2021 has been an incredibly exciting year for us so far, and the momentum continues: we are delighted to announce the addition of the exceptional Jayson Atienza to ATRBUTE's roster! With his signature style (a distinctive and meticulous watercolor and ink approach), Jayson has brought his touch to projects ranging from client commissions to exhibitions to limited-edition brand collabs. His portfolio speaks volumes and we encourage you to spend some time digging through it.
And of course, we sent Jayson our new artist questionnaire — and boy did he deliver. Take a read through to get a behind-the-scenes look at this prolific artist and learn a little more about the unique story that brought him to where he is today.
Welcome, Jayson! We can't wait to see what's in store for you this year and beyond.
If you could describe your work in 3 words, what would those be?
Colorful. Bold. Fun.
Was there a defining moment when illustration turned from a pastime to your career?
I had pushed aside my personal art for a few years when I first started my advertising career at BBDO NY. One day I walked past the office of an Executive Creative Director at the agency and saw canvases stacked on his desk and spread all over the place. We talked and he told me this was his personal work, and that I should never stop creating and always surround myself with my art. This was the re-launch moment for my art all these years ago. I took his advice and have never stopped creating. My art career has all grown from this momentum and passion.
What's the first thing you do when you get a new client brief?
Read it. Seriously. Really read it. Then I start with all the imagining.
Early bird or a night owl?
With 2 young children under the age of 3, I would say I'm both an early bird and a night owl. Basically I don’t sleep.
How do you work past a creative block?
Take a loooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooong walk. Listen to B.I.G.
How do you reward yourself when you finish a big project?
A gallon of cookies and cream ice cream. Actually once I bought a 5-gallon tub of ice cream to celebrate, but it was so big, I had to empty everything else out of the freezer to fit it in there.
What's your absolute favorite piece of work you created in the past 12 months?
I’ve been playing basketball since I was young and idolizing all the greats growing up. Especially Vince Carter. So when the opportunity came up to be 1 of the 15 artists chosen to work on this amazing retirement tribute project, I jumped on it immediately. He put his heart into the game in his 22 seasons, and it was an honor to commemorate that through my art. (Image included below.)
If you could give young Jayson one piece of advice, what would that be?
Invest in yourself and your art space, save as much as you can, and ask a lot of questions.
