Josh Conn

Waldorf, Maryland

I have spent most of my life very anxious, addicted and sad. I have never been good at expressing myself in any other way besides artistically. I use my art to try to capture and communicate a feeling I can’t seem to express in any other way. I spend most of my days completely alone because of social anxieties and drawing is my way of trying to be productive and still contribute to the world. My art is really the only thing I have received much praise for in my life and it’s the only thing I feel like I’m good at (most of the time). When people appreciate my artwork it makes me feel like I still exist.

I tend to work small and draw crude cartoonish characters using mostly ink and alcohol markers with touches of mixed media like paint or pastels or even flowers from my garden. I animate and screen print my drawings sometimes as well.

Josh Conn is a multidisciplinary artist based in Waldorf, Maryland, whose work bridges illustration, animation, and printmaking. Josh works professionally as a silk screen printer, often translating his art into wearable designs. His creative practice is rooted in experimentation and storytelling, finding inspiration in everyday life and the joy of making. When he’s not in the studio, he finds balance in gardening — a quiet reminder of growth, patience, and creativity in motion.

A graduate of UMBC with a BFA in animation and printmaking, Josh has created hundreds of illustrations, short films, and music videos, including Intro by Checkmate, which was featured at the 2020 Sweaty Eyeballs Animation Festival in Baltimore.

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Artist Interview

Q: Your work explores themes of depression and anxiety. How has creating art helped you navigate and express these emotions?

A: My artwork is my way of trying to express these emotions in a productive way. I don't know how much it helps since I still wish I hadn't woken up most days but it does give me an outlet to get my stress out. And it's better than rotting away in bed.

Q: Your use of bold colours and dynamic compositions stands out. How do you decide on the visual language for each piece, especially when expressing complex emotions?

A: If I am being honest there is not much planning that goes into each piece. I just try and fill up the whole space in an interesting way. Most of my work is very similar as far as subject matter. Its usually features some character with an expressive face in some sad situation. Sometimes I have an idea what that situation will be and sometimes it comes as I'm sketching. As far as color, I use mostly prismacolor markers which are kinda pricey so I end up just using what colors still have ink in them. In my latest pieces, I have been adding a yellow background with watercolors but I don't really know the reason behind it. I think I just like yellow.

Q: Many people might see their own struggles reflected in your work. What has the response been like from viewers who relate to your themes of mental health?

Interview