An Inspired Chat with Juan Nunez of Phoenix

Juan Nunez shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Good morning Juan , we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Integrity

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’ve been into art since I was about six—I remember always drawing in class, even though my teachers weren’t thrilled! After high school, I studied graphic design at South Mountain Community College for a couple of years. That’s also when I started experimenting with spray paint on my own.

In 2019, I got really sick with COVID, but thankfully, I recovered. It made me realize I wanted to focus on my passion: painting. While I was healing, I started painting murals on my parents’ backyard walls. My mom suggested the first one, and I ended up painting all the walls! I shared my art on Instagram and with friends and family, and things took off from there.

I got invited to a few art shows where I sold some pieces, and people started asking me to paint murals. So, in 2022, I created Phoenix Murals LLC. By 2023, I was working full-time as a mural artist!

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
My dad’s guidance, especially his emphasis on professionalism and a strong work ethic, has been a constant in my life since I was little.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?

Honestly, the biggest fear that’s held me back is probably self-doubt. Putting your art out there, especially on such a large scale as a mural, is incredibly vulnerable. There’s always that little voice in the back of my head questioning if it’s good enough, if people will like it, or if I’m truly capable of pulling off a complex design. Overcoming that fear has been a constant process, but pushing myself to take risks and seeing the positive reactions to my work has definitely helped me grow.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
I try my best to be authentic, so I’d say the public version of me is pretty close to the real me. Of course, there are things I keep private, but I don’t try to be someone I’m not when I’m interacting with people. I think it’s important to be genuine, and I value honesty in my relationships.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people will say my murals showed them a new side of Arizona and nature. I want them to remember the way I used color and light to bring the desert to life, and how I tried to show that art can connect us to each other and the world around us.

More than anything, I hope people will say my murals did some good for the community, maybe sparking a conversation or two. I want them to say that my work encouraged others to find their own voice and share what they care about through their art. I hope they say that I reminded artists that their creativity can make a real difference. If people say my art made them think, even for a moment, and maybe inspired someone else to create, I’ll be happy.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.phoenixmurals.art
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phoenixmural/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1D8bgEkynG/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@phoenixmurals?si=Rj22RLGtMmXwkIVv
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@phoenixmurals?_t=ZT-8y9VaXYJs1F&_r=1

Image Credits
Angela Aragon