Meet Juan Sebastian “zeb” Restrepo

We had the good fortune of connecting with Juan Sebastian “zeb” Restrepo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Juan Sebastian “zeb”, how do you think about risk?
Risk taking has played a crucial role in both my life and career. From leaving Miami to pursue a BFA at Pratt, to relocating to the Midwest to complete my studies at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, many of my most important decisions have required stepping into uncertainty. Risk has often had a front-row seat in shaping my path, both personally and professionally.

My philosophy toward risk taking is rooted in intuition. I try to ensure that everything I create or pursue feels right and aligns with my personal framework, values, and sense of identity. For me, risk is most meaningful when it is authentic—when it reflects my own style, instincts, and direction rather than external expectations.

At the same time, I think about risk carefully and strategically. While intuition guides many of my decisions, I also believe risk should be measured and purposeful. When I begin a new project, I usually start with a vision and allow it to unfold through process and discovery. If I am working on a series of paintings, I often identify the theme only after several works are underway. I also make sure that theme does not become too restrictive, because over-defining a project can limit creativity and prevent growth.

I try to ensure that my creative abilities are continually challenged rather than contained. Taking risks, for me, means remaining open to experimentation, trusting uncertainty, and allowing room for mistakes. I see mistakes as necessary opportunities to learn, refine my practice, and move the work forward.

I also work consistently so that risk taking is not only a personal impulse, but a professional responsibility. In both my life and artistic practice, growth depends on the willingness to challenge comfort, embrace change, and trust the unknown.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What I want people to know about me is that I’m extremely hardworking and compassionate—qualities that can sometimes be overlooked or misunderstood, especially in a world where social media often reduces people to quick impressions. I’ve been through many personal challenges, but I don’t always wear them on my sleeve. Underneath it all, I’m soft-hearted, generous with my time, and deeply invested in people. Those qualities aren’t always rewarded in the art world, but they are central to who I am.

I’ve also battled mental health struggles such as depression, anxiety, and long periods of solitude for many years. On top of that, I’ve experienced deep personal loss through the passing of my uncle and grandfather, along with ongoing family challenges that I don’t often speak about publicly. These experiences have shaped me in profound ways. They’ve taught me empathy, endurance, and how to keep moving forward even while carrying invisible weight.

As an artist, what sets me apart is my authenticity. My work comes from real experiences, emotions, and observations. I’m drawn to the quirky, the odd, and the unexpected. I often take misunderstandings, betrayals, gossip, or difficult experiences and transform them into something humorous, insightful, or visually compelling. Turning pain into creativity has become one of my greatest strengths.

Professionally, the road has not been easy. I’ve had to overcome difficult environments, setbacks, and moments where it felt like things weren’t moving forward. I remember working in a hostile job that drained me emotionally, but even then, I kept applying elsewhere and never gave up. Eventually, leaving that environment became one of the best things that happened to me. It taught me resilience and showed me that hard seasons can become fuel for growth and art.

Along the way, I’ve learned important lessons: not everyone will understand you, support you, or want the best for you—and that’s okay. You’re not here to please everyone. I’ve learned to protect my energy, trust carefully, and put myself first in healthy ways. That doesn’t mean selfishness—it means having boundaries, self-respect, and the courage to create your own opportunities when doors don’t open.

I’m where I am today because I never gave up on myself or my ideas. I’m still fighting for the life and career I believe in, and it’s not easy, but I can’t imagine doing anything else. I love being creative and making something meaningful out of nothing. Being an artist allows me to express my personality, my vision, and the deeper truths I carry inside.

What also sets me apart is that I genuinely want to see others succeed. I value connection, community, and growth—not just for myself, but for those around me. I believe we all rise higher when we encourage one another. My story is one of persistence, transformation, and staying true to myself no matter what.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting the area and I wanted to show them the best time ever, I’d give them a full week that mixes food, music, art, and the local scene.

I’d start with Wynwood, just to walk around and get a feel for the energy. It’s changed a lot over the years, and while some of that original grit has shifted, it’s still a fun place to explore murals, galleries, and random pockets of creativity.

From there, I’d take them to Las Rosas. I genuinely love that place—it has this unpolished charm where you meet eccentric locals, musicians, and people who’ve been part of the scene forever, alongside newer faces just arriving in Miami. Even after reopening, it still holds onto its original spirit, which is rare.

For a night out, Churchill’s is non-negotiable. It’s a staple of the scene—good drinks, food, and especially live music. It’s one of those places that feels like part of the city’s backbone.
During the day, I’d make a stop at Dale Zine in the Design District. It’s one of my favorite spots in Miami. They carry amazing books—from Gucci Mane to Katherine Bernhardt and other local artists—and their back gallery always has thoughtful, well-curated shows. Lili, Steve, and the rest of the staff really keep the space feeling fresh, simple, and intentional. It’s a real gem.

For breakfast, I’d start a morning at Palacio de los Hugo’s—simple, good food to reset after a long night or before another day out.

Overall, the goal of the week would be to move between places that still feel authentic—spots where art, music, and people actually overlap in a meaningful way, not just curated versions of the city.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely. If it weren’t for the support of certain organizations and individuals, I wouldn’t be where I am today or doing what I’m doing now. I want to give a shoutout to collaboARTive, 9Muses Art Center, Arts Warehouse, and the many spaces that gave me opportunities to grow, exhibit, and believe in myself.

I also want to recognize the individuals who have shaped me throughout my journey—both in positive ways and through challenges. I’ve learned just as much from difficult experiences as I have from supportive ones. Those moments taught me how to navigate hard conversations, stand up for myself, and continue forward with resilience.

And of course, I’m deeply grateful to the people who have supported me, mentored me, believed in my work, and trusted my ideas. Their encouragement has meant everything to me, and I carry that with me in all that I do.

Website: https://soundsignals.wordpress.com/

Instagram: @liloddboyzeb

Image Credits
Images courtesy of the artist Juan Sebastian “zeb” Restrepo and Alexis León for [NAME] Miami FL