Meet Joshua Harvey | Director / Designer / Illustrator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Joshua Harvey and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joshua, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
In terms of long term career path, giving up isn’t an option. For me, that path diverged decades ago. Individual projects are more interesting though. Generally, I don’t ever “quit” but things do get put aside for indefinite amounts of time. But if a client is involved, there’s absolutely no option. Its only success or failure and both can be positive. If you can endure the discomfort of failure and continue to push until success, you’ll go much further in life than a preference for comfort. The difference between successful and unsuccessful people is that successful people didn’t quit because they were unsuccessful.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
It’s always been interesting to be asked about my “art”. I don’t do a lot of personal work, primarily because I find a lot of satisfaction in responding to a brief; I’m a problem solver deep down. Navigating a brief to push the current norms of society in both positive and realistic directions is going to have more impact than a personal project.

I think I got where I’m at professionally by sticking to the idea I just layed out. I always try to do something interesting, that makes a project feel like it comes from an authentic place. I think its a failure when a project is overly safe, even if its beautiful and does its job. There’s always opportunity to speak from an honest place, and sometimes its not a completely safe thing to do, but if done well it’s what makes it trustworthy. Riding that line will get you a lot of pushback but I think it leads to a better world.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
A week long trip, ok… well I’d have start things off with a celebratory dinner, welcoming them to the city. Ichijiku Sushi, low key spot in Highland Park, maybe stroll down Figueroa to one of the nearby bars.

The next day or two I think they should explore the city on their terms. You gotta dive in head first. I’d recommend Griffith Park Observatory and then a hike around the park. Maybe they take some time at one of the museums, one of our personal favorites is the Norton Simon in Pasadena.

We’d have them covered when they return to the neighborhood with a classic LA al fresco dinner, maybe have a few local friends over as well.

Definitely a trip out to the beach, taking PCH to El Matador is spectacular probably throw a hike in there as well before stopping off at the Reel Inn for dinner.

…and I always love taking anyone who visits out to Joshua Tree, two nights is a must. Takes time to slow down and its a good way to recover from the energy of the city.

…then send them on their way!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Well I’m currently in the Unreal Fellowship and learning from the amazingly generous team there so I think I’d need to send them this first; Then all the friends and colleagues that I’ve picked up tips and knowledge in career & life. Most importantly my father for never thinking a career in art wasn’t a possibility and always supporting my pursuit of it.

Website: joshuaharvey.com

Instagram: joshuajamesharvey

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/despairow

Youtube: https://youtube.com/user/DSPRW