Joe Suzuki shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Joe, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day for me starts pretty simply. I wake up, making some coffee, and usually try to do something active to get my brain moving—sometimes that’s surfing, biking, or diving into a small side project. Once I’ve shaken the sleep off, I head to my studio/office and settle into work mode. I’ll work through the morning until lunch, then put in a few more hours in the afternoon on client projects or personal art. In the evening, I like to shift gears—make some dinner, hit the sauna, and unwind. That downtime is important for me; it keeps me recharged and ready to create the next day.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Joe Suzuki, and I wear a few different hats. I work full-time as a designer for Quiksilver, I run my own freelance design business, and I’m also a sign painter. I’ve always been drawn to things made by hand, so a lot of my inspiration comes from old designs and traditional signage. There’s something about the imperfections, textures, and history in those pieces that feels alive, and that brings my own work to life.
Right now, I’m working on a small merch collection for my design/sign painting service—just a t-shirt, a hat, and a few small pieces. I’ve put a lot of care into the details, so I’m excited to share that soon. I’m also carving out time to get more personal painting done, which helps me keep evolving creatively outside of client work.
At the end of the day, my goal is to craft and create in a way that feels timeless but fresh, whether I’m designing for a brand, painting a sign, or just creating something personal that connects with people.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My earliest memory of feeling powerful was when I got to create a special edition ANP (Artist Network Program) with RVCA. Growing up, I was always inspired by how they’d put the artist’s name on the inside tag of their t-shirts. I didn’t even know that was possible for me, but somewhere in the back of my mind, I think I always wanted to be on that level.
I started with an internship at RVCA to learn about the industry and see what it was like being a designer for one of my favorite brands. That eventually led to some contract work. Around that time, I painted a sign just for fun, posted it on Instagram, and RVCA reached out asking if they could use it. When the t-shirt and hat came out, I had no idea there would be a marketing campaign behind it—with my name on it, just like the artists I looked up to.
That moment was powerful for me because it proved that my personal work, without any brand art direction, had enough strength to stand on its own and even be incorporated into a bigger brand. It showed me that the things I create from my own vision can live on a much larger scale.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
During COVID, I actually did give up on art for a while. My brother Ken passed away, work had slowed down, and I just didn’t have the drive to create. I ended up taking a warehouse job at Montana Colors. Some of my friends worked there, so it felt like a good fit at the time—an easier way to get through the pain without the pressure of clients or projects.
I worked there for a few months, and while it was steady, it also made me realize that it wasn’t for me. I needed to be making art. That time away gave me perspective and reminded me that creating isn’t just what I do for work—it’s what keeps me going.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
I don’t think it’s a lie, but what the surf industry tells itself is that it’s still the same as it used to be. The truth is, it’s going through a hard time. The money just isn’t there like it once was, and a lot of the big brands have been bought out and shifted into license models. That change really impacts how things operate day to day.
I think there’s still a lot of passion in the industry, but the resources aren’t what they were. I hope that it picks back up, that brands can start putting more money back into their people and their culture, and that designers can travel again and stay inspired. Because at its best, surf culture is about creativity, exploration, and pushing boundaries—and I’d love to see that energy thrive again.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m around good people, the work for the day is done, and I can just enjoy being present. Being out in nature—whether it’s the ocean, the mountains, or just a quiet outdoor space—always helps me recharge. Those moments of slowing down and appreciating the people and places around me are what bring me the most peace.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.joesuzuki.us
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joesuzuki_art/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-suzuki-art/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joesuzukiart
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@joesuzuki_art
Image Credits
Brother Brother, Quiksilver, Possum, RVCA, Johnny Klobe
