Joy Velasco - Illustrator
Joy Velasco is an illustrator, lover, and tinkerer based in New Jersey. Art has had a continued presence and big part of Joy’s identity, and her style is colorful, whimsical, and constantly evolves. She keeps a notebook and a series of ideas (on post its and on her phone) which become thumbnail sketches and then digital work. Joy states, “I love how with illustration, you can look at a piece and wordlessly understand it without having to say anything out loud.” There is also power in art and the message that it can hold. “Art is a powerful conductor of making social issues and causes more accessible because everyone can look at art and get a feeling from it. I support the causes I care about with my work—especially concerning the Philippines. Deep rooted injustices pervade all aspects of life there, and here in the US, I live in the belly of the beast,” shared Joy. Her art has been exhibited at Moccafest, Comic Arts Brooklyn, Perth Amboy Arts Festival, and her clients include Fatherly, Milwaukee Magazine, Vinepair, Womanly Magazine, Lithium, Adolescent Content, Mochi Magazine, and more. Joy is uplifted by family and friends, and has a project about New Jersey coming soon!
Asians in Covid
When were you first interested in art? And how did you foster that creativity?
People are surprised when I tell them that I was an extremely shy kid—honestly a bit of a loner, haha. I had trouble expressing myself verbally and socializing so I turned to drawing and made my own friends up. Living in my own world was a delight in itself! As I got older, moved around, and opened up more, art was the one constant in my life.
When did you decide to pursue art, illustration, design as a career?
Art is such a big part of my identity that it’s hard to think of a life where I’m not creative! I remember visiting the Society of Illustrators in NYC in middle school and as soon as I realized that I could make a living doing what I do, I unconsciously took the leap. I just, well, had a feeling. Having that inner confidence helped.
How would you decide your art style?
My style is constantly evolving as I grow as a person! Overall, I’m quite colorful and whimsical. I like to experiment with different textures and rendering styles so it’s hard to say—I can be overly critical of myself so it’s hard to see myself objectively but it’s possible.
What is your creative process?
I just got out of a huge art block, glad you asked! I have a notebook and lots of miscellaneous post it notes and iPhone notes where I jot down phrases and ideas I want to draw... think of me as a very messy librarian; I have a lot of information but I forget where I store it all. Oops! Next, I’ll make some thumbnail sketches on paper and then transfer it to digital, where the magic happens.
Who are some of your favorite clients to work with? Illustrations you have created?
I recently finished working with Fatherly, an amazing parenting website, as their illustration fellow! It was a blast working with the art director and talented staff of writers and editors to make so many ideas come to life. I’m big on family as I come from a big family myself (I’m the youngest of 5 kids!) so it’s a topic near and dear to me.
Emergency Contraception for Mochi Magazine
What do you love about the work you do?
I love how with illustration, you can look at a piece and wordlessly understand it without having to say anything out loud. I trip over my words when I speak so art helps me express and release emotions. Everything is ok. Everything will be ok.
How important is it to you to make powerful and political messages in your art?
Oh very! Art is a powerful conductor of making social issues and causes more accessible because everyone can look at art and get a feeling from it. I support the causes I care about with my work—especially concerning the Philippines. Deep rooted injustices pervade all aspects of life there, and here in the US, I live in the belly of the beast.
What inspires and motivates you?
The people in my life. Family, friends, those who I share my heart and vulnerability with—these people may not be around forever. You can’t have love without loss. I try to live with intention and be thankful for the beauty of life itself because I don’t know what tomorrow will bring. So go ahead and try that new snack out. Hit up an old friend you haven’t spoken to in a while. We could all use a little more genuine understanding.
Do you have any upcoming work/projects that you are excited about?
Yeeeesssss! It’s a little project about my home state of New Jersey—I can’t wait to show it with you in the next few months!
Publicly Shame Racists
Photos and images courtesy of Joy Velasco