Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin Will.
Hi Justin, we’d love to hear more about your creative journey. How did you get to where you are today?
I started creating at a very early age, entertaining friends and family with drawings of cartoons and silly little illustrated stories. I’ve always enjoyed drawing because it becomes my world the minute I step into it. It helps me focus on my thoughts, or, when needed, forget them completely. When I became more serious about creating, I never thought I’d be building a professional career. I really just wanted to draw.
I took a few years of various courses at the Columbus College of Art and Design, ranging from photography to painting, and ultimately ended up focusing on drawing and color theory. It was engaging, and I learned a lot, but paying my own way was a struggle and I ended up leaving before receiving any type of degree. Back home in northeastern Ohio, I continued to take classes every now and then, but I didn’t hit my stride until I began working at an art supply store in Cleveland Heights.
Beginning as an associate, and ending my tenure as general manager, I spent about 15 years learning every type of creative tool I could, sharing my newfound knowledge with my customers and my team. I fell in love with the real world connectivity, immersing myself in a growing arts community and engaging with creatives from all walks of life. I became connected to new people, new experiences, and was able to begin showing my work with confidence and excitement. Through this job I gained friendships, mentors, and a thirst to learn and make more.
While managing the store I continued to create new work and gain new experiences in the arts scene. Piece by piece I checked so many things off my list. I took on custom commissions, sold original works, installed and curated the works of my peers, hosted drawing events, took part in live drawing competitions – I did a lot. Like, too much probably. Until 2 years ago I balanced all of these things with a 50 hour retail work week, and then I thought, “why am I doing all of this? I just want to draw!”
So I left my full time job and stepped onto a new path, focusing solely on creating, in an effort to reconnect with and recenter myself. I find myself learning something new every day, and I am excited to keep moving. I still host events, install work, paint and sell originals, maintain a handful of truly meaningful design clients – but with so much more joy and excitement. And, most importantly, I have so much more time to draw.
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?
Considering the opportunities I’ve been afforded and the experiences I’ve had so far, I honestly can’t think of any major struggles I’ve faced, aside from those I’ve created in my own head. As someone who tends to overthink and puts a lot of pressure on themselves, like many creatives I know, I need to make sure I’m keeping myself happy and focused on moving forward to continue to create.
Time management, unhealthy comparisons on social media, self-doubt and depression – these are difficulties that many of us face from time to time. I’ve been so fortunate to have a loving partner who pushes me towards light and love, and a therapist who listens to and understands what’s happening inside my head, even when I don’t have a clue myself.
What else should people know about your work and what you do, and what are you most proud of?
So we already know I love to draw, that’s easy. And I think that’s a great starting point in understanding what I’m known for. I’ve created a wealth of whimsical, joyful illustrations – many of which can be found in and around Cleveland. Like the cans of incredible beer brewed at Noble Beast Brewing Co, which I not only illustrate and design, I also help the team physically can the beers. Or on postcards and flyers from the uplifting and community building team at Motogo, where they engage young students through shop class. I’m also a regular feature on the walls of coffee shops like Phoenix, Rising Star, and Six Shooter – I get a lot of “didn’t I see some silly drawing you did the other day while I was getting my coffee?” Yes, yes you did.
I take part in and host a decent amount of pop-ups too, and every now and then I host a slew of Drink and Draw events around town. I really miss the connectivity I felt when I worked in the art store, and bringing creatives together helps scratch that itch. I get to see old friends and make new ones, learn about new opportunities, and watch a younger generation of Cleveland creatives help breathe new life into our city.
Folks also reach out to let me know they just walked by one of the few murals I’ve had around town. From the “Big Blue Wall” in Gordon Square, to the “Be So Kind” panels in the flats – nothing makes me happier than hearing how happy someone else is to see my work. In 2018 I worked with LAND studio to install a large temporary mural on their rotating art wall in Public Square. The piece, titled “The Land is Just Wonderful,” was a literal display of the message, showcasing a bright world of creatures and plant life living together in happiness. My goal was to make people smile and think about the better parts of their day, and I still get comments on it 6 years later. Even though the mural is no longer there, it still sticks with me and with many of the wonderful people who happened to walk by in search of some sunshine.
I hope that people look at my body of work and see how much I’ve made, how varied my applications have been, and feel some sense of joy in their lives. I talk a lot about positivity and happiness on social media, and being in the moment. And I am proud of that message, I truly do wish people the best day, each and every day. I also know that this can be a bit much to hear all the time, but I need to hear it too, because I am not always positive and I am not always happy. If I’m being honest, I create many of these things for myself, to remind myself of the good that I wish to see in the world. To make myself live in the moment and breathe, to slow down and just be. And I am proud of all it. I am proud of myself for continuing to create, for still being here, and for being able to listen and connect with people after 15 years as an artist in Cleveland.
To end on a lighter note, I am also proud to be known as “The Wobbly Guy” or “Durt,” two common phrases I hear that are a reflection of many of my daily drawings. Just watching someone laugh and shake their head, trying to figure out how my drawings got so “wobbly,” or why I call coffee “dirt,” well that makes me laugh too. And I really needed a good laugh.
What matters most to you? Why?
Family, togetherness, sandwiches, and a brand new drawing pen.
But honestly, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – light and love. Joy and whimsy. Being still in a moment.
Because I desperately need these things, you need these things. We all do. A community can only grow when they’re surrounded with light and love. This world is still so divided, so scary. So many things are unknown, so many people are in pain. So I bring light and love, and joy and whimsy. It’s not a solution, it’s just an offering. I’m not sure where it’ll take me, but so far it’s allowed me to listen and learn, to grow and want to grow.
I’ll keep pushing light and love in everything I make, keeping my cup full so that I can fill others.
Contact Info:
- Website: justinmichaelwill.com
- Instagram: JustinMichaelWill
Image Credits
Photo of me in the studio – Grace McConnell Photos of “The Land is Just Wonderful” Mural – Bob Perkoski
