Today we’d like to introduce you to Joel Conroy.
Hi Joel, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Lil’ Planets began in 2012 as a creative experiment with photography, perspective, and the places around me. I was fascinated by 360° photography and the idea that I could take a real, familiar landscape and transform it into an entirely new world. I started experimenting with panoramic photography and stereographic projection, developing my own process for turning those images into the little planets that became Lil’ Planets.
What began as a personal creative project gradually grew into an ongoing body of work and, eventually, a small business. Over the years, I’ve continued to refine both the artistic and technical sides of the process. Each Lil’ Planet is handcrafted from 20+ high-resolution photographs and can take 6–10 hours of editing to stitch, shape, and perfect. But for me, the technology and process are really just tools for creating a new way of seeing.
Today, Lil’ Planets is an ever-evolving exploration of the world around us. I love taking places people may already know—the Oregon coast, Mount Hood, Portland’s bridges, or a familiar cityscape—and giving them a completely different perspective. What started with a camera and a curiosity about what was possible has grown into a lifelong creative journey, and I’m still constantly discovering new places and new ways to turn them into little worlds. I feel incredibly lucky that I get to be a professional artist, and I look forward to doing this for the rest of my life.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely not! Building a creative business and making a living as an artist has come with plenty of challenges. I’ve had to learn the business side of being an artist, navigate the ups and downs of sales, and figure out how to balance creating new work with everything that goes into running a small business.
One of the biggest challenges has been figuring out how to grow Lil’ Planets beyond art prints. Expanding into a full merchandise line meant learning about new products (our puzzles, locally made by Portland Puzzle Company, are a new favorite item), production, pricing, inventory, and retail, while still staying true to the art. But it has also opened up incredible opportunities to connect with my community. Because I have a merch line, I get to participate in amazing community events and markets throughout Portland and the Pacific Northwest, and I’m now a permanent vendor at Portland’s renowned Saturday Market. I feel so lucky to get to do this work in my favorite city on the planet!
There hasn’t really been a roadmap for building something like Lil’ Planets. I’ve had to learn by doing, make mistakes, adapt, and keep going. Those challenges have pushed me to grow as both an artist and a business owner, and they’ve made the successes along the way that much more meaningful. This year, I was able to purchase my first home thanks to the success of Lil’ Planets and, most importantly, all of the people who continue to support my work. I couldn’t be more grateful!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a 360° photographer and visual artist, best known for my Lil’ Planets series, where I transform real places into whimsical, mind-bending little worlds. I photograph everything from iconic landmarks and cityscapes to landscapes and everyday places, then use a combination of panoramic photography, stereographic projection, and meticulous editing to completely reimagine them.
What sets my work apart is the combination of technology, craftsmanship, and imagination. Each Lil’ Planet is handcrafted from 20+ photographs and takes hours of detailed editing, but the goal is always to create something that feels playful, surprising, and instantly recognizable. I love that moment when someone looks at one of my images and realizes they know the place, but have never seen it that way before.
I’m especially proud that what started as a creative experiment in 2012 has grown into a recognizable body of work that people can experience in so many different ways, from fine art prints to stickers, postcards, puzzles, and other merchandise. I’m also proud that the work has allowed me to connect with people throughout Portland and the Pacific Northwest through galleries, retailers, markets, and community events. At the end of the day, I think what I’m most proud of is creating something that makes people stop, smile, and see the world around them a little differently.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My biggest advice is to start before you feel ready. You don’t need to have everything figured out or know exactly where your creative work is going to take you. Make the work, put it out into the world, see what resonates, and keep learning and evolving along the way.
I also wish I had understood earlier that being a professional artist means being a creative person and a business owner. Learning about the business side of your work is just as important as developing your craft. Most importantly, believe in what makes your work different. There is no roadmap, so trust your instincts, stay curious, and keep going. You never know where it might lead.
Lastly, you aren’t alone. There is an incredible creative community around you, and I’ve found that artists genuinely want to support one another and see each other grow. Find your people, make connections, show up for other creatives, and don’t be afraid to ask questions or start a conversation. I still respond to every single DM I receive on Instagram, and I love volunteering, collaborating, and supporting other artists whenever I can. Especially these days, I think choosing to create, connect, and put something positive into the world is its own small act of resistance. We need creativity, community, and people willing to imagine something different more than ever.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lilplanets.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lilplanets
