Today we’d like to introduce you to Josh Blanaru.
Hi Josh, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Pick a phrase + get it on a shirt! GUNS R BLAZIN launched with a clear intention to inspire others while looking good in the process. The idea of putting a custom phrase on a t-shirt once ruled the ’80s shopping mall scene. GRB upgrades this vibe and matches an extra sexy t-shirt template, with a phrase of your choice from volumes of album art menus. There are over 100 phrase options to choose from, ranging from uplifting to borderline bonkers, so get ready to laugh while being inspired at the same time. Choosing a phrase is a lot of fun and these tees make great gifts! You can also request a personalized phrase by reaching out via email (gunsrblazin@outlook.com) or sending a direct message on Instagram (@gunsrblazin). I recently added some sick logo tees to the online store, as well as distressed hats – they look awesome and fit great!
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?
I have been excited to introduce GUNS R BLAZIN to a larger audience since going live. I like to work backwards – starting with the overall goal, splitting it up into smaller milestones, then breaking it down further into bite-sized tasks I can actually digest. There were definitely bumps along the way, but I kept my eyes on the road and both hands on the wheel. Since we’re all friends here, I’d love to share some insights and best practices that worked well for me.
First, be honest with yourself about realistic time management. I say “realistic” because you have to build out your tasks with a consideration for real-world responsibilities, such as: your primary job, family obligations, mental health breaks, daily exercise, social commitments, etc.
Next, be open to change. As an artist, you have to remove ego and stubbornness from your creative process. In doing so, different energy can guide you to make better decisions. You have to be okay with things not going as initially planned, so allow yourself to surrender some control if you find yourself feeling stuck. Be prepared to learn as you go – the pros often remind us that success is never a straight line, so being flexible is an asset. You don’t want to force anything that doesn’t align with the overall vision.
Lastly, decide carefully who you let into your inner circle of strategic planning. At times, outside energy can affect or derail your authentic creativity in a harmful way. It can be risky to share what you’re doing with others, especially those who might not see the world the way you do. Personally, I think relying heavily on outside validation and feedback should be kept to a bare minimum – at least until your ideas materialize into concepts you strongly connect with. This allows you to properly discern appropriate and healthy feedback, from undermining intentions or subconscious jealousy. Art is subjective, and that means not everyone is going to get it or even like it – and that is okay. It’s important to get to the place, on your own, where being misunderstood by others is no longer a barrier to productivity.
Most important – set goals and boss up, because it’s got to get done. If you’re a one-person operation at the start, then it’s up to you to make it happen. Turn it on and turn it up!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a sensory person who enjoys the experience of taking in my environment and staying as present as possible. Along with this openness, comes a strong curiosity to understand more about other people and the world around me. I try to absorb many types of things, but prefer to let the important ones inspire me, such as: great music, vivid colors, ocean air, magical sunsets, and deep connections with ancient souls.
Being creative allows free-flowing energy to radiate from your deepest soul. It creates a safe atmosphere to express yourself in an authentic way and can lead you on a path to inner healing. We feel different and are sometimes changed, after experiencing art forms that resonate deeply within us. For this reason, music is a massive source of inspiration and a key element to my creative process. I love the way music feels and how it guides me in different directions while making art. During lockdown, I started cataloguing music from different genres into 2 distinctive playlist series on Spotify (profile search: Josh Blanaru): “Music That Feels Good” and “Night Vision”. There are multiple editions under each playlist name, and I often use them as a soundtrack for everyday life. I enjoy sharing music with others and bonding over songs that actually make us feel something.
Photography is also a big passion of mine. I am magnetically drawn to abstract silhouettes, complex shadows, and mysterious shapes. I love accidental patterns in everyday life and enjoy capturing these images in a unique way that tells a story. I like the idea of creating something that hasn’t existed before or reinterpreting the norm in an interesting way. I’m a better listener than talker, so showing how I perceive my environment comes more natural for me.
Last but not least, creativity has led me right to this special moment where YOU are reading this. Thank you for taking the time to read about GUNS R BLAZIN – I hope you’ll join me on this meaningful journey to live in truth + be free forever!
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
In my opinion, it’s important to have a clear vision before networking or seeking out guidance from a mentor. The voice and vision need to be authentically yours, so fully understanding what you are hoping to achieve is vital to the health of your process. Nothing will get in your way if you believe in yourself and proactively match your intention with action.
Ideally, a mentor will remind you to set small goals that will lead to major milestones along your journey. They will encourage you to celebrate every win, and push through challenges with integrity and an inextinguishable fire in your soul. Have confidence in your vision and faith in yourself to overcome obstacles – you can do this!
Pricing:
- For a limited time, get 10% off your entire order at GUNSRBLAZIN.com using checkout code “GRB10”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://gunsrblazin.myshopify.com/collections/all
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gunsrblazin/
