Creative Identity Crisis: Searching For The Joy in Art Again with Bo Bramwell

Bo Bramwell – Bo Bramwell. Professional artist and illustrator based out of San Diego, CA working in pen and ink, watercolor, woodburning, and digital mediums.

On the Shifting Perceptions Podcast, artist Bowen Bramwell joins host Jay Alders to explore the highs and lows of life as a creative. This conversation takes a raw look at vulnerability, the search for identity, and the challenges of sustaining passion. If you’re an artist, creative, or someone dealing with mental health struggles, this discussion offers valuable insights into navigating some of the most common obstacles.

The Power of Vulnerability in Art

Bo and Jay agree that openness and vulnerability are essential for artists. Sharing raw and honest content can not only lessen feelings of isolation but also draw like-minded people toward you. Being vulnerable can feel terrifying at first, but with time, it becomes an essential skill—helping us connect on a deeper level and fostering resilience.

Takeaway: Embrace vulnerability as part of your creative process. It’s an essential connector that brings genuine support from others, strengthens your self-awareness, and allows your work to have a powerful emotional impact.

Identity Crisis and the Masks Artists Wear

As public figures, Bo and Jay grapple with the differences between their public personas and their true selves. Social media often heightens this divide, where followers see a polished version of the artist. This can create an exhausting double life that adds to the pressure of “performing” success for an audience, especially when that curated image doesn’t always align with reality. Many artists face this dissonance, which can make it challenging to stay true to their own evolving identities.

Takeaway: Accept that your public persona is only one aspect of who you are. Allow yourself to change and evolve, knowing that embracing your true self will ultimately bring you peace and fulfillment.

Bo Bramwell, psychedelic Artist -Trippy art with eyeball

Healing Through Self-Discovery

Bo’s art is a way to face his inner struggles—a journey that feels much like the classic “hero’s journey,” where one confronts their fears and grows as a result. Bo describes his journey as one of self-rediscovery, akin to peeling back layers to understand what truly drives him. Both artists encourage exploring new paths and embracing change as part of continuous growth.

Takeaway: Self-discovery is an ongoing process. Give yourself permission to try new things and venture into unknown territories. This willingness to explore not only keeps creativity alive but also deepens your understanding of yourself.

Art as a Means of Connection

Both Bo and Jay emphasize that the relationships they’ve built through their art are among their most rewarding achievements. The people they’ve connected with on a deep level provide understanding, empathy, and support that go far beyond surface-level validation. For them, real fulfillment comes not from fame or accolades but from the friendships they’ve nurtured along the way.

Takeaway: Seek out a community of people who truly understand and support you. These connections are often more rewarding and long-lasting than external validation, offering a vital support system through life’s ups and downs.

Navigating Creative Burnout and Rediscovery

Burnout is a significant challenge for many artists, especially those who rely on commissioned work to make a living. Bo talks about feeling trapped by public expectations, which left him stuck in a cycle of creative fatigue. Taking a step back from client work has allowed both him and Jay to rediscover the freedom and joy of creating art solely for themselves.

Takeaway: Avoid letting your creative identity become a job you perform. Taking breaks and exploring other forms of work can give you the mental space needed to reconnect with your original passions.

Facing Mental Health Challenges as an Artist

Mental health is a recurring theme for both Bo and Jay. They acknowledge that while art can be a refuge, it’s not always enough to address deeper mental health issues. Bo shares his childhood struggles with feelings of worthlessness and how art became an outlet for him. Jay emphasizes the importance of balance, using exercise and other practices to maintain mental well-being without relying too heavily on any one coping mechanism.

Takeaway: Mental health requires a balanced approach. Develop healthy coping strategies and address challenges at the root, rather than depending solely on external outlets.

Common Challenges Artists and Creatives Face (and How to Overcome Them)

1. Creative Block: Often stemming from self-doubt or fear of judgment, creative block is a common struggle. Both Bo and Jay emphasize that giving yourself space to create without the pressure of an audience can help. Try taking a break, experimenting in a different medium, or just creating for fun to reignite your passion.

2. Imposter Syndrome: The feeling that you’re not truly skilled or deserving of your success affects nearly every artist. Bo shares how it took time for him to fully own his artistic identity. The key is to remember that your unique perspective is valuable, and you don’t need validation to legitimize your work.

3. Finding Your Artistic Voice: Discovering a style or voice that feels authentically yours is a journey in itself. Bo mentions the importance of practicing with intention—each piece is an opportunity to grow, experiment, and get closer to your creative essence.

4. Balancing Work and Passion: Many artists struggle to balance their passion with the need to earn a living, which can sometimes dilute their original artistic intent. Both Bo and Jay have found value in saying “no” to certain projects, allowing them to focus more on the type of art that truly fulfills them.

5. Maintaining Mental Health: Creating can be a powerful outlet for emotional expression, but it doesn’t replace professional support. Practicing mindfulness, exercising, or even stepping back from art when needed can help artists manage stress and stay balanced.

Closing Thoughts: Rediscovery Through Creative Growth

Bo and Jay’s conversation serves as a reminder that the path to creative fulfillment is not linear but an ongoing journey of growth and adaptation. They urge fellow artists and creatives to embrace their struggles, lean into vulnerability, and seek deeper connections both with themselves and others. By sharing their personal challenges, Bo and Jay illustrate how navigating uncertainty and self-doubt can ultimately fuel a richer, more fulfilling creative path.

Final Key Takeaways:

• Embrace Authenticity: Vulnerability strengthens connections and adds depth to your work.

• Stay Open to Growth: Self-discovery is a continuous process that enhances both art and life.

• Balance Mental Health: Prioritize a balanced approach to well-being and address core challenges.

• Foster Genuine Connections: Build a support network of like-minded individuals who uplift and understand you.

Through their candid reflections, Bo and Jay offer a valuable reminder: true creative success isn’t about fame or fortune, but about living authentically, supporting each other, and never losing sight of why you started creating in the first place.

Celebrating Creative Collaborations and Milestone Exhibits

Bo Bramwell’s journey as an artist has been punctuated by unforgettable collaborations and exhibitions that not only raised his profile but also affirmed his place in the art world. Known for his intricate pen-and-ink, watercolor, and digital artwork, Bo has been sought out by renowned names in the music industry, including Sublime, Slightly Stoopid, and Atmosphere. Each of these collaborations allowed Bo to blend his signature style with the vibrant personalities of the bands, creating pieces that resonate with fans and deepen the connection between music and visual art.

One of Bo’s significant career highlights was his collaboration with Alex Grey, one of the most celebrated psychedelic artists of our time. Exhibiting alongside Grey was a surreal experience for Bo, not only fulfilling a long-held dream but also presenting a rare opportunity to connect with fans, collectors, and fellow artists who share his love for surreal, boundary-pushing art. For Bo, this exhibition was a moment of self-reflection as much as celebration, marking a pinnacle of his career while also driving him to question what his next artistic evolution might be.

Through these collaborations and exhibits, Bo has built a reputation as an artist with a distinct style that resonates beyond the visual. His work captures something timeless and deeply emotional, speaking to his commitment to art as a journey of self-discovery and connection. Each collaboration is a testament to Bo’s dedication to creating art that isn’t just seen but felt, inspiring his fans and fellow artists alike.