Check Out Jim Cox’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jim Cox.

Hi Jim, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
Jim Cox Designs is my primary business. Opened in 1985, I am a residential and light commercial designer for both custom clients and volume builders. I have always loved the creative process, no matter what I’m creating. I am not a musical person. I’m a car guy. But I’ve been creating things my whole life in one fashion or another. Initially, I tinkered with an old guitar by adding random car parts in my garage/hobby studio.

One enhancement led to another and before I knew it, I was on the hunt for more guitars to work with (I have car and motorcycle parts galore). The guitars are not playable! Some are themed, some are one-off and some are eclectic. Car parts, guitar parts, and personally manufactured parts are used. The possibilities are virtually endless. I credit friends who liked what they saw and encouraged me to consider selling my creations with the startup of my new endeavor.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The creative process for me comes naturally. The biggest challenge I’ve encountered in the art world is getting my work in front of the right people. My art is very specific and no doubt appeals to a particular group of collectors.

Fortunately, Jessie and Lizzie of ArtBeat Nashville enthusiastically agreed to show three of my guitars and sold one in two days. Prices range from $1,600 to $2,500 depending on the style and complexity of the design.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
It might be interesting to learn just how many new businesses have been generated as a result of Covid- 19 as opposed to the negative aspect of businesses that ultimately closed. GuitarsAsCars is a product of “Corona Boredom”.

One guitar purchase led to the next, and then another, always old, well-used instruments that would be “enhanced” with artistic new life with the addition of, what else? Car parts! And miscellaneous guitar parts, striking paint design, and of course, the occasional Corona beer bottle cap. Sometimes desired parts can’t be easily obtained and must be hand-made. No problem. Where there’s a will, there will always be a way.

Each piece is one of a kind with errors, flaws, and imperfections. THE GUITARS ARE NOT PLAYABLE! Their new life is that of a piece of art, sometimes themed, often completely random, and always unique. Kindred car guys will recognize the accessories used. Guitarists will find recognizable parts as well. If you aren’t one or the other, you will undoubtedly still find a lot to appreciate just looking!

So maybe we end by discussing what matters most to you and why?
If you are loaded with creative juices that won’t go away, you might just let them flow into the next creative hobby. If you are a “car guy” with a garage full of parts and lots of time on your hands, and in my case, a single used guitar purchased on a whim, you might put them together and see what evolves.

Thus was born GUITARSasCARS in my specialty garage, a new endeavor for a guy full of creative ideas outside his decades-long career designing homes.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.guitarsascars.com