Joseph Graves shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Joseph, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What is a normal day like for you right now?
I wake up at 5am, hit the gym for an hour and 30 minutes. Rush home, get dressed. Take myself and my two daughters to school. They both attend the high school where I teach. , I start teaching Photography at 8:25 am at South High School each day. Then I switch to teaching Digital Arts. During my break and lunch, I drive down to my art studio and eat and try to start a new painting. Return back to school and teach to Drawing and painting classes. Then I pick up my girls from their extracurricular activities and head home to start my lesson plans for the next day and maybe help with dinner.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I was born in Liberal, Kansas, and grew up moving around quite a bit because my dad worked in the natural gas industry. My family eventually returned to Kansas when I was a senior in high school. I went on to earn my law degree from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law in 2005—but life had other creative plans for me.
After law school, I pursued acting both on stage and in film, appearing in several productions and eventually landing a role in The Locals, a zombie series on Amazon. Along the way, I was honored with a state holiday in Colorado, proclaimed by Governor John Hickenlooper.
As I mentioned, I teach art and digital media at South High School, where I help students explore creativity through photography, design, and storytelling. I’m also a painter, illustrator, and proud Black cowboy—my roots and heritage inspire much of my work.
Most recently, I wrote and illustrated a children’s book titled Daddy Joe’s Cowboy Capers, a fun and heartfelt tribute to my father’s childhood adventures growing up in the country with his brothers —Jerry & Chuck. I completed a large mural in Denver’s RiNo Art District, which I am super proud of. I also have paintings on display at the Clayton Members Hotel, and recently sold three paintings to a collector in Turkey. I’m currently preparing new artwork for exhibition at Seesaw Gallery and working toward showing at Art Basel in Miami. Whether I’m in the classroom, on stage, painting in my studio, or singing karaoke, I love sharing art that connects people and celebrates imagination, culture, and community.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My earliest memory of feeling powerful was when I told my mom that anything I said would happen or come true. I must have been around six or seven, but I really believed I had some kind of superpower. It wasn’t about control—it was about imagination and faith. I felt like my words carried weight, like I could speak something into existence. Words are powerful. Looking back, that moment reminds me how strong belief and creativity can be. In many ways, I’ve carried that same energy into my art, teaching, and storytelling today.
What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
I’ve switched careers many, many times. But during COVID, I ran into one of my old middle school teachers, Mrs. Damon. She said, “Hey Jojo!” and I replied, “Hey Mrs. Damon!” She asked if I still remembered MLK Middle School, and when I said yes, she told me they were looking for an art teacher — someone who wouldn’t be afraid to teach about Black artists.
At the time, I had never even considered being a teacher. But the idea of helping students learn about incredible artists like Kara Walker, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Jacob Lawrence, Detour, Michael Gadlin, and Kehinde Wiley really inspired me. So I decided to explore it.
Taking the Art Praxis was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done — I failed at first. But my daughter helped me learn how to truly study for it, and I eventually passed. That experience taught me that failure isn’t the end — sometimes it’s just a redirection toward what you’re meant to do.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What do you believe is true but cannot prove?
I believe Black cowboys existed before white cowboys. History just didn’t bother to write it down that way. Our ancestors were already out there — herding cattle, breaking horses, living free under the same sky — long before Hollywood ever gave the cowboy a face.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope they say I took the time to celebrate them, to sing or call on their birthdays, to give the kind of hugs that made them feel truly seen. That I was genuine, dependable, and present — someone who showed up not for recognition, but because showing up mattered. That in the small, quiet ways, I left them feeling remembered, valued, and loved.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.josephgravesjr.com
- Instagram: artbyjoseph_graves_jr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephgravesjr/
- Yelp: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephgravesjr/
