Meet Benjamin Cantwell

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Benjamin Cantwell. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Benjamin below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Benjamin with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

My work ethic comes from my time in the Marine Corps. The discipline, resilience, and drive to never quit were instilled in me there. Whether it was enduring tough times with my brothers or pushing through challenges, I learned the value of hard work and staying focused, and I carry that into everything I do today.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

My work focuses on blending my experiences as a Marine with my love for art. I create designs that speak to veterans, service members, and anyone who values resilience, camaraderie, and a bit of dark humor. What makes my brand special is that every piece tells a story—whether it’s a funny moment from the barracks or a tribute to the strength we’ve all had to find in tough times.

Recently, I’ve launched a shirt subscription service that delivers unique designs every month, all made by veterans, printed by veterans, and proudly American-made. I’m also collaborating with veteran-focused charities to raise awareness about issues like suicide prevention and mental health, something I care deeply about.

Beyond the business side, I’m excited to keep expanding the community around my art. This isn’t just a brand; it’s a way to connect, share stories, and remind people that we’re all in this together.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been resilience, creativity, and the ability to connect with others.

**1. Resilience:** My time in the Marine Corps taught me to keep going, even when things felt impossible. For anyone starting out, embrace failure—it’s part of the process. Learn from it, adapt, and move forward.

**2. Creativity:** Creativity isn’t just about art; it’s about finding unique solutions to problems. Stay curious, experiment, and never stop learning. Inspiration can come from unexpected places, so keep an open mind.

**3. Connection:** Building relationships has been key to my success, whether with customers, collaborators, or the veteran community. My advice is to focus on being genuine. People will respect and support you when they see your passion and authenticity.

For those just starting, my biggest tip is simple: Start. You don’t have to be perfect; you just have to be consistent. Over time, your skills will grow, and so will your impact.

Tell us what your ideal client would be like?

My ideal client is someone who values creativity and is willing to give me the artistic freedom to bring a vision to life, even if it starts off a bit undefined. They understand that the artistic process takes time and trust, and they’re as passionate about their mission or purpose as I am about my work.

I love collaborating with nonprofits, teams, and organizations that have a meaningful cause or a strong sense of identity, like military units or veteran groups. The best clients are also enjoyable to talk to—people who can share a good story, appreciate the humor in the challenges we face, and inspire me with their drive and purpose. Working with those kinds of people makes the creative process even more rewarding.

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Image Credits

All images belong to the artist

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