Today we’d like to introduce you to Josh Galletta.
Hi Josh, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I love to draw, always have since I was 5 and my dad showed me how to draw a truck. August 25, 2010, I was struck by a car while out riding my Bicycle, then the driver proceeded to run over me and back over me. It was a life-changing moment. I almost died at the scene and in the hospital. I had to be life-flighted to a special trauma unit. I had over 25 broken bones, head injuries, and some internal damage. I spent almost a month in the hospital and years of surgeries, physical therapy, and therapy. I was diagnosed with PTSD. My counselor gave me an exercise to help me cope and recover. She said, “Find something you love, put everything into it, and release it.” So, I decided to make some original drawings and leave in random place for people to find. It got bigger than I thought and people were finding my art, posting it, sharing it, and then people offered me money as a commission to draw things for them. After some time, it turned into full-time freelance illustrator business for me. My therapy changed my life and took me places I never thought I’d go, meet people I never thought I meet, and do work for people, businesses I never thought could happen.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
No, life is never smooth. My wife Mary is a strong, loving, patient woman, and I can’t imagine doing life without her. She has always pushed me, listened, and helped out with many areas we are involved in in the creative world. But our family likes to use these roadblocks or challenges as opportunity to grow and get better at what we are doing. We also like to take the lesson we have learned and share them with others to help them with their journeys. I have never owned a business before; I had never written a contract or proposal before. Learning how to work with clients and get them everything they need was a learning curve. We just learned to bounce back, have a good attitude and keep moving forward. Lots of other artist, designers, and the creative community were helpful in advice and encouragement. I have this amazing business coach, Chad Pearson who calls me every week to motivate and challenge me. He’s a great guy who knows his stuff. Total blessing.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a self-taught artist. I love doing my medium in black and white, but recently doing color. My work has a minimalist feel to it. Our mantra is “Your story, My art”. I try to tell my client story through my work. I mostly work with pen and ink, some paint, and murals. I’m most proud of three pieces, one is a mural for Starbucks at their coffee shop down the road from my house (I have the first email that started it all hanging on my wall) in Lakeland Florida, and a piece that I made that was carried by West elm and I got illustrate a book my friend Ida Mundell wrote called “Goodnight Lakeland” we have sold out of both printed editions. Every piece has enabled me to be able to wake up and draw for a living. I’m also excited that I get to help a few charities like One more child, Parker Street ministries.
I don’t know what sets me apart. I just try to be honest, no ego, and help capture my client’s story. I want to set an example for my kids Emmersyn and Fynn, as well as other creatives. I love what I do, it was always a dream of mine to draw comics and kids’ book.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I feel we will see younger artist stepping up, older artist trying something new and daring, and it looks like digital art and new approaches to the classic styles of art.
Pricing:
- $27 for T-shirts
- $25 for Hats
- $180 for House Portraits
- $35 for Long Sleeve Shirt
Contact Info:
- Website: bumpgalletta.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bumpgalletta/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bumpgalletta/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/bumpgalletta
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOzFNEZb8nbXZ1Qs9rVyLSg
Image Credits
Jason Stephens
Jerrod Scott
