Meet Gene Jimenez | Artist

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

Hi GENE, what is the most important factor behind your success?
I would have to say that knowing your own personal definition of success is crucial. Taking me at face value, I’m an artist; I make comic books, and I produce sound baths. By the majority of our Western civilization’s standards, any one of those professions is a rough road and not considered particularly ‘success-driven.’ All three together can be extremely unsuccessful financially. But if you were to ask me whether I consider myself successful, I would say yes. I make art, and it has sold. Not all of it sells, but some of it does when people connect with it. I get to tell stories in a comic book format about finding one’s own purpose and using that purpose for good and in alignment with what you believe in.
My latest creative endeavor in sound is actually mankind’s oldest known medicine. Given where ‘big pharma’ has taken the world today, sound will once again become a healing medicine for humanity. I intend to support people with science-backed sound techniques that will make a real difference in their lives. So, it truly matters to define your own success rather than accept the definitions imposed by others. ‘Success’ has become a weaponized word for the Western ego. I know we are talking about business here, but I would just say to try not to surrender what matters to you in the pursuit of a success that may mean nothing to you.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I had worked for many successful companies where I showcased a lot of my personal creativity and ideas. I reached a point where it seemed that all of my employers became very successful based on what I was producing. Meanwhile, I felt that I did not get to enjoy the fruits of my labor. So, you could say some of it was probably arrogance, while the other half was confidence. I developed enough confidence to be a creative force for my own works, as well as to develop my own products while delving into an artistic lifestyle.
In 2003, I began painting in the style for which I have become known today. Within a couple of years, I was showing in various galleries across the country. About 12 years ago, I reignited my passion for comic books, and I am currently the publisher of a couple of independent titles, including my own self-created book. Approximately five years ago, I became seriously interested in sound work, and I am now producing my own sound work sessions and meditations. The thought process behind all of these endeavors is to follow my own creative ‘ember’ and develop it into something that becomes a flame. As I mentioned, I made bonfires for other people, and with my own businesses, I am simply looking to create a warm campfire for myself within my own brand.
Choosing to be an artist doesn’t come easy in our financially driven Western society. Taking me at face value, I’m an artist; I make comic books, and I produce sound baths. By the majority of our Western civilization’s standards, any one of those professions is a rough road and not considered particularly ‘success-driven.’ All three together can be extremely unsuccessful financially. But if you were to ask me whether I consider myself successful, I would say yes. I make art, and it has sold. Not all of it sells, but some of it does when people connect with it. I get to tell stories in a comic book format about finding one’s own purpose and using that purpose for good and in alignment with what you believe in.
My latest creative endeavor in sound is actually mankind’s oldest known medicine. Given where ‘big pharma’ has taken the world today, sound will once again become a healing medicine for humanity. I intend to support people with science-backed sound techniques that will make a real difference in their lives. So, it truly matters to define your own success rather than accept the definitions imposed by others. ‘Success’ has become a weaponized word for the Western ego. I know we are talking about business here, but I would just say to try not to surrender what matters to you in the pursuit of a success that may mean nothing to you. When I chose to be an artist and pursue my creative life, it comes, sometimes daily, with nay-sayers, challenges of ‘norms’ and frankly, not a ton of support from the systems of living in a democracy.

As for what I want people to know about my brand. I’m following my dream. It makes me happy. A lot of things bring me happiness. Spending time with my family and friends is one of them. I’m naturally a bit of a loner by choice, so when I get to spend time with people I truly care about, it brings me joy and inspiration in my creative work. I am also a fan of art, comic books, and sound work. Through traveling, I have seen many of the great masters’ works around the world. I have met and even worked with some of the top comic book creators in the industry, and I have a passion for seeking out indigenous instruments for my sound work.
So, a lot of what constitutes happiness for me is related to my work (because I don’t consider it work), but my real happiness comes from spending time and connecting with people. I find joy in my creative life, which leads me to co-create a lot with other artists. Fine art models, comic artists, and musicians are people I consider a joy to work with, especially when the chemistry is right.
The last thing I would say is my definition of art. ‘art’ isn’t created in a vacuum. My work involves creating paintings. I consider them paintings until somebody sees them and connects with them enough to find value in them. Once they exchange that value and walk out the door with the painting, only then does it become ‘art’ for me. When that occurs, that’s happiness for me. The same could be said for a comic book of mine or when someone attends one of my sound work sessions. In those moments, I get to connect with that one person— that one person in over 8 billion, and just maybe make a difference.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Living in Southern California, has its pluses and minuses. The big plus is that there is always something to do, and you actually have to try really hard to find nothing to do. If a good friend wants to come into town, it would probably depend on the time of year. Let’s just say it’s summer, I would still head up to the mountains, or somewhere about there, as the indigenous tribes are usually having a powwow and festival. They are always amazing, and great shopping for indigenous crafts and what not. Along the way you can find any number of local Taco or burrito stands that are legendary. “Cuca’s” is in Redlands is one of my favorite. After a day of powwow, one can come back for an afternoon game at the Honda center to watch the Anaheim ducks. Hockey games aren’t that long, so a couple hours later you’re still in good Prime time for dinner. A cruise on down to Huntington Beach and the endless amount of restaurants there right on the coast to watch the sun go down is always a must. ‘Lorea’ restaurant at the Pasea Spa is a new favorite of mine, while finishing with a soulful walk on the sand or even a trip upstairs to the Treehouse bar works great. That’s just day one!
Jump on the Surfliner in the next morning heading south to the end of the line. Disembarking in San Diego downtown, leaves a plethora of things to do. Balboa Park is a must always for me. Museums, culture, shopping, it has it all. Any restaurant in Little Italy will do for the nights dinner. Waking up, back on the train to San Juan Capistrano. And heading over to Dana point Harbor for some whale watching. Since the pandemic, blue whales, gray whales, humpbacks, killer, whale pods, dolphins, and large blue tuna are all the frequent population less than a couple miles out. The evening ends in Laguna Beach with a beachside dinner at The Deck. Casa Laguna is probably the best kept secret in Laguna Beach. Small tight fitting bungalows with the nostalgia for yesterday year. Cozy and comfortable right on PCH.
Wake up late the next morning and head to The Ranch at Laguna. 9holes in the canyon and then the best clubhouse food in the area. Nightcap at Monarch Bay Club.
The next day is shopping time and Old Town Orange is dialed in. Tons of antiques and nostalgic stores. Great restaurants and fun to just browse for hours. End up at Gabbie’s Mexican food, best fine Mexican food in OC, and the best margaritas too!
Wait! One last day before the vacay ends. Start the last day at a cool hike in the Redwoods! Yep, OC has redwood trees on the backside of Carbon Canyon park in Yorba Linda (Google it!). Worth the trek and then back to Orange circle for brunch at Mimi’s Cafe. One last trip to the ocean for dinner at Rusty Pelican and maybe hit the Balboa island for last min souvenirs on the way.
That’s it!

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?
The wife:
I think a major credit goes to my wife. I think she’s completely crazy. But she’s crazy about people living into who they are meant to be in the world. She would not let me sell myself short of living the life of an artist. She is supporting me greatly throughout my creative endeavors, and continues to demand that I pursue my passions.
My family:
I’m not the black sheep in my family, although I may be and just don’t know it. I love my family for how supportive they are. They may not understand a lot of of the fine art world, but they are willing to jump in and show up always. It’s always been a gift of my life to have them to fall back to, knowing they’ll always be there for me. There really is no greater comfort than knowing your family is standing behind you every step of the way of the risks you take.

Website: http://artistgene.com

Instagram: http://instagram.com/artistgene

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