Justin Keys AKA Keys The Legend Is Elevating Graphic Art With His Cultured Illustrations

Justin Keys also known as Keysthelegend, is a skilled graphic designer and illustrator with work deep-rooted in pop culture.

Justin’s expertise shines in his collaborations with NFL and NBA athletes, where he merges athleticism and style to create captivating clothing designs. Notably, he lent his talents to the design of the VisitIndy magazine in 2021, showcasing his ability to visually represent a city’s charm.

In addition to his work in sports, Justin has provided cover art and music promotion services to artists across the country. He has a particular affinity for illustrating pop culture icons, infusing them with his unique style influenced by color and his belief in its transformative power to bring art to life. As he enters his early thirties, Justin remains committed to expanding his creative horizons and furthering his impact in the design and illustration fields.

We had the amazing opportunity to interview with Justin about his journey through both art and life. See more below.

According to CanvasRebel, you took a hiatus from college and returned later to finish your degree, struggling through learning software programs and coming out with design experience. What inspired you to return to college and stay motivated to complete your degree?

To be honest, I failed out of college. My freshman year was really tough. Being away from home and entering a completely new environment was overwhelming for me. It wasn’t that the academics were too difficult; honestly, I just lacked structure or a clear plan. The primary reason I returned, to be honest, is because I didn’t want people to use the difficulty  as leverage against me. Taking a year off allowed me to explore opportunities elsewhere, but I never wanted that failure to define me. I knew I was capable. Having been in and out of work for a time, relying solely on commissions and coming out on the other side with business experience and a client base.

What advice would you give to aspiring innovators and creatives hoping to turn their skills and ideas into a viable career path? 

I’ve always loved art. Even when I was broke, I could take out a piece of paper or my iPad, and the world would just disappear. When I was truly finding my passion, I knew I wasn’t the best designer, but I could sell illustration and design, and that would give me a leg up in the workforce. Once I gained confidence in my abilities, I charged more and began to build connections and network, and it really began to take off from there. My advice would be to stay the path, don’t chase money or attention. I truly love making art and would do it even if it didn’t pay a dime.

What have been the most challenging and rewarding aspects of your entrepreneurial journey?

Being an entrepreneur isn’t for everyone; it comes with highs and lows. I’ve experienced moments when life was amazing in all aspects and moments when I questioned whether I should pursue design or artistry. I’ve worked various jobs, from daycare worker to prison staff to Walmart to data entry. I truly believed I had to take on most of them to stay afloat, but I always pursued art on the side. These jobs gave me experience working with different people, picking their brains, and even realizing what I didn’t want to do at times. I used to always say,

You’ve got to go through hell sometimes to get to heaven.

During your time at university, you sparked a connection with photographer Michael Garrity who you have since collaborated with. What has been your experience working with other artists and building relationships with them?

Man, Garrity actually provided me with all the Adobe Suite programs when I started as a designer. Initially, I didn’t even know what they were. He installed them all on my MacBook, and I began experimenting with them whenever I could. He also set and collaborated with me in my first-ever art show. It’s amusing to think back on now!

I’ve collaborated with a couple of artists, but to be honest, it’s very much like crabs in a bucket in this space. People tend to only want to work if it benefits them or gives them an advantage, which is understandable. I aim to propel artists forward and have simply never witnessed the true mutual partnership reciprocated by the people I’ve approached for collaboration.

Out of all your residences Mississippi to Indiana to South Carolina, what region is the place you call home?

To be honest, I love them all, and they have helped shape me in so many ways. But, if I’m being completely honest, South Carolina has been my favorite out of them all. The food is hitting, the weather is amazing, and creatively, there are so many people who’ve done huge things that I’ve met. There’s also so much to do and great people all around. Indy was dope as well, but that cold was unbearable for me. Mississippi is family/home. I just knew that for what I wanted to do, that wouldn’t be the place to truly pursue art/design.

In addition to visual design, your other creative outlets include poetry and rap. Do these art forms deviate or intersect with your passion for design?

I’ve never been a poet at all, but music was great for passing time as I transitioned out of playing football in college. It’s fun and another way to express yourself creatively. I’ve even made a couple of songs and had some cool opportunities. However, music is an expensive hobby to pursue at a high level. I’ve got a lot of songs recorded that I’ve never released, but who knows? Maybe one day!

Your interests on LinkedIn include companies like Nike and Playstation as well as entrepreneurs like Mark Cuban. What interests you about these successful industries/individuals? 

First things first, I’m all about Team Xbox—no question. Mark Cuban’s vibe resonates with me because he values equality, treating everyone from the janitor to the CEO with respect. His track record speaks volumes. Nike, the #1 corporation in the world, is where I’d love to flex my creative muscles someday. And as someone with an athletic background, merging creativity with sports would be the ultimate dream.

According to your bio, you played football in your youth, and you’ve had the chance to work with NFL and NBA players. Community is an important element of both sports and art. Is there a connection between the two for you and what does sports mean to you overall?

Community is incredibly important to me, and sports have always held a special place in my heart. They teach invaluable lessons about discipline and work ethic, and taught me the importance of teamwork and perseverance. For me, having a group of people pushing toward a common goal has always been something sports brought to life.

You’ve worked with NFL and NBA players as well as musicians and countless others. Out of all your collaborations, are there any that stand out to you above the rest?

Hmm, it’s not necessarily my favorite design I’ve done, but I thought it was cool to work with Anfernee Simons. I got to design some apparel for him the year he won the slam dunk contest. Another cool project was designing the Visit Indy magazine in 2021. Shoutout to GANGGANG in Indy.

Much of your art depicts pop culture figures like cartoons and celebrities. If you could do a dream collaboration with any pop culture icon, who would it be?

Probably Michael Jackson—just the magnitude of how big he was. He was larger than life! I would’ve loved to design an album cover depicting all the roles and history of his life.

The Fox Magazine is all about inspiration, what/who inspires you the most?

I’m inspired by music and art.. I love people who push boundaries of what culture and what the world deems as acceptable.

What art-related motto, quote or words to live by helps keep you inspired?

“Nothing is as important as passion. No matter what you want to do with your life, be passionate.” -Jon Bon Jovi

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