Joshua Pearson

Although my family didn’t have an artistic background, my grandfather was incredibly creative in an engineering sense. He taught me how to build and fix things, which nurtured my creative mind and set the foundation for my future endeavors. Later, in grade school, I learned how to draw anatomical representations step by step. First, I memorized and sketched the skeletal structure, followed by the muscles, and finally the skin. During this time, I entered and won multiple Scholastic awards for illustration, which further fueled my passion. These experiences marked the beginning of the journey to where I am today.  

I experienced my first vector illustration application called Turtle on an Apple IIe. Was exposed to programming with QBasic and automation. This led to winning a science fair by creating a robotic arm made of legos that picked up and moved items from one bin to another. Learning these things trigger my love and curiosity for technology which helped me later on in my life.

Started my journey with Adobe, working with Photoshop and Illustrator for the first time on Gateway 2000s. This was the same time that I was illustrating flash art for tattoo shops by mail order. These sheets of illustrations ended up in shops from Boston to Baltimore.

Acquiring my first semi-professional camera (a Nikon FM-2), I immersed myself in photography classes, mastering film development and the science of light. This was the start of a deep-seated passion that continues to influence my work today.

Applying my Adobe skills, I ventured into print design, creating decals for cars at a vinyl signage company. This hands-on experience honed my graphic design skills and broadened my creative toolkit.  

Apprenticing at Castello Dell’ Arte, a bronze casting studio, I contributed to projects like Penn State University’s Joe Paterno statue. I also explored glass cutting and painting, deepening my artistic expertise.

Amid the Y2K frenzy, I reverse-engineered websites, learning HTML and CSS. This self-taught coding journey laid the foundation for my web development skills.

Then I moved to Massachusetts… There I worked at LaBaron Bonney Inc. (specializing in antique car upholstery), managed a record store and thrift store.  This was time that I was more free &  experimented with random creative projects.

At The Art Institute of Philadelphia, I majored in graphic design and minored in photography. I was also working at the school in the service bureau. This gave me the ability to do projects and take on client work. During that time, I landed my first freelance gigs, including branding and web design for Zack Bird, the muralist for Palm Restaurants and for a few other local businesses.

As design transitioned from print to digital, I mastered dynamic, responsive (mobile-friendly) websites, seamlessly blending design and code.  

This was when I went full-time freelance, taking on contract jobs and other gigs. I worked on the documentary “I Love My Bicycle” and projects for bands like Devil Doll and Guana Batz in association with Tiger Mask Productions. Collaborating with artists like Caroline Evans from Ink Master Rivals further enriched my creative journey.  

Through talent agencies, I worked with top design firms like Tierney Group, LevLane, M Group, & Electronic Ink. Notably, I developed ads for TD Bank’s Regis & Kelly bobblehead campaign and contributed to Aramark’s digital menu boards for high-profile clients.

At Lenox, a fine china and dinnerware company, I spearheaded the front-end development of their online store, working with brands like Kate Spade and Donna Karan. My role involved innovative e-commerce solutions and guiding creative team work within the ever evolving digital world.

Pears Media Group, born just before COVID, is my design and marketing agency. Focused on small businesses, we offer comprehensive services from print and digital design to full-spectrum marketing and PR. Clients include Sandow, Condé Nast, Leicht, Top Chef Jamie Lynch and the New York Children’s Film Festival. This was also the year that I ramped up and revived my love for photography and officially included as part of my creative arsenal.

Turning my passion for photography into a professional endeavor, my work has been published in Brides, Vogue, and other prestigious outlets. My photos serve various purposes, from web content to legal evidence during BLM protests.