PJ O'Rourke

PJ O'Rourke, a visionary artist based in the vibrant heart of New York City, is on a relentless mission to create the greatest brand in the world. Born in Tulsa, his artistic journey began with the simple yet profound influence of his father, who sparked his creative spirit by combining words and illustrations. PJ recalls his earliest memory is learning to read and through his father's drawings. This inspired him to explore art on his own. He nurtured his talent from a young age, realizing his exceptional ability as a left-handed artist when he was nearly a year old, and demonstrating a remarkable precision in his work.

These early experiences set the stage for a remarkable journey that would redefine his life's purpose. His family's entrepreneurial spirit, instilled by his father, served as a driving force behind his artistic aspirations, propelling him into the world of creativity. But, it wasn't until high school that PJ recognized the potential of turning his artistic talents into a livelihood. For him, formal education was secondary to the call of creativity. 

Inspiration flowed from the world around him, particularly his parents' engagement in politics. Growing up in a Democratic household, his parents were heavily into politics. His father's vast knowledge became a wellspring of inspiration, motivating him to seek out unique perspectives and challenge conventions through his artwork.

PJ's journey reflects a profound love for wordplay and the unorthodox use of language to convey powerful messages. Influenced by legendary wordsmiths like Big L and Eminem, he honed his craft, exploring the fusion of words and imagery to create thought-provoking and witty art. His talent for weaving seemingly unrelated concepts into striking visual narratives led him down the path of parody, a defining element of his work.

PJ O'Rourke's creations transcend traditional boundaries. His designs resonate across a broad demographic, with sports and politics occupying the top tier of his artistic exploration. PJ's fascination with sports goes beyond mere statistics; he finds poetry in the fluid movements of athletes, a world where geometry and precision hold sway. The delicate spin of a ball, the calculated angles, and the last-second precision captivates his artistic sensibilities.

His childhood passion for comic books, particularly the visual perspectives within the pages, serves as another source of inspiration. Instead of diving into the storylines, PJ delved into the dynamic angles, compositions, and illustrations of athletic superheroes. His love for visual elements from comic books found a unique merger with his passion for sports, creating a captivating fusion of these influences.

PJ O'Rourke's journey to becoming the artist he is today reflects the classic American underdog narrative. He arrived in New York, hailing from a varied background that encompassed different states and early artistic pursuits. PJ's adventures led him to the subways of New York, where he kick started his career by selling prints from a makeshift Home Depot laundry cart.

His prints gained attention, allowing him to develop his portfolio while navigating life from a basement studio apartment.  He worked tirelessly in the subway's underground world. From these humble beginnings, his brand emerged. PJ's artistic journey took him from a busker in the subway to the opening of storefront pop-up shops in the East Village and Soho, cementing his life's work, passion, and dedication to his craft.

PJ O'Rourke represents the enduring spirit required to thrive in the bustling metropolis of New York, all while striving for more. His work embodies some of the finest designs. Within his catalog, you'll find consistent themes, including historical references, politics, sports, and clever wordplay.

PJ O'Rourke's art is more than just provocative designs; it's a testament to the power of passion, determination, and the enduring pursuit of building the greatest brand in the world. His journey, from those early childhood drawings to his current artistic achievements, is an inspiring narrative that reminds us all of the boundless potential of the human spirit.

Jillian Vigon

Jillian Vigon is the dynamic Head of Brand and cherished partner to PJ O'Rourke. A native New Yorker, Jillian's journey is a testament to the boundless potential that emerges when love, creativity, and the energy of the Big Apple converge. 

Born and raised in the vibrant heart of the city, Jillian witnessed PJ's unwavering courage and determination as he navigated the fiercely competitive art scene. It was this unwavering commitment to thrive in a city that demands nothing less than your best that sparked her own fervor to contribute to his artistic venture. Jillian recognized that their story was about to take a new and exciting direction, and she was eager to play a pivotal role in making it happen.

Jillian's professional background in business development and sales, honed in the demanding New York City business landscape, provided her with a unique skill set that would prove invaluable to the brand. With her relentless enthusiasm and a keen eye for innovative branding strategies, she embraced the opportunity to support PJ's artistic journey in ways that transcended the canvas. 

PJ O'Rourke and Jillian Vigon's partnership has grown into a harmonious blend of love, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit. Together, they have transformed their shared dreams into a thriving brand that resonates with everyone they meet.

Jillian Vigon is more than just the Head of Brand for PJ O'Rourke; she is a driving force behind the brand's success, propelling it to new heights while continuing to embrace the artistic, spirited essence of New York City. Her dedication to the art, PJ, and the brand's vision is nothing short of remarkable, and her journey with PJ O'Rourke stands as a testament to the power of love, creativity, and determination in the city that has witnessed their incredible rise.