Meet Junior Gomez

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Junior Gomez. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Junior , thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

Resilience has always been a core part of who I am, shaped largely by my upbringing in New York City. They say you should live in New York once, but leave before it makes you too hard. I think there’s a lot of truth to that—resilience is in my blood. Growing up in such a fast-paced, often unforgiving environment taught me how to push through tough times. I’ve faced my share of challenges, some that made me question my path and wonder if it was the end of the road for me.

I’ve never spoken publicly about my story before, but I feel this is a good moment to share. After college, I moved back to New York, and it was one of the loneliest times in my life. In that isolation, I ended up making some poor choices, including getting involved with drugs through some peers. A few years later, I found myself in the back of a police car, arrested for possession. That was my rock bottom, the moment I realized I needed to make a change.

In that dark moment, I turned to prayer and made a promise to God: if I could get through this, I would become the best version of myself. Thankfully, my lawyers helped reduce my charges, and I seized the opportunity to turn my life around. What felt like the worst day of my life then, I now see as the best—it was the catalyst for my transformation.

Resilience, to me, is about turning obstacles into opportunities for growth. No matter what challenges we face, they shape us into who we are meant to be. I’ve learned to embrace every trial as a lesson, and that’s where my resilience comes from.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’m the founder and lead artist of Junior Designs, a creative studio specializing in mural designs, digital art, and physical art installations. What excites me most about my work is the ability to transform spaces and tell unique stories through art. I believe murals have the power to not only beautify a space but also to inspire and bring communities together. Each project is a new challenge and a new opportunity to push my creative boundaries, which keeps the work fresh and invigorating.

What makes Junior Designs special is our commitment to bringing bold, imaginative concepts to life. Last year, I completed a groundbreaking project for Hoppin Brands at Pinhouse in Charlotte, which was the city’s first illusional mural. This project was particularly exciting because it was a challenge that many other artists had turned down, but I saw it as an opportunity to push the limits of my creativity and craft something truly unique for the community. It’s these kinds of projects that set Junior Designs apart.

I recently completed my largest mural to date, spanning 1,000 square feet. This project is a testament to how I blend bold, innovative designs with a client’s vision, creating something that is not only visually stunning but also deeply meaningful.

Looking ahead, I have big plans for Junior Designs. We recently expanded into a 700 sq. ft. art studio, and I’m actively working on taking the business to a national level and eventually global. I’m also exploring digital platforms more deeply, such as my YouTube channel, where I share insights and inspiration for aspiring artists. There’s always something new on the horizon, and I’m excited to continue growing and sharing my passion with a wider audience.

Ultimately, my goal is to continue creating art that moves people and makes a lasting impact. Art is not just about aesthetics; it’s about connection, expression, and community. I’m excited to keep exploring new avenues and expanding the reach of Junior Designs.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back on my journey, I believe the three most impactful qualities that have guided me are gratitude, perspective, and awareness. These pillars have shaped not only my approach to art and business but also my outlook on life.

Gratitude has been a powerful force in my journey. Being grateful for every opportunity, no matter how big or small, has helped me stay grounded and focused. It has allowed me to appreciate the process and not just the end result. Gratitude keeps me motivated, reminding me that every step, every challenge, and every achievement is a gift. For those early in their journey, my advice is to cultivate a daily practice of gratitude. Take time each day to reflect on what you’re thankful for, even in difficult times. This mindset will help you navigate the ups and downs with a positive outlook and keep you moving forward.

Perspective is another key element that has been crucial for me. It’s easy to get caught up in the immediate challenges or setbacks and lose sight of the bigger picture. Having perspective means understanding that every experience, good or bad, contributes to your growth. It’s about seeing challenges as opportunities to learn and grow rather than obstacles in your path. For those starting out, my advice is to always try to see the bigger picture. When you face difficulties, ask yourself what you can learn from the situation and how it can help you become better. This shift in perspective can transform how you approach your work and life.

Awareness has also been vital in my journey. This includes self-awareness—knowing my strengths and weaknesses, understanding my emotions, and recognizing when I need to pivot or take a break. It also means being aware of the world around me, the needs of my clients, and the impact my art can have on a community. Awareness helps me stay authentic and true to my vision while being adaptable and responsive to change. For those early in their journey, developing awareness is about being present and mindful. Pay attention to your inner dialogue and the external world. Reflect regularly on your actions, decisions, and their outcomes. This practice will help you stay connected to your purpose and make informed, intentional choices.

My advice for anyone early in their journey is to build these three pillars into your daily practice. Cultivate gratitude to stay positive, maintain perspective to see the bigger picture, and develop awareness to stay connected to yourself and your vision. These qualities will not only guide you through your career but will also help you grow as a person.

Alright, so before we go we want to ask you to take a moment to reflect and share what you think you would do if you somehow knew you only had a decade of life left?

Yes, I’m currently facing a significant challenge—I recently lost my biggest client, and it has definitely been tough. The fear of the unknown is real, and questions of doubt, fear, and instability are constant companions right now. It’s natural to feel uncertain when something like this happens, especially when it impacts your livelihood.

However, I’m trying to approach this situation from a different perspective. Throughout my life, I’ve faced many difficult moments, and each time, I’ve managed to come out stronger. I believe this is just another one of those moments. I’ve learned that sometimes, what feels like a setback is actually an opportunity in disguise. Losing this client might be the push I need to attract new opportunities and clients that are an even better fit for my business.

My current situation is a bit rocky, but I trust that things are working out for the best. I’m choosing to see this as a chance to reflect, refocus, and grow. It’s a reminder that challenges are an inevitable part of the journey, and how we choose to respond to them makes all the difference. I know that one day I’ll look back at this moment and smile, recognizing it as a turning point that led to something even greater for my business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.juniordesignsart.com/
• Instagram: juniordesigns_
• Facebook: Junior Designs
• Linkedin: Junior Designs
• Twitter: Juniordesigns_
• Youtube: Junior Designs Art

Image Credits

Photographers:

LJ Willilams
Kathleen Battaglia