Today we’d like to introduce you to James Rose
Hi James, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’ve always been interested in creating. I started selling my work online and at conventions at 16 years old. I now regularly sell my work at (almost) every SLC Punk Rock Flea. You can also find me at SLC Pride, Genderbands’ Trans Pride-n-Joy Fest, other random pop-up markets, and online.
I’m now attending the graphic design program at the University of Utah, where I’ve been surrounded by so many awesome creatives from whom I’ve learned a ton. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given both by the University and by the folks at the SLC Punk Rock Flea. Both my school and the SLC Punk Rock Flea have given me spaces where I feel like my work matters and I belong.
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?
I was raised Mormon, and it was obvious early on in my life that I was not going to be allowed to be the man I knew I was. I was assigned female at birth and was questioning my gender as early as 13 years old. When my family was alerted I was deeply depressed and struggling with ‘same-sex attraction’ I was sent to a Mormon therapist who opened every session with a prayer.
I was taught that my identity was an earthly struggle I had to face and that when I died I would be happy with being a woman. When I was in high school I attempted to take my own life because I was taught that who I was was unacceptable and that things would be worked out with God when I died. I left the church shortly after but was made to continue attending church functions until I moved to Salt Lake City. I was very quickly taken in by the punk scene here, and for the first time, I was surrounded by people who were like me. I found a space where I never feel like I have to explain myself, and no one looks at me for dressing the way I want to. No one cares who I was before, and everyone looks out for one another. (Kind of like how Jesus told us to)
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am primarily a graphic designer and illustrator.
I’m interested in expressive typography, as well as pushing the boundaries of image manipulation and readability. I just like to make weird shit, anything I’m thinking or feeling I’ll put on a poster.
I like to make things that people can’t misunderstand. That’s why you’ll frequently see shocking or vulgar taglines in my work. I want my designs to be fun for the people who relate to them, and unnerving or gross to the people they’re not for. I never want my work to be taken and contorted to further someone else’s goals. It’s for me, for people like me, and no one else.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Art is all about risk-taking. It doesn’t matter how good you think it is, or if you’re worried you won’t measure up. Please make cool shit, people need to see it. Or maybe you need to see it. It’s okay if your only audience is you, I know I feel that way.
I get cornered by young queer kids all the time, telling me their life stories just because I’m the first person like them that they’ve ever met. So maybe someone out there needs your work too. I think all of us just want to be heard, and if you can be the voice someone needs to hear then I think the risk is worth it.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theciviljay
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/theciviljay
