Interview With Yosh: The Digital Aura Artist
By Lea Byrnes Art
Josh Gwilliam, also known as Yosh, is the mastermind and groundbreaking artist behind Yosh.Digital, a collection of original digital artwork inspired by the ever-evolving world of fashion. By mixing the tangible with the intangible, Yosh creates a fantasy world in which art and life melt together as one. Using the latest digital art technology, Yosh skillfully elevates photographs of both models and products with expressive, energetic lines, and bold colors. He calls these designs “Model Auras” and “Product Auras”. These images truly glow in a vibrant, unique way that is a direct reflection of Yosh’s passion for his craft.
Design by Yosh
Yosh’s artistic journey began when he was just a young child growing up in Sacramento, California. At a young age, he would spend hours teaching himself to draw and paint. His hard work paid off; and today, he resides in Arizona as a successful graphic designer, painter, and digital artist. He has worked with numerous clients and brands, helping them take their marketing to the next level with his sleek designs. Over the years, he has made a name for himself within the art world, even having his work featured in various galleries and exhibitions!
Yosh is self-described as imaginative, cheerful, energetic, and most of all – creative. For Yosh, creating art is a necessary part of life. “I would find a way to be an artist even if artists didn't exist,” he tells us. Yosh is the type of person who is completely dedicated to his work and is determined to never give up on his dreams. He puts in the hours that it takes to become successful, understanding that true success requires sacrifice. “When it comes time to get work done, I have the drive to get it finished without getting sidetracked,” he explains. “I want to achieve my goals and I think about them every day. I have a lot of respect for people who act and not just talk about their dreams. I surround myself with like-minded people so that I can be influenced and empowered to accomplish what I want in life…many of my friends are also creative.”
Yosh’s artistic career has flourished as he has made more connections in the art and modeling world, as well as explored different mediums, including acrylic painting. His work ranges from colorful and abstract to realistic and detailed. He explains, “My dreams are always bigger than my reality. When I'm creating, I tend to follow what my heart says and not what everyone else is doing. I don't like to stay still. My art mirrors what is going on in my life. I love using bright colors most of the time.” His mission is to inspire his audience, being an example of what is possible when we chase our dreams with our whole heart and soul. He also aims to uplift viewers with his work, as he explains, “I want to create impactful art pieces. I want to make people smile and feel cheerful with my art. I move from medium to medium to boost my creativity, but work diligently on a few mediums so that I stand out in the crowd.”
Design by Yosh
Although he works in multiple mediums, Yosh says that his favorite artistic medium is digital art. As technology has rapidly advanced over the years, Yosh found himself fascinated by the medium as a young and evolving artist. He spent countless hours perfecting and mastering his craft, exploring the endless possibilities that digital art can offer. About the benefits of digital art, Yosh says, “I can press the undo button and change my art in seconds. It's harder to do that with paint. I love digital art because of the massive amount of influences on the internet, and I can combine and rework pictures I take and be inspired by graphic art; and I don't have any boundaries because of the digital medium. I can do anything.” The digital medium gives Yosh complete and total creative freedom, with space to express his vision and alter it whenever necessary.
As an artist and graphic designer heavily involved in the fashion world, Yosh makes staying up-to-date on trends a top priority. “I am constantly on the lookout for the newest and most exciting trends in the fashion world,” Yosh says. “Whether it's the latest designer collections, street style looks, or emerging fashion influencers, I always seek inspiration for my digital auras through design choices and unique ideas.” He consistently strives to grow his creativity, all while having fun and making more connections within the art and fashion communities. He gains inspiration from his fellow artists, including his favorite artist, Daniel Arsham. About Arsham’s work, Yosh tells us excitedly, “He creates a futuristic decay theme for his pieces. He takes pop culture and throws his vision onto them. He uses crystals, decaying rubble, distortion of reality, and world creation to show how he sees the world around him. I see the world in my own way, and I want to share that; just like him.”
Design by Yosh
When it comes to his life outside of making art, Yosh tells us that his passions include nature, hiking, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. As a person, Yosh is extremely compassionate and friendly. “I care for others a lot and will help those in need any chance I can,” he says. “I'm always down to talk to new people and share stories!” When we asked whether he is a morning or night person, he said, “Definitely a night person. You know that saying where people get their best ideas in the shower? I get my best ideas before I fall asleep. I'm usually up later than all my friends, drawing and creating the next thing.” Yosh’s creative mind is constantly in motion, and that is precisely what has led him to where he is today.
According to Yosh, the absolute best part about being an artist is that he gets to be completely and authentically himself. “I don't have to conform to others' standards,” he explains. “My art is different, and most people say that they have never seen art like this before. I know there are others who create art similar to mine and it is so inspiring to see; but it isn't often that I see people make art like mine, which is cool.” Yosh’s work is undoubtedly unique, attracting interest from both fashion brands and art enthusiasts.
Design by Yosh
As hard as he has worked over the years, he has had to overcome various challenges and mental blocks in order to get to where he is now. “My biggest challenge is judging myself against others that have achieved success,” he says. “We are all on different paths and different points in our journeys, but I can be hard on myself when I see others living out their dreams. I am beyond happy for them, and I want the same thing. So I have to tell myself to keep grinding and keep pushing my way to the place I want to be.”
Yosh’s determination, combined with his passion and raw talent, has led him to achieve his goals. According to Yosh, his biggest life accomplishment so far is “...knowing that all I want to do in this world is create for the rest of my life.” With a defined vision and laser-sharp focus, Yosh chases his dreams diligently each day. With each goal he achieves, he sets a new one; and he never stops dreaming bigger. Yosh has plans to work with larger and more prominent brands, expanding his portfolio and inspiring even more people with his stunning work. He tells us that his fans can expect to see exciting new projects and collaborations with various fashion brands coming soon, as well as even more new paintings and artwork! With his impressive portfolio and down-to-earth personality, Yosh is an up-and-coming artist that we should all have our eyes on.
