Meet Juan Pablo Reyes AKA JPmurals | Mural Artist/Painter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Juan Pablo Reyes AKA JPmurals and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Juan Pablo Reyes, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor behind my success stems from my younger days working with my dad doing wood flooring. This Job in specific carries a lot of physical stress and endurance. For 20 years I’ve seen my dad wake up at 5 am EVERYDAY ready to go to work, even on his sick days. No complaints. I really admire that, even until this day. Consistency is the key to a successful Buisness. There will be days you don’t feel good but your will power has to be greater than your feelings. You don’t always have it all figured out, and you will take many losses. The important part is to change the lens in which you look at things and turn your losses in to lessons. I will leave y’all with this “The Man who does more than he is paid for, will soon be paid more than he does” – Napoleon Hill

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets me apart is perhaps the lens in which I look at life through. An Artist point of view is very unique, we look at life different. You see a blank wall, we see a canvas full of opportunities, you see a color we see patterns. We are sensitive to criticism and in tune with our feelings because we see the potential in what things can be instead of how they are if that makes any sense. My Art is a direct reflection of my struggles, my ambition and most certainly my environment. I am a mirror of the world around me. I focus on Making Art that creates a bridge for people to come together and advocate for a positive change in their neighborhood.
I am most proud of the legacy I am leaving behind. I want my murals to outlive me and the only way they will do that is if reflects the community around them.
Another thing I am super proud of is the relationships you cultivate throughout your journey as an Artist. I have met many clients that turned into life long friends that have always kept me in mind when opportunities arise. Its who you know not what you know
I have been painting for over 10 years now and just now I am reaping the fruits of my labor. I first had to establish myself and make my name ring bells when they thought about art before I was able to really profit from my talent. One piece of advise, if you are not willing to starve and be broke for the first 5 years of your career don’t start.
Some lessons I have learned throughout my journey is that you have to keep a balance in life. a happy Artist creates “feel good art”
My story is that of an Underdog, I came to this country from Mexico not knowing Anything. My Family left their identity, their dreams, their parents back at home in search for a better future. I organically picked up this dream of being an Artist and I will work 3x harder than the next painter in order to successfully move forward in my career because I cannot disappoint my parents. Their sacfrises will not be in vein.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Morning hike at Veterans park in Sylmar California would be our first activity to get the blood pumping. Quick pit stop at a family operated juice spot near Hansen Dam. All natural fresh squeezed juices. After a fresh shower I would introduce them to the Famous “Mural mile” in Pacoima which runs along Van Nuys blvd. It’s a mile long corridor filled with murals from different local Artist. There are about 16 murals in total, all packed with their own unique, stories, designs, and process. The stories behind the murals would have to be the highlight of this trip because now you have a reference point to the creation of these incredible murals making your point of view that much richer. After a few hours of hearing me talk about Art I would take them down for lunch at the best Mexican food spot called “Sabor a la Mexicana” on Van Nuys and Tamarack Ave. As soon as you walk in the first thing you see is a beautiful Mural of Frida Khalo surrounded by flowers that I recently completed. After some delicious food, and wonderful Art its time for a nap and recharge batteries. Cosmic bowling at Northridge would be our next activity, Ive been coming to this place since I was a kid and I’ve always had a blast so I am sure my friends will do the same.
Our last activity would definitely be to visit a view that overlooks the city called “Top of the world” in Burbank CA.
We would take my telescope that I got for Christmas, a speaker, a cooler, and end the night some some Marvin Gaye music.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
This Shoutout is sincerely dedicated to my Neighborhood The SanFernando Gardens often known as The Projects. Even though I got shot, Broke my leg, and made many mistakes here, this community gave me my wings to chase my dreams and provided me with the confidence to be my own man without the fear of being judge by external voices.

Another Big Shout I want to give is to these amazing Artist that have inspired me in one way or another. I am only here because you tough me something valuable, intentionally or unintentionally. Thank you, Levi Ponce, Hector Ponce, Manny Velasquez, Erika Friend, Steven Chavez, Anthony Blue, Snoop Jays, Pnut Jays, Cochi, Kasoe, Johnny,Immigo, Ortek, Midl, Plegr, Drane, Agod, B50, Scom, Rile, Sugek, Versuz, 3rd Self, Z67er, Weezy, My barber TonyDbarber, Korte, Mackisimo, and last but not least The GR818ERS !!!!

Lastly I owe it all to my parents, 2 sisters, little Brother and my 6 dogs. I love you guys so much !!! One day all of this hard work will pay off. I promise y’all.

I am Proudly standing on the shoulders of Giants.

Website: www.Jpmurals.com

Instagram: @jpmurals

Youtube: JpmuralsTv

Image Credits
LA hands credit to Estevan Oriol All other photos credit to Adolfo Hinojosa