Today we’d like to introduce you to Josh Blanaru
Hi Josh, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Pick a phrase + get it on a shirt! GUNS R BLAZIN, launched in 2021, aims to inspire others while looking good in the process. The concept of putting custom phrases on t-shirts, a trend that once ruled the 80’s shopping mall scene, is revitalized by GRB with an extra sexy t-shirt template and your choice of phrase from a vast selection of album art menus. With over 200 options ranging from uplifting to borderline bonkers, you’re sure to laugh and be 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 at gunsrblazin@outlook.com or sending a direct message on Instagram @gunsrblazin.
We’ve recently added some SICK logo tees to the online store, as well as distressed hats and two-sided drawstring bags – they look awesome and get noticed! For a limited time, get 10% off your entire order at GUNSRBLAZIN.com by using the discount code “GRB10” at checkout.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I have been excited to introduce GUNS R BLAZIN to a larger audience since its launch. I like to work backward – starting with the overall goal, splitting it into smaller milestones, and then breaking it down further into bite-sized tasks that 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 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, alternate 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’s okay. It’s important to reach a 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 + turn it up!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
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.
I don’t fit neatly into one category because my “identity” is based on a variety of components, not just my career or other divisive checkboxes. I’d like to think people are more than just who they date, what they believe, or how they present themselves to the world – especially on social media – because that messaging can be subconsciously tainted by societal programming and unrealistic expectations. We are all here with our own unique DNA sequence, which means each of us truly has something special to offer the world. It’s important not to let anyone make you feel like you’re not good enough or worthy, because you matter and are worthy of love!
It feels like many of us are undergoing an inner transformation, catching glimpses of how to connect with our higher selves by creating more meaning in our lives. We can actively take steps toward inner healing by understanding more about who we are on a soul level and how our unique gifts can positively impact the world around us. It’s important to focus our energy on becoming the person we want to be proud of – and be inspired by. Let’s encourage one another to vibrate higher and invite a healthy evolution of change to reshape our lives for the better!
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Being creative allows free-flowing energy to radiate from your deepest soul. It creates a safe space to express yourself authentically and can lead you on a path to inner healing. We often feel different and sometimes changed after experiencing art forms that resonate deeply within us. Music is a massive source of inspiration and a key element in my creative process. I love how music feels and how it guides me in different directions while I create art.
During lockdown, I began cataloguing music from various genres into two 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 frequently use them as a soundtrack for everyday life. I enjoy sharing music with others and bonding over songs that truly evoke emotion.
Photography is also a big passion of mine. I am magnetically drawn to abstract silhouettes, complex shadows, and mysterious shapes. I love discovering accidental patterns in everyday life and capturing them in a unique way that tells a story. I enjoy the idea of creating something entirely new or reinterpreting the norm in an interesting way. I’m more of a listener than a talker, so expressing how I perceive my environment comes naturally to me.
Lastly, creativity has brought me to this special moment where YOU are reading this. Thank you for taking the time to learn about GUNS R BLAZIN – I hope you’ll join me on this meaningful journey to live in truth + be free forever!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://gunsrblazin.myshopify.com/collections/all
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gunsrblazin/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gunsrblazin/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@gunsrblazin
