Josh Meyer: The Literary Perfumer Behind Imaginary Authors

Josh Meyer's path to becoming one of America's most innovative indie perfumers began far from the fragrance world. Born in Hermosa Beach, California, Meyer spent his early career in real estate before discovering his true calling through an unexpected route - an online shaving community that introduced him to the world of niche perfumery around 2006-2007. This serendipitous discovery transformed a former fragrance skeptic into a passionate creator who would revolutionize how we think about scent and storytelling.

Meyer's self-taught approach to perfumery reflects his unconventional background. Starting serious experimentation with fragrance components in 2010, he dedicated countless hours in his lab, researching and refining his craft without formal training. His breakthrough came in 2012 with the launch of Imaginary Authors, a brand built on the revolutionary concept of "scent as art and art as provocation." Each fragrance tells a complete story, inspired by fictional books and their imaginary authors, complete with compelling narratives that transport wearers into different worlds.

What sets Meyer apart is his ability to create photorealistic olfactory experiences. His compositions like A City on Fire capture the exact scent of burning matches and leaves, while Cape Heartache combines Pacific Northwest forests with unexpected strawberry notes. This talent for blending familiar elements with exotic ones creates distinctive, memorable fragrances that challenge conventional perfumery boundaries.

Meyer's portfolio showcases remarkable versatility and creativity across diverse olfactory families. Memoirs of a Trespasser demonstrates his mastery of woody-vanilla compositions, blending smoky guaiac wood with bourbon vanilla and mysterious myrrh. Meanwhile, Saint Julep captures the essence of a Southern mint julep cocktail, combining sweet mint, crushed ice accords, and bourbon whiskey with magnolia blossoms.

His most ambitious creations push olfactory boundaries even further. Bull's Blood combines animalic black musk with metallic blood accords and dark Spanish rose, creating a gothic composition that walks the line between beauty and danger. Whispered Myths presents the unexpected pairing of fresh cantaloupe with heavy Cambodian oud, proving Meyer's fearless approach to unconventional combinations.

Meyer's innovation extends beyond traditional perfumery into collaborative projects. His partnership with Salt & Straw ice cream company produced "Culinary Perfumes" designed to be sprayed on ice cream, including A Whiff of Waffle Cone. This gourmand creation captures salted caramel, Vietnamese cinnamon, and vanilla with remarkable authenticity.

Recognition for Meyer's work includes Art and Olfaction Awards nominations for A City on Fire and Mosaic, cementing his reputation as a serious artistic force in contemporary perfumery. His influence continues growing as he develops new fragrances that challenge expectations while maintaining the literary storytelling approach that defines Imaginary Authors' unique position in the fragrance world.