Today we’d like to introduce you to Joshua Benz.
Hi Joshua, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started my professional career in 1998, working for a fine art company out of La Jolla, California. It started as an opportunity to learn the trade but almost immediately inspired me to get serious about refining my painting skills and developing an unwavering attention to detail. I spent most of my early years focused on improving my skills and invited any and every challenge thrown my way; from specialty finishing, to large scale murals, fine art paintings, tromp l’oeil painting, faux finishing and art restoration. As time went on my experience and leadership abilities grew, and I was promoted to managing a team of artists as the art director and oversaw all projects. I have been very lucky to have worked alongside many very talented artists over the years, and they’ve helped strengthen my technical and creative abilities. After over 2 decades I left the company to start my own business in 2023. I’ve spent the last 3 years working with incredible designers and builders to bring an artist touch to some of San Diego’s most beautiful custom homes. Today I have a fantastic crew of talented artists that I get to create art and finishes with, and we try and make every day fun and have a good time doing what we do. Cheers, Josh
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has been a fairly smooth road. I worked for a husband and wife duo and they were very particular with what they wanted. So early on it made me much more creatively patient, but about 15 years into working for them we started having differences of opinion. Aka, too many cooks in the kitchen. I was running all the projects, so working with 2 bosses, married none the less, slowly wore we down and I wanted a change of culture so I quit. With my new business and crew, we’ve created a culture where stress and panic are poison. And if we have to be there working might as well make it fun. So now we’re on smooth roads
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I do specialty finishing and decorative painting primarily. That includes murals, antiquing, faux finishes of all kinds, plastering, gilding, art and furniture restoration and fine art. I’ve developed a reputation for being a bit of a Swiss army knife for many clients and contractors. I have a belief that anything can be fixed so I get tasked with all sorts challenges, “name it” and I’ve painted or bonded it. Color matching is another daily task for us and we do all of our paint mixing and matching the old school way with our own tints. I am most proud of the fact that I get to art in some fashion everyday and all our projects are different and unique in their own way. The one thing that sets us apart from others is that my/our range of abilities is very broad and there is very little we can’t offer when it comes to painting, finishing and repairs
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
The art community is very welcoming but everyone’s creative interests can be subjective, so anyone you can bounce ideas off of can be helpful. But what I think is most helpful is being willing to ask someone you respect what they think of what you’re creating/working on. Learning how to take criticism is very important and not taking it personal is even more so. As for finding a mentor, I think that is a relationship that is found naturally. Reach out to someone that shares a likeness of your personal vision and ask questions, find a common interest and develop it from there.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://benzspecialtyfinishing.com
- Instagram: benzspecialtyfinishing
- Other: jtbenzsd@gmail.com
