Life & Work with Josh Quick of Downtown LA

Today we’d like to introduce you to Josh Quick.

Hi Josh, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I can’t remember a time when I didn’t draw. As a kid, I was inspired by Saturday morning cartoons and I’d try to copy what I saw. I’d create my own characters and make little comic books. All through school I was known for my drawing skills, and would take art classes when my mom could afford it. Eventually, I went to the Academy of Art University in San Francisco to study illustration, and earned a bachelor’s degree in fine arts, which is why my work leans more towards portrait work. I love comic books and that style of art. I’m also a hip hop head, too. So you can see all of those influences in my style, which I think is still evolving.

I currently live in Phoenix, AZ, but I frequently commute to LA & SF for various events. I’m involved in a few creative circles in the west coast. Currently, I vend at comic-cons across the country and I’m beginning my journey toward becoming a full-time artist. My biggest goals are to create and publish my own comics, and do album covers for artists.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Artists are notorious for being their own worst critics, and I’m no different. I struggle a lot with imposter syndrome. Gatekeeping my work is an issue sometimes, too. I never feel like my work is quite finished. I’m working on that. It helps when my art sells!

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I illustrate portraits of musicians & recording artists in a way that’s stylized in comic-like aesthetic. I’m proudest of my MF Doom piece. I also illustrate comic book characters. I’ve been working on creating my own comic book universe, which I hope to complete and publish my first book in the next couple of years.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @jquicxart