My name’s Jermaine Bates. I go by the name Hard.

I’m an artist, painter, and designer born and raised in London.

I didn’t fall into this, I built it. From the start, I set out to create art that was recognisable. Not just “nice to look at,” but undeniably mine. Something that could live on any surface, whether it’s a traditional canvas or something no one else would even think to paint. If it can be painted, I’ll find a way to leave my mark on it.

This journey has never been just about the art. It’s about the mentality behind it. The name HARD isn’t random... it’s how I work, how I think, how I live. I believe in building something from nothing, brick by brick. That energy lives in every piece I make.

My family are my why. They keep me going. Beyond that I’m building a community, people who respect the grind, who see the value in doing things differently, and who feel something when they see the work.

This isn’t hype. This is purpose, and I’m just getting started.