ABOUT THE ARTIST
Short version:
I have over 20 years of experience studying and practicing my passion in both traditional and digital mediums, but have only pursued my practice as a career for a short time. During those many years, I built an extensive library of personal work, private commissions and student work that I am very proud of. I tried to include them all here. My work is often described as having a bold, unique, semi-realistic style influenced by street art, comic books and video games.
Long version:
Born in 1985 and raised in San Francisco, the earliest memories I have are of drawing on walls and record jackets with a crayon, much to my parents' dismay–but soon after their encouragement. I studied and imitated illustrations everywhere, inspired by titles like The Wind in the Willows, Calvin and Hobbes, Ninja Turtles and Spawn. I started taking drawing and painting classes by age 7, and was accepted into an art-focused high school. I discovered there that challenging myself with realism, lighting and detail thrilled me. The plentiful street art made there also started to influence my style. To my dismay, I was told by many people (peers and adults) that no matter how good I was, an art career was not wise and would not pay the bills.
Until 2020, I didn't think pursuing art and illustration as a profession would be possible. Soon after high school I began working full time at blue collar jobs and left prospects of an art degree behind. I stayed passionate, filled sketchbooks, and took commissions when I could. Around the time life turned upside down with pandemic lockdowns, my partner encouraged me to finally do what I always wanted. I went back to school, built a portfolio (while getting married to that amazing woman), and started exhibiting at events and reaching out to art directors. I hope to soon work for publishers in editorial and book illustration (for young adults or adults), but I'm open to working in any field that my skills appeal to. I am incredibly grateful to finally have the time and opportunity to chase this dream.
Thank you for your interest in my work! I'm always looking for opportunities, inspiration, feedback, and of course, commissions. Feel free to reach out!
*******NO AI IMAGE SOFTWARE IS USED FOR MY WORK. EVER.
