What’s been your journey to becoming an illustrator?
I’m a self-taught artist. It’s been a journey of learning [through] making a lot of mistakes and always being open to learning [more]. Luckily, I’ve been able to learn via YouTube tutorials and from the support of my community and fellow artists from the Mission District. When I started, I was incredibly lucky to learn from Ivan Lopez, an incredible local painter, ceramicist, illustrator and co-owner of Artillery AG, a local Latino-owned art gallery in the neighborhood I grew up in.
Muse? Muses?
Myself, my sisters, homegirls, neighborhood, and Chavalos Danzas por Nicaragua, the Nicaraguan folklore group I’m lucky to be a part of.
What makes an illustration pop?
To make imagery pop in my work I like to use primary colors, texture, shadows and light.
Favorite spot for inspiration:
Mercados, my mom’s shop, and generally anywhere in my neighborhood, SF’s Mission District.
What music do you listen to while illustrating?
Generally anything by Hope Tala, I currently have her album Girl Eats Sun on repeat! Others artists I also have on repeat are Frank Ocean, Leon Bridges, The Growlers, La Doña, and Cleo Sol.
Go-to creative spot:
I find comfort illustrating on my couch near the window with my dog Tajín by my side.
What does Latine culture mean to you on your home turf?
I spend a lot of time at my moms shop and I feel it reflects a lot of traditional Latine culture aesthetically and culturally.
Go-to visual references:
Latine iconography, femmes and Nicaraguan folklore.
What’s next for you?
I hope what I’ve been manifesting and working towards comes to fruition. Also, supporting young women from my neighborhood who want to pursue illustration.
