If you live in or have traveled to a major city in the U.S., chances are you’ve taken a photo of, or in front of, a #LoveWall. Created by self-taught artist James Goldcrown, the colorful, heart-filled murals make up walls that rightfully belong on Instagram heat maps. From its debut at Art Basel in Miami Beach in 2015, West London-born Goldcrown has built an empire on his hearts; his page (@jgoldcrown) has over 30,000 followers, his #LoveWall hashtag has over 500,000 tags, and he’s since worked with major lifestyle brands like Soho House, MTV, Rag & Bone, Armani, Tom’s, Land Rover, and more.
Whitewall spoke with the man behind the Instagram sensation about who he likes to follow, what his favorite editing tools are, and the rule he lives by on social media.
WHITEWALL: Who do you follow?
JAMES GOLDCROWN: My wife (@resortrocksugar) and son (@journeywithjagger) obviously, because it’s family law. @dhiranmistry: Dhiran is one of my best mates and a great NYC hair stylist, ladies. @discoversharks: I’m bizarrely fascinated by sharks and most marine life. David Beckham (@davidbeckham), Gary Lineker (@garylineker), and Ian Wright (@wrightyofficial). All English soccer legends. To me anyway… And @krispyshorts because he followed himself from my phone and he’s extremely sensitive and needs the followers.
WW: What is your #1 tip for social media?
JG: I’m really rubbish with Instagram when it comes to hashtags and any form of social engagement, but I do like to play around with the edit. You can do some cool stuff. Clarendon, Juno & Lo-Fi are my go-tos.
WW: Best social media interaction?
JG: I’ve got a few stories. The guy from Coldplay posted a mural I did, and I liked it, then he responded, and we chatted for a bit. I didn’t realize it was him at first. He started following me, so I followed him back. I thought that was pretty cool. I’ve seen them twice live and they were incredible. Another English legend. The mural world can also be quite aggressive too. There are a lot of angry artists out there. So, plenty of arguments.
WW: One rule you live by on social?
JG: Don’t take yourself so seriously.
