full time, freelance Illustrator which was a leap of faith I had always wanted to take but was too caught up on the “what-ifs” of everything. Spending a majority of 2025 building a foundation to make the moves and take the steps needed to accomplish that professional shift, I found residency in Japan for a month through FUSION. This was a career, and life changing moment. Through this residency I created two watercolor illustrations that would be on display for Kaga Ishikawa’s 1300th anniversary and then move to a gallery exhibition in Tokyo. I also competed and won a live painting contest during the anniversary’s Art Market — a jarring moment for me. These moments over seas opened my eyes to the capabilities of my art and the lack of awareness I was bringing towards this skill back home. If I can do such wonderful things outside of the States to bring people together, to connect strangers and to string together familial bonds over seas, why am I not doing that in my own backyard? That had to change — that was all I’ve ever imagined my art doing, and it WAS working. I just needed to open my eyes to that fact; So, returning home I quit my part time job and gave all my attention towards a solo show titled,
“BROADCAST INTERRUPTED”. My first ever solo show in a Gallery setting. This body of work is based off of the philosophies of Alan Watts and tells a story of the cycle of earth, evolution, and time. How Mankind and our use of technology is in opposition to nature instead of in tandem. I’ve pushed the capabilities of my art, my skill level, and the way in which watercolors can be perceived through this series of works and will continue to do so as I move forward with a second series that branches off from “BROADCAST” as an alternative timeline. Shifting away from the cyber punk aesthetic towards the more retro motifs of the 70s, 80s and 90s, the new series is titled, “be kind, REWIND” which has begun development and should be finished by the fall of 2027. Through this new series, I am exploring the different ways to express subject matter and emotions through watercolors in a subjective manner instead of the traditional Objective storytelling we typically see within illustration. How can I combine the techniques that make my artwork unique in away to continue pushing the boundaries of the medium and field of study and to force the viewer[s] to look deeper into themselves as well as the art. To not only ask, “”how does this make me feel?” but then, ” WHY does this illustration make me feel the way it does?” Is there something deeper as a society that we are losing from our digital isolation and if so, what parts of our past can we incorporate into the future to bring balance back into our lives?

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
That seems to be a matter of perspective. Especially in this current political and economic climate. While I am extremely blessed to be able to sustain myself as a full time artist and live my dreams [without suffering imposter syndrome on a regular basis] the day to day, week to week, and month to month is always a toss up. I would say that that uncertainty is the most difficult aspect of this journey. Sometimes the unexpected happens and I find myself painting a mural, or rebranding a business and sometimes I’m crossing my fingers at an art market that the weather won’t deter attendance; however, once I made the decision to go full in as an Artist and release the comfort of a part time 9-5 to pursue my passions the ups and downs are always worth it. The Unknown is part of the experience and all I can do it keep my chin up, remain resilient, and stay hungry for it.

Shifting my mindset has also been a huge part of attempting to smooth out the road. Developing the confidence to know my worth, talent, and skill level was an initial challenge but as I progress in my art and the steps I am taking to change the world, I have to have that. Knowing my worth and value as an artist should not be defined by the amount of rejection letters I receive or the opportunities that pass me by, but by the lives touched through my artwork or the inspiration and whimsy I can bring back into society through my actions and my determination. The Torch we carry is not for ourselves, but for our brothers and sisters.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As an Artist it becomes increasingly more difficult to put a label on what I do outside of painting. Typically, I just tell people that’s what I do. I paint. Whether it’s murals or watercolor illustrations, labeling myself as a painter or an illustrator seems easier than describing myself as a “Creative”. While I have a degree in sculpture and I enjoy mask making, cosplay prop construction, or small clay sculptures here and there, I don’t use them to get recognition so it almost feels closer to a hobby, which is a strange thing to think about – art as a career and a hobby. So, when people ask what I do – I am an expert and master watercolorist, acrylic painter and own the same level of drawing skills which allow for my abilities to cross fields of studies from producing simple logos that speak volumes to full scale, floor to ceiling murals. I create visual narratives full of whimsy and wonder using allegory, symbolism and the natural world to make the viewer look closer at the image as well as deeper into themselves. Specializing in watercolor illustration and mastering the medium I have created a name for myself and the work that I produce. There is a special way in which I paint that pushes the boundaries of Watercolor and begins to confuse the audience about what medium the illustrations are crafted in. That, and the hierarchy of subject matter, the technique of focal shifting and the ability to break the picture plane all set my artwork apart as an individual illustrative style. Having spent years developing and honing that skill, I would say that is what I am most proud of – the quality of work I do and how malleable it is across mediums. I am proud of where I am and grateful that I have the opportunities that I do and try to remain humble as I continue forward on the journey of Full Time Professional Artist. I know the quality of work I produce as some of the best but remain under the radar when it comes to certain types of recognition and I think that is what truly sets me apart as I navigate humility and ego. I continue to push the capabilities of my craft, my medium and my concepts to change the way that watercolor illustration can be perceived while remaining faithful to myself, and my goals. I know that one day, my art will be globally recognized. I wholeheartedly believe I can bring people together through my art and change the world.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
My most recent series, “BROADCAST INTERRUPTED” is by far some of the best work I have created throughout my career, not only because of the skill level, but also because of the concepts and statements behind each piece. How they tell a story and how they connect to one another. Listening to lectures and the philosophies of Alan Watts over and over for a year not only influenced my art but also began to change the way I think and see the world. “The Tao te Ching” has always been a massive influence on my work; however, The Anatomy of the Spirit by Caroline Myss and Atomic Habits by James Clear have been strong influences during the transition towards and throughout the career shift of Full Time Art and leaving the comfort and stability of a part time 9-5 job.

I also practice yoga as a form of meditative movement and found that it helps in life as well. It sounds a little “woo-woo” but being able to just calm the chatter of the mind and be WITH your body for a small amount of time can begin the avalanche of change. We as a society have become so detached from ourselves and others that anything in the natural world away from technology is a huge plus for helping my creative process. This new series of work, “be kind, REWIND” is just about that. Taking memories and the Pathos of Things and putting them into art work that makes the viewer feel. What do we miss out on when we’re glued to a device while we walk down the street or go out to lunch with friends? The beauty of the world is ALWAYS around us, and it’s up to us to pay attention. That, I think, is my biggest driving factor.

Knowing that I am supported by the people, and the world around me also helps. Without their support I wouldn’t be where I am today. So I thank them for that, and shed gratitude that they constantly inspire me and get excited about the projects I work on and continually show up as support. That they talk me through the hiccups and artist blocks as I conceptualize new illustrations and then they brag about my accomplishments.

So, read philosophy, think deeper, listen to good music, have good conversations, laugh a lot, see joy in sadness when it comes and find friends that love you unabashedly.
But most of all, don’t forget to tell yourself “Thank You” once in a while.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bossillustrations.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boss_illustrations/