Today we’d like to introduce you to Just Ill.
Just, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started painting when I was six. I used it as an outlet for my wild imagination and short attention span. Whatever emotions I wasn’t allowed to express openly I did so thru art. Where I’m originally from in rural dirt roads of South Carolina, no one viewed art as a profession so I never invested much resources in it career-wise. Just painting projects for myself and classmates. When I graduated, I joined the army. Once I got out, I fumbled through many jobs trying to support my family but I didn’t make a lot of money. I began to paint to make ends meet and supplement my income. Eventually, I became a pipefitter and started making a lot more money. I gave up painting for a little while and started traveling. But my thirst for a creative outlet and my own business ambitions could not be satisfied. So while I worked long hrs (70-84 hrs a week) by day, I would stay up all night painting and learning. I started ill&Co LLC in 2019 officially.
Has it been a smooth road?
1) Having to still work a full-time job while cultivating my business.
2) Learning the business.
3) Figuring out my own unique painting style.
4) Overcoming my own emotional instability during hard times/second guessing myself.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
Ill&co llc specializes in art and commissioned art pieces, organizational paraphernalia, art-inspired apparel, art event hosting, art show vendoring, music album covers, and book illustrations. The thing I’m most proud of is the attention to detail. There are many great and amazing artists. Where I make a difference, specifically with a commissioned art piece, is to find the secret things not asked for that would surprise and delight our customers.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
There is no better place to be to pursue art in my opinion than Houston. So much culture mixed in together. The way people freely blend their cultures, you don’t have to choose between lanes, you can seamlessly flow, without alienating people. And that’s what art should do…bring people together.
Contact Info:
- Website: Illandco.com
- Phone: 832.239.0616
- Email: illandco.llc@gmail.com
- Instagram: @illandco
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/illandco
Image Credit:
Ill&Co
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