We had the pleasure of interviewing the talented FJ, a storyteller with a brush—a portrait artist whose work quietly captures the weight of lived experience. Formerly a pharmacist, FJ made the bold decision to shift fully into art, where he’s able to express himself more honestly. Through soulful portraits and deeply intentional work, he explores the human condition with sensitivity and depth. In this Creator Spotlight, we spoke with FJ to unpack the why behind the canvas—the inspiration, the challenges and the journey toward truth and purpose.
Q: What inspires your work, and what do you paint for?
I can answer both of those together. My inspiration comes from people’s stories and the human condition. As a portrait artist, I find that by simply looking at someone’s face, I can see the stories they carry. It’s incredible how much you can learn just from someone’s expression—their experiences are written all over them, and I think that’s deeply powerful. That’s what keeps me painting.
As for why I paint: it’s my voice. As a creative, I believe you have a responsibility—you’ve been given a gift, a kind of power. And with that power comes the duty to express, to preserve, to speak. I see painting as a way to tell stories, to hold space for people, and to contribute to a larger archive of human experience.
If I couldn’t express myself through art, I wouldn’t feel fully alive. Painting comes more naturally to me than words—it’s how I communicate most honestly.
Q: Have you faced financial challenges in your career?
Oh, definitely. I’ve had more seasons of financial struggle than financial success. At the beginning of my career, I focused on painting celebrities because those works got attention online. But over time, I realized I needed to express something deeper and more personal.
That shift came with a cost—less visibility, fewer sales—but more authenticity. I believe every artist eventually reaches that crossroad: create for applause or create from truth. I chose the latter.
Money is important, of course—we all have to survive—but it’s not everything. Like Martin Luther King said, the legacy you leave behind is more important than the money you make. That’s the kind of depth I want my work to carry.
Q: What has been your greatest achievement so far?
My biggest achievement so far has been my first exhibition. I mentioned this in an earlier interview, but it bears repeating—seeing people engage with my work, connect with it, and feel something from it meant everything to me. That moment validated so much of the silent effort I’d put in. It showed me that people were not just watching—but resonating.
Q: What are your future plans?
Next, I want to study art formally. There’s a world of difference between self-teaching and structured learning, and I really value the process of learning from mentors and peers in an academic setting. It’s something I’ve always wanted—to refine my skill, deepen my understanding, and build more discipline around my practice.
Q: Do you still practice pharmacy?
Not full-time, no. Every now and then, I consult—answering questions, taking up the occasional job—but art has my full-time focus now.
That said, I don’t plan to abandon pharmacy. When you take that oath, it’s for life. You’re still a resource to your community and to people who need medical education. I see myself returning to it in a meaningful way someday—maybe through a community practice. But right now, my heart is in art, and I want to give it all I’ve got.
FJ’s journey is one of quiet boldness, choosing purpose over popularity and truth over ease. As he leans fully into art and prepare for what’s next, one thing is clear: this is only the beginning. Campers, tell us—what part of FJ’s story resonated with you most? Drop a comment below.
