The Artist
Achille “A.J.”
Barbel
St. Thomas, USVI • Florida • Chicago • Orlando
A multidisciplinary artist and designer with a passion for visual storytelling. Born in St. Thomas, USVI, and raised in Florida and Chicago, A.J. developed a keen eye for detail early on — using art as both a creative outlet and a means of expression.
Now based in Orlando, FL, A.J. brings over a decade of professional experience across painting, murals, illustration, apparel, and digital media. His work blends raw street-culture energy with refined technique — creating pieces that speak to communities and collectors alike.
Whether working on a building-sized mural, a custom painted sneaker, or a children’s book illustration, A.J. approaches every project with the same commitment: make it bold, make it honest, make it last.
“Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable.”
— Cesar Cruz • A.J.’s Guiding Philosophy
50+
Projects
13
Disciplines
FL
Orlando Based
Background
Education
Southern New Hampshire University
B.A. Graphic Design & Media Arts
Valencia College
A.F.A. Fine Arts
Recognition
Press & Collaborations
Artist Spotlight — A.J. Barbel
Orange TV
Featured as the spotlight artist — discussing his creative journey, inspirations, and multidisciplinary practice as a painter, muralist, and designer.
“Rise”: The Mural Project
Orlando Memory
Interviewed alongside fellow artists about his contribution to the Rise community mural project in Eatonville, FL — a landmark public art initiative.
Rise Mural Project — Eatonville Reveal
Rise: The Mural Project
Short documentary capturing the community reveal of the Rise Mural in Eatonville — the unveiling of A.J.’s large-scale painted mural.
Billboard Feature — Melio x Collab Studios
@meliopayments • Collab Studios
Collab Studios won a billboard contest spotlighting Orlando mural artists — A.J.’s work featured across city billboards, sponsored by Melio Payments.
News 6 Covers the Eatonville Mural
Spectrum News 6 Orlando
Local News 6 coverage of the Rise Mural Project in Eatonville — highlighting A.J. Barbel and the community impact of the public art initiative.
Let’s Create Something
Ready to commission a painting, mural, or custom piece? A.J. takes on select projects that allow full creative expression.
Get In Touch