Meet Jason Brammer | Artist & Musican

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jason Brammer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jason, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor behind my success is that I enjoy creating murals and fine art so much, that it doesn’t feel like a job, per se, but it’s just what I do. It can be incredibly challenging at times, but I get a deep sense of satisfaction and a lot of encouragement from people who enjoy what I create. When I’m painting murals outside I often receive accolades from strangers passing by, which gives me a boost, and I feel like I’m doing something worthwhile.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I create public and residential murals, commissioned artwork, paintings, drawings, and some mixed-media sculptural works. What sets me apart from others is my hyper-realistic style achieved by using an airbrush, which I call “photo surrealism”. I am currently working on my fourth hand-painted drum kit for legendary drummer Jimmy Chamberlin of “The Smashing Pumpkins”, for their upcoming tour. I have created poster art for the rock band “My Morning Jacket”, Robert Plant (of “Led Zeppelin”) and others. My large scale murals in Chicago (one commissioned by the Shedd Aquarium) are among my favorite creations.

It was not easy getting to where I am, and I overcame challenges by continually honing my craft. I’ve learned that becoming a better artist requires discipline and an endless amount of practice.

I’d like everyone to know that I am always seeking opportunities to express my vision to the world and I love to travel to create epic murals.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If someone where coming to Chicago, I would have them over to my studio to show them the 3,000 sq. foot former grocery store that I have transformed into a visual wonderland. We would then do a coffee tour of the all the shops that I have painted for Dark Matter Coffee around town (viewable on my website). The Art Institute is a must see and I am a member, so we could hang out in the lounge, overlooking Millennium Park. In the evening, we would go see some comedy at the Humboldt Jungle and The Den Theater. For music, we’d check out Lincoln Hall, Empty Bottle, Schubas, and Old Town School of Folk Music. For food, the “Spinning J” is an award winning bakery/pie shop that has phenomenal breakfast, lunch, and desserts.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My wife, Erin Brammer (a certified yoga instructor), is my business partner and handles all of our quotes, bookkeeping, and administrative aspects of our company. Without her role in our business, a lot of what I do would not be possible, so she deserves the ultimate shoutout.

Website: https://jasonbrammer.com

Instagram: @jasonbrammer

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JasonBrammerArt

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/jasonbrammerart

Image Credits
Michael Scarpelli
Jim Vondruska