When Joseph Yonke, a junior majoring in advertising, isn’t studying or hanging out with friends, you’ll probably find him painting in his downtown apartment.

Although he hails from Pittsburgh, Joseph spends a lot of time at Deep Creek Lake in Maryland where his grandfather, artist Robert Yonke, has an art studio.

Yonke says he has been painting for as long as he can remember. He’d spend hours in the studio with his grandfather learning different techniques and experimenting with various mediums, and the time they spent together helped Yonke figure out his own style while developing as an artist.

Although their styles are vastly different, Yonke says his grandfather has a major influence on his art, and his fondest memories are from their days at Deep Creek Lake.

Even when life gets busy and schoolwork piles up, Yonke always finds time to do what he loves.

“You just have to make time,” Yonke said. “Even if you don’t have it.”

Most of the time, Yonke dives right into painting without doing much planning at all. He says he likes the result of his paintings better when he’s not referencing anything because he doesn’t get distracted.

Yonke’s favorite piece is one he created on his 19th birthday that stands at 6 feet tall. While spending time at home with family over Thanksgiving break, Yonke got bored and decided to head to the studio. Eight hours later, “Mandolin Man” was born.

“I get a lot of criticism for my art because it’s abstract, so a lot of people don’t really understand it,” Yonke said. “But it’s not for everyone. It’s for the people who appreciate and understand it, and it makes an impact on them.”

After graduation, Yonke plans to keep painting, but he also wants to work at a big advertising firm. He says he’s interested in brand management, media planning, and strategy, but he wants to keep his career separate from his painting.

As for aspiring artists, Yonke says it’s crucial to keep being yourself.

“Keep with what you enjoy doing,” Yonke said. “Don’t worry about other people accepting it.”

Yonke’s first art show will take place on October 16 at 3rd Street Gallery in Pittsburgh, and part of its sales will be donated to the Carnegie Boys & Girls Club. You can follow Yonke on Instagram or check out his website to stay up to date with his work.