Joel Fox on Art, Animation, and Staying Curious

Bridging Nature and Imagination Through Art

Joel Fox discusses his artistic journey, blending nature and imagination, his work on Yo Gabba Gabba!, the impact of social media advice for emerging artists navigating today’s art world.

Joel Fox is a visionary artist whose work bridges the natural and the fantastical, creating a unique dialogue between the world we know and the one we dream of. With a career that spans from crafting whimsical, imaginative segments for beloved children’s shows like Yo Gabba Gabba! to showcasing his experimental and thought-provoking pieces in galleries, Joel’s art is a testament to his boundless creativity and versatility. His ability to seamlessly move between mediums—whether video, photography, or mixed media—reflects a deep curiosity and a commitment to exploring the full spectrum of artistic expression. Joel’s work doesn’t just invite viewers to look; it invites them to feel, to wonder to reconnect with both the magic of childhood and the awe of the natural world.

In this interview, Joel shares insights into his artistic journey, from growing up in the inspiring landscapes of Ojai, California, to navigating the ever-evolving digital art scene. He reflects on the joys and challenges of creating for children’s television, the impact of social media on the art world the importance of staying curious and authentic in a fast-paced, image-saturated culture. Joel’s thoughtful perspective and candid advice offer a rare glimpse into the mind of an artist who continues to push boundaries while staying true to his roots.

How has growing up in Ojai, California influenced your artistic practice and career choices? 

Ojai is a small town, maybe 18,000 in the whole valley. It isn’t on the way to anywhere but it has become a kind of cool place for a lot of engaging folks. I think our perspective of what is possible comes from our context sprinkled around the edges of my youth were many successful entertainers, artists business people. Big things seemed more possible, even routine, when they are your neighbors.  World class art shows were just a day trip away my mom took me to some good ones.  All this is sprinkled on a solid childhood hiking in nature and riding my bike everywhere. 

Can you describe your experience transitioning from corporate identity work to creating content for children’s television? 

Good question!  I haven’t really transitioned, I am still doing everything at the same time.  I really approach it all as art.  Sometimes the frame is a Levi’s store,  Sometimes it is a 10 seconds gap on a kid’s show a lot of time it is just me researching/goofing around at home making stuff that I might only show to people who stop by. 

What were some of the most rewarding aspects of working on Yo Gabba Gabba how did that shape your approach to art and media?

The best parts of the show are the same as making any art- making a piece that surprises you and delightfully freaks you out!  It’s hard to shock yourself.  The elements of Yo Gabba are made by passionate people who want to create a great experience for kids.  It’s a job, but one that we took way more to heart.  I am sure that Yo Gabba gave me more confidence, having my work seen so widely and appreciated. But perhaps my art shaped the show even more! I worked on many tiny elements and they came from the ideas I have been working on all along. 

In what ways do you feel the accessibility of art through platforms like Instagram has changed the art world compared to when you started your career? 

This is a question we are in the middle of, but it looks like the art world is really morphing.  Im trying to figure it out like everyone else. It seems like the traditional path of galleries/curators still exists but it has lost a lot of luster now that there are so many other ways to be seen and find success.  Gatekeepers have faded in importance.  But they were also filters that helped find the good stuff.  Now we are faced with so much imagery that we appreciate curation even more.  The recommendation engine of any social media feed is the backbone of their business.  Anyway, yes Instagram has been great for getting my work to people who appreciate it and it’s elevated my work by helping my find so many other inspiring artists. Relative to my career- not sure what mine is really so I am not sure when it started.  

As someone who has both taught and practiced art, what advice would you give to emerging artists trying to navigate today’s densely populated art scene? 

It’s probably great to find a way to support yourself that doesn’t depend on how much anyone likes your art—this can give you the freedom to create without compromise.  Of course a bit of pressure, like a deadline can really help too.  I think the biggest thing is to make work, make things you want to see.  Don’t wait for someone to ask you to make a show or a painting or movie or whatever, make it because you want to then make another and another.  If you have a body of work someone might ask you to make some for them!  If you don’t want to make a body of work, then do not try to be an artist. Being an “artist” is just ridiculous and the only thing that makes it bearable is if you get a thrill from making stuff.  I worked on “The Oscars” a few years and the most creative person at that production house may have been the accountant.  She was an opera singer.  She did accounting to maintain her opera habit.  Plumbers can work just until lunch and make enough to live well and buy art supplies.  As the Balinese have said-  “We have no art. We do everything as well as we can.”

How do you balance your art practice with your work creating video segments for brands in a digital landscape that moves so quickly?

Well, I just make stuff when I can.  My work is pretty irregular but somehow I seem to make more art when I am busy with a job! A bit frustrating.  I do enjoy tech news (it’s almost never “bad news”) and playing with new things so that helps me stay relevant and also I love looking at interesting new work that which lifts my own practice, keeps my perspective fresh.  Sometimes old art or ideas are relevant again too, you just keep and eye out and stay curious.