Today we’d like to introduce you to Joshy Pellerin.
Hi Joshy, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always been drawn to art and nostalgia. Growing up in Vermont as a Child of a Deaf Adult (CODA), I saw the world a little differently and learned early on that communication can happen in many forms. Art became one of mine.
Before becoming a full-time artist, I worked a variety of jobs in restaurants, bakeries, housekeeping, and other industries while painting whenever I could. In 2020, I made two life-changing decisions: I stopped drinking alcohol and committed myself fully to painting. I’m grateful to say I’ve remained sober ever since. That decision gave me the focus, discipline, and clarity to build the creative life I’d always wanted.
What started as selling original watercolor paintings gradually evolved into creating wearable art and lifestyle goods under my brand, Watercolors by Joshy.
Today, I transform my original watercolor paintings into everything from apparel and blankets to accessories and home goods, blending pop culture, retro Americana, music, movies, and New England landmarks into colorful, conversation-starting designs. My work has found fans across the country and internationally, and one of my Nicolas Cage collections was even featured in The Telegraph in the UK.
Although I’m based in Vermont, my work has also found a home in Nashville through my Dolly Parton artwork and participation in local art shows and creative events. I love creating pieces that make people laugh, spark nostalgia, or remind them of a favorite movie, musician, or place they cherish.
Looking back, it’s been an unconventional path filled with plenty of trial and error, but every step has helped shape both my art and my business. I’m grateful that what began as watercolor paintings at my kitchen table has grown into a brand that lets people literally wear my artwork.
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?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like many independent artists, I’ve had to wear every hat imaginable—artist, photographer, marketer, web designer, packer, shipper, accountant, and customer service representative. Building a creative business means you’re constantly learning new skills while trying to stay creative.
There have also been personal challenges. Years after a serious tubing accident in 2005, I learned that I had suffered a traumatic brain injury that had gone undiagnosed for many years. Understanding that answered a lot of questions about why certain things had been more difficult than they seemed for others. It also taught me to be patient with myself and to find systems that help me stay organized and focused.
Getting sober in 2020 was another turning point. It gave me the clarity and discipline to dedicate myself to painting every day and build Watercolors by Joshy into a full-time business. That decision changed the trajectory of both my life and my career.
Like most small businesses, there have been financial challenges too. Rising production costs, shipping expenses, slow seasons, and the uncertainty of relying on art for a living can all be stressful. But every challenge has pushed me to adapt, whether that’s creating new products, traveling to art shows, collaborating with local businesses, or finding new ways to connect with customers.
Looking back, I wouldn’t trade the journey. Every obstacle has made me a better artist, a stronger business owner, and more appreciative of the people who support independent creators.
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?
At its core, Watercolors by Joshy is about transforming original watercolor paintings into wearable art and nostalgic lifestyle goods. Every design begins as a hand-painted watercolor before it’s adapted into apparel, blankets, accessories, and home décor. I love taking a traditional medium like watercolor and giving it a completely unexpected second life.
My work is heavily inspired by pop culture, retro Americana, music, movies, roadside attractions, and the places that make people feel at home. Whether it’s Dolly Parton, Nicolas Cage, The Big Lebowski, Vermont landmarks, or an obscure cult classic, I enjoy creating pieces that make people smile and instantly spark a memory or conversation.
I’m probably best known for my bold, colorful watercolor portraits and my all-over print apparel. Seeing someone literally wear one of my paintings never gets old. I also enjoy painting local landmarks and hidden gems throughout Vermont because those pieces often become meaningful keepsakes for people who have a connection to those places.
What I’m most proud of is building a business that’s authentically me. I never chased trends or tried to imitate other artists. Instead, I leaned into my own interests—nostalgia, humor, and the things that genuinely make me happy—and found that there are thousands of people who connect with that same sense of joy and individuality.
I think what sets my work apart is that every product starts with a real watercolor painting. In a world where so much artwork is created digitally, I still begin with paint, water, and paper. Those original brushstrokes, textures, and little imperfections remain part of the finished design, whether it’s hanging on a wall or printed on a Hawaiian shirt. My goal has always been to create art that doesn’t just decorate a space—it becomes part of someone’s everyday life.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
It’s hard to pick just one, but two memories immediately come to mind.
Drawing was a huge part of my childhood. I remember sitting at my grandmother’s house with a set of colored pencils, completely absorbed in making a drawing for my grandpa. When I showed it to him, he couldn’t believe someone my age had created it. My family had to convince him that I had actually drawn it myself. Looking back, that encouragement meant a lot and gave me confidence to keep creating.
Another favorite memory is one that’s become a family legend. I was probably 9 or 10 years old, visiting York Beach, Maine, with my family. My father, who is Deaf, gave me a few dollars and asked if I wanted to go to the arcade and the lobster pound in town. For some reason, my brain fixated on the words “lobster pound.” I imagined it worked just like a dog pound, where you could adopt a lobster that needed a home.
I skipped the arcade, walked into the lobster pound, and proudly spent all my money on a live lobster. I carried it back to where my family was staying, absolutely thrilled with my new pet. Unfortunately, everyone had to explain that lobster pounds don’t work that way, and my new “friend” ended up becoming dinner that night.
It’s one of those childhood misunderstandings that still makes my family laugh, and it’s inspired me to turn the experience into a watercolor children’s book. In a way, it captures how I’ve always seen the world—with a lot of imagination, curiosity, and the ability to find a story in just about anything.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.watercolorsbyjoshy.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/watercolorsbyjoshy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/watercolorsbyjoshy
