Meet Junior Gomez | Artist/ Muralist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Junior Gomez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Junior, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Before I became a full-time artist, I was working in the corporate world, feeling like I was stuck in a life that didn’t feel like mine. One day, a video of Jim Rohn came across my feed, and he said something that changed everything for me: “All of life is a risk. It’s so risky, we don’t come out of it alive.” That line hit me so hard it resonated through my bones.

Five months later, I took a leap of faith and decided to risk it all to pursue my dream of becoming a full-time artist. It was one of the scariest moments of my life. I abandoned everything I thought I was “supposed” to do and stepped into the unknown. Here I am, four years later, living the life I once only dreamed about.

For me, risk and reward go hand in hand. Without risk, there is no growth, no transformation, and no thriving. Since I started my journey as a full-time artist, taking risks has been the key to unlocking new opportunities, pushing my art business forward, and creating a life I truly love. It’s scary, but the rewards have been worth every single moment of uncertainty.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets me apart is my ability to run my art business as a business. While the corporate world wasn’t the right fit for me, it taught me a lot about structure, operations, and how to approach my craft with a business mindset. That knowledge has been a game-changer for my career, allowing me to build a strong foundation for Junior Designs and continue growing.

What excites me the most is the constant evolution—both as an artist and a business owner. Nothing about this journey is stagnant. To thrive, I’ve learned to embrace change and evolve with the times, whether that’s through exploring new techniques, taking on different kinds of projects, or even redefining what success looks like.

Getting to where I am today professionally wasn’t easy—it took pure grind and relentless work ethic. My drive is unusual, and honestly, it might even be considered a little unhealthy at times, but I’ve never wanted something more in my life. The fact that I get to wake up every morning and live my dream, pushing the boundaries of what I thought was possible, is something I will never take for granted. It’s not easy, but it’s worth every ounce of effort.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to stay true to myself. As artists, it’s so easy to compare ourselves to others or get caught up in trends. But art is rebellion. Art is different. Art is not supposed to fit into a box. Art is me. Over the years, I’ve embraced that truth and pursued my dream on my terms.

While art is my passion, my mission is to inspire. I grew up in the Bronx, in a neighborhood where the odds weren’t in our favor. The walls around us were designed to keep us in, but I broke the mold—and I want others to know that they can too. Whatever dream you have, it’s possible.

My story is about resilience, vision, and never settling for anything less than the life I imagined. Junior Designs isn’t just about creating art—it’s about leaving a legacy that inspires others to push past their limits and believe in what’s possible.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love this question! Ok, here’s how I’d plan the best trip ever:

Day One:
First things first, we’d grab a bite to eat at Optimist Hall. My absolute favorite spot there is Harriet’s—their burgers are on another level (just thinking about them makes my mouth water). After that, we’d head to South End, which holds a special place in my heart since it was the first neighborhood I lived in when I moved to Charlotte in 2018. It’s a great area to walk around, soak in the vibe, and see how much it’s grown and changed over the years.

For dinner, we’d hit up Seoul Food Meat Company. It’s one of my go-to spots for wings—soy garlic, of course. After that, we’d head back home, kick it in the backyard, and just vibe out for the rest of the night.

Day Two:
We’d start the morning with bagels from Poppy’s in South End—hands down one of my favorite breakfast spots. Then, we’d make our way to the Whitewater Center. We wouldn’t do any of the activities (unless they’re feeling adventurous), but just walking around the whitewater course, grabbing drinks, and snacking while watching people tackle the rapids is always a good time.

Afterward, I’d take them on a personalized mural tour to see all the work I’ve done around Charlotte. It’s such a great way to revisit my journey as an artist and show them what I’ve been up to. For dinner, we’d mix it up and choose between Kid Cashew, Open Rice, or the new Alley 51.

To top off the night, we’d grab dessert at Two Scoops Creamery—their ice cream is absolutely amazing and the perfect sweet treat to end the day. Then, we’d head back home and finish the night with some competitive Uno.

Day Three:
On the final morning, we’d grab coffee and breakfast at Rhino Market or The People’s Market—both are awesome local spots. Then, we’d wrap up the trip, feeling refreshed, inspired, and probably a little full from all the good food.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have so many shoutouts to give. Over the years, I’ve been shaped by incredible people, books, and experiences that have made me who I am today. But this shoutout goes to ArtPop Street Gallery, a nonprofit organization in Charlotte, NC, whose mission is to help artists thrive and succeed in their craft.

At the start of my journey, getting projects, connecting with clients, and gaining any sort of recognition felt almost impossible. I was new to the Charlotte art scene and didn’t know anyone. Then I heard about ArtPop and saw their billboards showcasing local artists. I remember thinking, I have to learn more about this.

I went to my first ArtPop event and had the honor of meeting Wendy Hickey, the founder. From the moment we connected, Wendy saw my passion for wanting to succeed as an artist. She immediately went to work for me, connecting me with amazing clients who commissioned murals, digital art, and even billboards in Charlotte and Los Angeles.

ArtPop Street Gallery didn’t just open doors for me—they handed me rockets to reach the moon. I just had to steer the ship. I will forever be grateful for how ArtPop kickstarted my career and believed in me when I was just starting out.

Website: https://www.juniordesignsart.com/

Instagram: juniordesigns_

Linkedin: Junior Gomez

Facebook: Junior Designs

Youtube: Junior Designs Art

Image Credits
Danny Blanco
Instagram: ny_gambit

Lejaun “LJ” Williams
Instagram: cltvo