He went on to study at the University of South Carolina, where he immersed himself among gifted instructors and classmates – many of whom remain close friends to this day. Though his sights were set on the art world, fate offered an unexpected detour: an innate feel for rhythm and music drew Josef to the turntables. For years, he earned recognition as one of the Southeast’s premier nightclub DJs, performing at the region’s largest and most celebrated venues, collecting awards and commendations along the way. It was during this chapter that he met Josh — his husband, his most steadfast supporter, and, by his own admission, his most honest critic.

Yet even as the years behind the turntables were simultaneously personally and professionally fulfilling, art still remained a driving passion. Josef began accepting commission work on a limited basis, and clients were struck by what he could achieve. With Josh’s unwavering encouragement and support, Josef made the leap — committing fully to the calling that had been with him since childhood, and fulfilling a lifelong dream.

Since then, Josef has become a frequent contributor in both solo and group gallery exhibitions, a journey that ultimately led to the founding of his own creative enterprise: Eye-Conic Art Studio.