Today we’d like to introduce you to Johnny Duncan.
Hi Johnny, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was always drawing as a kid and I never really thought much beyond it being fun, but as it turns out it’s my passion and part of my purpose. I didn’t find my place in art until much later. Along the way, I was creating my own worlds and drawing pictures about them. Then it turned into multiple series of comics. Once I discovered street art it was over, I knew then and there what I wanted to do and what felt the best. I just went for it and never turned back. I feel as though when you love something you’ve got to be relentless.
In 2012, I left the Art Institute of Austin where I studied Graphic Design and immediately started putting together my own art shows in any way I could. From there I also started participating in all the group shows, markets, and pop-ups I could. Being based in New Braunfels it was a great way to hop to San Antonio, or go the opposite direction to Austin. I also began doing work in San Marcos, Canyon Lake, and Fort Worth.
For a long time, I was either pushing pigments with a brush or working out of my sketchbook to then go digital. Finally picking up spray paint I began doing a lot more murals, graffiti jams, and even some battles and competitions. I finally started taking my work outside of Texas and was doing shows in Denver, London, Tokyo, and New York.
For me I just never stopped working, even while out with friends I was keeping an eye and ear out for potential and opportunities. Taking the initiative to create events and taking the art community of New Braunfels somewhere it hadn’t been before. In 2018 I brought Frist Friday NB to life and we’re still active post-pandemic pushing the spirit of all arts every First Friday of the month at Downtowner Bar & Kitchen.
Through these efforts, I’ve been able to collaborate with the likes of Whataburger, Google, Pabst Blue Ribbon, Cartoon Network, Run The Jewels, and more!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Being a working artist is not for the faint of heart, but that’s with anything you’re passionate about. It’s been a wild ride just keeping my head above water at times, but then I’ll find myself at the top of a mountain. I’ve learned to love and appreciate both times.
For me, one of the biggest struggles has always been staying true to my work and self all the while paying bills. Often times I’ll get approached for work that I don’t really want to do, maybe it’s not fun, or doesn’t resonate with me, then get caught in an undesirable loop of unfulfilling work. So often I skip on projects or pass the work to a friend I think the project will suit better. Depending on circumstances I still find myself there, but mostly I’ve carved a nice path to continue to do what truly brings me joy. Because of my stubborn stance, I don’t have to compromise my vision or my worth. Getting to that point has been really tough, so I got tougher. The sacrifices of preserving your creative integrity is crucial, but be open to opportunities!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a multidisciplinary artist working in multiple mediums. I’ve created a universe that exists on multiple planes. Whether it’s acrylic on canvas, graphite on paper, pixels on my computer, spray paint on walls, or even snapshots through the lens of my camera. No matter the medium you can tell it’s a part of the same thread. This makes it easy for me to put my work absolutely anywhere. From your living room, business walls, clothing, album covers, vehicles, and more!
I’m known for my cast of characters, use of colors and vibes along with bold linework, plays on pulp and pop art, along with the indulgent use of breakfast foods. My most iconic character is Kaiju, the green dinosaur-like dude you always seem so cheery. While they’ve all been around for years and years, he is the avatar I resonate with most. These creatures have always represented different aspects of the self and have a time and place to appear usually.
Ultimately I try and spread fun and positive messages with sexy undertones that are topped with delicious details and leave you in a colorful daze feeling loved and full. I think my world building and constant persistence to walk my path unapologetically is something that sets me apart from others, although I’m always learning like everyone else and from everyone else. I’m very proud and grateful for the opportunity to create the things I desire and for them to be received so well that I’m connecting with people through my truth and getting to hear theirs. I love when the audience makes their own connections to the pieces and it brings them joy or solace.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up I was always drawing. I loved cartoons, video games, comics, anime, skateboarding, and most of all music. I spent a lot of time in my room drawing pictures or making comics. Just jammin’ out all the time and even falling asleep with my colored pencils on the bed, lights on, face down in my sketchbook. I was always dreaming while I was awake, always looking at the clouds. My parents split when I was 4 and years later I lost both my father and step-father about 9 months apart from each other. I think art really became a safe place for me and I was able bring them back to life in my art and they were heroes in my work.
I really paid attention to cartoons and always wanted to know who was working on them and how they were made. I was really interested in music as well since most my time drawing was accompanied by music and I craved new jams. I’d research producers and artists nonstop and dig through discographies.
I was always really immersed into something or else I just couldn’t care, like it’s all or nothing. I feel like through loss and grief I learned to hold on extra tight to what and who I love and it’s carried me through everything since.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.jenkins2d.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenkins2d/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JENKINS2D/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/jenkins2d
- Other: https://opensea.io/collection/lucky-tags-armada-genesis-collection
