Today, we’d like to introduce you to Jules Centeno.
Hi Jules, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I really began taking an interest in drawing when I arrived in the United States from Central America. I think I had to spend some time alone at the young age of 4 or 5. I’m not saying I didn’t have a guardian; of course, I did (haha), but I was a very capable person to be on my own, make use of my time, and nurture something in me in those moments.
I’ve always felt a sense of comfort with drawing while I was plopped in front of a TV, I just felt like use of my time could be used for better, and luckily it just stuck for me, and family members really nurtured that for birthdays gifts and Christmases with art supplies and the “really good stuff” markers. I kind of owe them for all that support!
I guess I enjoyed the outside approval, so I cheated my brain. It could always turn into something big, but I never believed that in me. A small part, yes, but I owe support to my day ones, homies who believed in me and that I could turn anything to profit off what I love. They challenged and inspired me. My best art was with them.
I kind of always knew I had to end up doing something I love as a career, or there was no point. I wasn’t too sure I would do it as a career or that it would work out at all for me! Today, I stand amazed with a growing illustrative career and as a designer doing what I love, and it is a forever-growing area where I can actually do it all. It really worked out better than I imagined.
To be creative today, working with my friends, folks who believed in me before I ever did, is the greatest blessing. I can’t wait to give back abundant cake!
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Ya know, it has not been the smoothest road all of the time. Sometimes today, I think about times I didn’t think it was going so smoothly. There are certain struggles as an artist you kind of always meet, like mental health struggles, or it could be blockages or circumstances that stand in the way, blocking our energy for creativity to flow.
It could be absolutely any small habit that can turn huge. I had certain patterns I struggled with a lot. I think we artists can struggle with the lack of certain privileges. That’s a whole other thing.
Although, in the orchestra of this life, looking back today, I think it doesn’t seem so terrible now because I am alive and happy in perspective, knowing whatever it was, it was, and it had to be. I have more trust now in the road that has been set for me.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
The work I do as a creative is mostly portraiture, fun, and pop culture-y. I am mostly known for the portraiture I think, the depth in detail I like to go in on my art. Whether my art is a portrait of a TV show character or film I resonated with, I love good facial details. For independent work, where “I got-to-eat” side, I draw/paint family portraits for clients; I suppose that’s one of the pretty popular services that I offer. And my collab work.
Everything from faces to fur babies to designing logos, and all with fine art training and some graphic design training. So, I love using my two art brains, mixing the two mediums. I never thought I was good enough to be offering such services, but it’s knowledge I have, so why not? I am always welcome to collaborate. I love to. I have a website where anyone can purchase some of my best art pieces on high-quality archival paper materials and canvases, too. I also have been getting rid of solid, legit artwork originals, physical artwork from my fine artist days printmaking, and life drawings.
I don’t know if I still know how to answer this properly, and I’m not sure what sets me apart other than being entirely different from others. I guess an obvious one: I was always known for having a sense of style. Inspired by many other styles and all the greats, the classics. I have always felt a strong connection to the details in art history. I may have been an old master in a past life. I do have a preferred method and sense of order with the mediums I enjoy doing. I’m a creator.
For sure, I learned a little bit of everything, and I am very grateful for that kind of resilience. It is beautiful to know there is nobody in my lane, and I am happy there’s always enough for all of us creatives. Knowing what sets you apart from others is kind of an inside job and could be a never-ending ending that challenges growth within.
A little fuel to always challenge your creativity. I am super proud of the work I do with others in a collaboration that brings me connection and growth! I am super excited about the opportunity to collaborate with those I’m working with locally and those I look to connect with in the future.
So maybe we end by discussing what matters most to you and why.
Right now, only a balanced me right now, before all the other personal things that matter to me. Staying in my authentic integrity and all that makes and would make a great balanced me.
Because I love to be of service to others, I’m going back to the old childhood dream and healing roots. I wanna expand on my services too, so a focused, balanced me to be able to hold it all UP.
Pricing:
- Custom Portraits start at $120
- Logo designs start at $500
- Graphic work starts at $300
- Prints $ varies (On Website)
- Sktchy Digital Portraits $100
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jujupeppi.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejulesjules/
- Other: https://folio.procreate.com/jbabyjules
