Meet Justin Coelho: Fine Artist and Illustrator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Justin Coelho and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Justin, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I really like the idea of being my own boss, so pursuing a career where I have that kind of freedom is what really got me interested in starting my own business to begin with. An art career is an interesting choice because it only puts out what you put into it, so eventually you have this structure that has been molded and customized by the artist’s flair and business saavy that sort of reflects their inner spirit. Finding new ways to express myself through a business is also a very important factor for me. I enjoy the freedom to learn new things and find markets where my ideas are best suited. On the technical side, my thought process has been motivated by the philosophy of having multiple streams of income. Ranging my services from digital prints, limited screen prints, garments, and commissions allows me to dip my toes into different revenue streams, and find my own way. But deep down, I really wanted to produce the same kind of art and content that I love to see out there in the world. It’s all the art I’ve seen that makes me thrilled to be alive. I like the idea of contributing back to the universe, all those artists who love to dare, as a way of saying thanks.”

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What makes me proud about my work is how far I’ve come technically. I’ve had phases of stagnation with my work but overall I’ve been very aware of the progress I have made and enjoy this journey. My skill sets wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for my foundations professors. From them I learned so many important techniques and ways of looking at the world to help influence my art. Having an issue with wanting to force ideas, a major thing I’ve learned along the way is to just trust my intuition. When I’m hitting a wall I now try to let the frustration pass through. Like meditation, I try not to over think and let the inspiration flow.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well I think I would start off with a trip up and down the beltline just to cover a good amount of space with minimal effort. There’s so many great places to hang out and plenty of public art to look at. Oh and don’t even get me started with all the murals. I’d have to set a whole day just for scoping out all the wonderful mural artists in this city working their magic. Then a nice stroll through the Lake Claire Community Land Trust (who doesn’t love emus?)Followed by ice cream in Grant Park. Drinks at the pubs in Decatur and walks around Avondale Estates. Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
All the wonderful co workers of mine at DangerPress, past and present. At DangerPress I’m surrounded by like minded artists and kind people. The benefits of working there are pretty abundant. I have access to equipment, media, and other creative minds for proper feedback when it comes to my projects.

Website: www.justincoelho.com
Instagram: @justincoelhoart