Life & Work with Jonathan Borodiansky of Phoenix

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonathan Borodiansky

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Since my childhood, I have always harbored a profound and unwavering passion for creativity and art. When I reflect on the moments that have shaped me most, it is the hours spent drawing, experimenting with various forms of artistic expression, and indulging in the vibrant world of visual creativity that stand out the most. I vividly recall moments spent studying the intricate details of old waterslide Rat Fink decals on my father’s toolbox, mesmerized by their bold designs and rebellious energy, and eagerly flipping through the pages of MAD Magazine, each issue offering a fresh burst of irreverent humor and sharp commentary. It was through these experiences that my curiosity began to blossom, gradually transforming into a deep desire to pursue a career in the arts. As time went on, family members and friends started to take note of my natural inclination for visual art and hands-on media, which only fueled my determination to hone my craft. This growing interest ultimately led to my decision to enroll in an art-focused high school, where I was fortunate enough to immerse myself in an environment where the creative process was valued just as highly as academics, allowing me to explore my artistic potential in greater depth.

Throughout my journey, I have always felt like an old soul, deeply attuned to the timeless styles and design sensibilities of the past, particularly the aesthetic movements that emerged between the 1940s and the early 1970s. It has been during this transformative journey in my artistic development that I stumbled upon a veritable treasure trove of vintage ephemera—books, magazines, labels, advertisements, and so much more—that ignited a passion within me for the bold, colorful, and dynamic world of mid-century commercial illustration. The works from the ’50s and ’60s spoke to me in a way that was both nostalgic and innovative, and they didn’t simply inspire me—they became a foundation for my creative journey. This fascination with a bygone era continues to resonate with me today, shaping my artistic practice and pushing me to capture, reinterpret, and breathe new life into the vibrant spirit of that time.

As I continue to grow and evolve as an artist, I am incredibly fortunate to now find myself in a position where I am able to take on commissions from both small and large clients, each offering a unique opportunity to challenge myself and expand my creative horizons. Additionally, I have had the privilege of showcasing my work at various art shows, both locally and across the country, where I have been able to connect with a broader community of like-minded artists and art lovers. In the grand scheme of my artistic aspirations, my ultimate goal is to develop into a journeyman artist, someone who is versatile in a wide range of mediums and can master the diverse styles and techniques that come with each discipline. From screen printing and mold making to digital art and velvet painting, I have eagerly embraced every chance to learn and grow. And now, with an insatiable desire to keep pushing my boundaries, I have begun exploring the world of photography, adding yet another tool to my ever-expanding creative toolkit. With each new medium I adopt, I strive not just to understand it, but to make it uniquely my own—imbuing it with my personal style and vision. It is this relentless drive to innovate and my undying passion for creativity that fuel my artistic journey, propelling me forward as I continue to explore new possibilities and challenge the limits of my craft.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The trials and tribulations of being a young independent artist are both challenging and transformative, and I’ve felt every bit of that. There are days when the journey feels unpredictable and overwhelming, where self-doubt creeps in at every corner and perseverance is the only thing that keeps me going. The road to establishing myself has often felt like an uphill battle, with each step forward met by a new obstacle that tests my resolve.

In the early stages, financial instability was always right by my side, and the struggle to make a living from my passion often kept me up at night, questioning if I’d ever find a way to break through. Trying to balance the need to create with the necessity of paying bills meant taking on jobs that drained me, leaving me exhausted and unsure if I would ever be able to live fully off my art. The art world felt so vast and competitive, and at times, I found myself getting lost in a sea of talented people, each one trying to carve out their own space. The fear of failure loomed constantly, and rejection became an all-too-familiar feeling—whether it was from galleries, clients, or exhibitions. It sometimes made me wonder if I was cut out for this journey.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Like I mentioned before, I tend to dive into different mediums, letting my ADHD hyper-fixations take over and fully immersing myself in whatever catches my attention at the time. One example of this is my love for painting on velvet. Even though it’s not something I see as trendy right now, it’s something I still enjoy, and I can’t help but get lost in the process. There’s a certain joy in selecting the right velvet—feeling the texture, finding just the right one to bring the piece to life. What I love most are those kitschy Tijuana roadside velvet paintings, the ones with sad clowns and big-eyed orphans. There’s something so nostalgic and fun about them, and I find a weird kind of comfort in creating in that style, even if it’s a little out of step with current trends. It’s like stepping into a time capsule of another era, and I absolutely love it.
I’m most proud of having what I like to call an “instant grandpa eye.” It’s that ability to instantly spot charm, character, and the kind of quirky details that others might overlook. Whether it’s in a vintage piece of art, a forgotten object, or a hidden gem of a scene, I’ve got this knack for seeing beauty in the most unexpected places. It’s like I have a sixth sense for nostalgia, and it helps me bring a unique perspective to my work.
I truly believe that I move to the rhythm of my own drum, confidently charting my own course and embracing the unique path that feels most authentic to me. There’s a sense of freedom in living unapologetically, fully embracing who I am without the need for validation or approval from others. This approach allows me to remain true to my creative vision, explore new ideas, and express myself in a way that feels genuine, without being constrained by conventional expectations or external pressures. It’s all about celebrating individuality and allowing my true essence to guide every step of my journey.

Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Haha, well, one thing I’ve certainly mastered is growing a very bushy beard and becoming very feral! But on a more serious note, I’ve really focused on refining my craft and honing my artistic skills to a much higher level. With more time on my hands, especially since I no longer have the constraints of a 9-to-5 job, I’ve been able to connect with more artists, collaborate, and truly immerse myself in the creative community. Having the flexibility to dedicate myself fully to my work has opened up so many opportunities for growth and learning, allowing me to expand my horizons and reach new creative heights.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/offthecobkooky
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/jonathan-borodiansky
• Other: https://allmylinks.com/offthecobkooky?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZ21yuUQuOCk9xUnmztzjlMwCclFh5aIenEuJeLpLGI4wwnTcuEH1QQMAY_aem_2DWP9-WoUwylLuRiYBmUAA

Image Credits
Profile Image shot by Jon Pearson 2018
Advertisement photo taken by Kate Benjamin/HausPanther 2021
Casey Moores Back Alley market 2024
all other images are my own.