Meet Bo Bramwell | Visionary Artist/Illustrator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bo Bramwell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bo, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Honestly I kind of stumbled upon it! I had lost my job during covid. I had been drawing/painting pretty consistently for over a decade. I decided that since I didn’t have job, and I was living rent free with my father, now was my time to shine. I spent 350 hours on a single piece of art, posted it on Reddit, and went viral with over 6,000,000 views in a week. I was booked out 6 months in commissions from that post and have been doing full-time, freelance art ever since. Very grateful to have been doing this for almost 5 years!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I believe what sets me apart as an artist is my life experience/story. I come from a background of abuse, homelessness, addiction, and trauma. I believe crawling my way out of hell has allowed me the capacity to overcome any challenge I am faced with as a business owner/creative. I believe my art speaks to people who have seen immeasurable darkness, yet still maintain hope. I also do something called “Soul Stories”. This is something I came up with. I sit down with a client, interview them over the phone or in person for an hour. Take notes on their life story. Then convert it into symbolism through a piece of art. No one else is doing this, that I’ve heard of. My eventual goal is to tell the stories of the homeless/addicted through my art full time. And to create positive change within that realm of life.

I got to where I am today by dedicating myself to my craft for the last 15+ years. With every single piece I create, I go into it with the intention of creating a piece more challenging than the last. This, I believe, has given me an edge and has allowed me to achieve success in the visionary art world. I also believe I am very very stubborn. Not caring what other people think allowed me to ignore the voices, both internal and external, that told me I could not make a living as an artist.

Building my art business was hard as hell. But not as hard as overcoming a lifetime of pain/trauma/loneliness. Everything is pretty easy compared to completely reinventing yourself! A lot of my healing has been due to studying psychology, mythology, and philosophy on my own. Having left the mormon church at 23, I have this innate need to know the truth of my existence. Leaving the religion of my youth was so traumatic, but it gave me the gift of questioning. I question everything now and always look for MY truth, whatever that may be. I believe this has defined me in many ways and has allowed me to create a life that is personal and authentic.

I want the world to know that pain is good, if you let it be. It can teach you lessons, if you’re willing to listen. The more pain you suffer from, the more opportunity you have for growth.

7 years ago, at my lowest of lows, I sat in a park, psychotic and strung out. It was 3am. I was by myself and I was just done with life. I had burnt my bridges. I had lost everything. As graphic as it is, I slashed both my wrists multiple times and stabbed myself in the stomach. As I was about to drive the knife deeper, I stopped. I stopped because I wanted to live. I knew that if I could find healing, I could do something great. Well I HAVE healed. And I AM doing great things!!! I am SO grateful to say, that in two months time, I’ll be doing a gallery show with the greatest visionary artists in the world, including Alex and Allyson Grey, Chris Dyer, Android Jones, and various others. Life is surreal right now.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend came to town, I would invite them to Just Blaze on Thursdays at 5pm! We do a spray paint night in the back and it’s an amazing time. People with all skill levels come and spray paint, have a beer, smoke a joint, and bounce ideas off each other. It’s a really cool community to be a part of.

If you want the best BBQ you’ve ever had, definitely check out Honey Bear’s BBQ. I’ve been eating there since I was a kid. Their sauce is to die for.

If you’re looking for a night full of karaoke, hit up Monkey Pants Bar on a weekend for some of the coolest people and best singers you’ll ever see. I have an absolute blast every time I go!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Phoenix Rescue Mission- I lived at this homeless shelter/rehab for 9 months. They saved my life and helped me get back on track to finding a fulfilling/meaningful life.

My parents- Both my mother and father have always supported my art. Very grateful for that.

My wife Haley- She loved me before my major career breakthrough and is my rock and my whole world. I am endlessly grateful for her constant support/encouragement.

My high school art Teacher, Mrs. Knight- She was the first person to teach me techniques and push me to do better. It was in her class that I knew I wanted to be an artist.

Website: https://illustrationbybo.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/illustrationbybo

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/bL9iw4cL5P9JD7Cj/?mibextid=K35XfP

Other: All my links: linktr.ee/illustrationbybo

Tickets to my gallery show in Denver, June 29th with Alex Grey: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/shroomski-melt-with-alex-and-allyson-grey-tickets-816147447987

Image Credits
Bowen Bramwell