When Kim Kardashian comes calling asking for your artwork to be the designing feature of her personal website and app, you can safely say that your artistic vision has just found an audience. Jovan Rosario has now become one of the fashion world’s most exciting new illustrators. Pony Boy, as he’s known on Instagram, illuminates his visions from mind to page in an almost entirely black, grey, and white scale sketch world that pours over with the kind of cohesive purity of a distinct and refined vision—a vision that he feels is profoundly reflective of the world we live in today. Sources had the privilege of chatting with @ponyy_boyy to talk bout the deeper inspiration behind the sketch, as he shares his journey from humble artist to visionary illustrator.
Your Instagram body of work reflects what seems to be a distinct affinity towards black, white, and grey. Is this intentional?
Jovan Rosario: Black, white, and grey represent so many things for me. It represents a fashion statement; bold and in-your-face, yet classic and chic. When it comes to my body of work, I want to convey that same vibe. Colors represent society. Some of us see the world in shades of grey while others see the world as black and white. It sparks conversation, and I want my work to make people talk.
TLLC: What was your breakthrough moment as an artist? JR: I have two breakthrough moments that I am most grateful for and those are creating a look book, illustrated from cover to cover, for the Ashley Lauren evening wear line, and creating illustrations for Kim Kardashian’s website.
TLLC: How did you get your start as an illustrator? Any mentors? JR: I first started illustrating in high school, in my history notebook actually (laughing). I began illustrating professionally in 2012. I am mostly self-taught, but I did have one professor who saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself at the time, and she definitely sparked something in me. Thank you, Professor Lacen!
TLLC: As an artist, how do you balance your talent with the realities of business? JR: Finding a balance between talent and the realities of business is one of the hardest things I’ve struggled with. Knowing your self-worth and what you are capable of creating is definitely what helped to find that balance. It’s always different with each situation, but I take each moment as a lesson to grow. I do my best to let people know that what I do is just as much a career as anyone else that’s doing what they love.
TLLC: Tell us the meaning behind your Instagram name @ponyy_boyy. JR: When I first joined Instagram, I wanted to use my original name but that was already taken. I decided to use this name from a book I read many moons ago called The Outsiders. I loved the message in the book. I also have a tattoo with a similar phrase from the book. It says, “Stay Golden.” Using the name Pony Boy just felt right. Before I knew it, the name took on a life of its own. Everyone calls me Pony now.
TLLC: Who would you love to draw that you haven’t, and why? JR: I would love to draw a few people that are fashion icons to me. I would love to draw Daphne Guinness. She is walking art and so beautiful. Also, Angelina Jolie and Johnny Deep are two artists that I would love to interpret in my style.
TLLC: Your drawings have a sexy vibe to them, where do you draw inspiration? JR: I definitely want people to feel sexy in their own skin and when they see my illustrations I want them to feel that. I also want to inspire people to be their best selves, to be confident and unique. That’s something I’m personally working on everyday and everyday I grow a bit more. I think it shines through in my work.
TLLC: As an artist what made you want to focus on becoming a fashion illustrator? JR: I never really viewed myself as an artist until I began pouring every emotion into my work. I felt my fashion sense was evolving. I wanted to create illustrations that reflected not only my feelings, but my personal style as well. Fashion is my therapy, and sketching illustrations brings me joy. The more I sketched, the more I focused on improving my style. Eventually, I had created an avenue for myself where I was able to do what I love and get paid for it.
TLLC: What is the legacy you wish to leave in this industry? JR: I wish to leave a body of work that will forever inspire anyone who wants to follow their dreams, especially when they don’t necessarily see it in the moment. I want my body of work to be a part of changing lives in any way possible, even if it’s just one person.
TLLC: In a more immediate sense what else can fans expect next from Jovan? JR: It’s still crazy to me when people tell me they are fans of my work! I have tons of projects in the works, but I never like to reveal too much until I am in love with the final product. One thing I can say is that I am taking everything to the next level, and I would love to give back to society, using my art to create awareness for the many issues in today’s world. Stay tuned!
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