Intel
What tools do you use?
Running Adobe Creative Cloud daily - primarily Photoshop + Illustrator. I also edit videos with various editors and apps. My productivity is enhanced by using a Wacom Intuos Pro, a staple throughout my 20+ year career. For adding abstract effects and animations to digital artwork, I enjoy using MotionLeap and Glitché. Experimenting with apps to mix with my Photoshop sketches and Midjourney. generations keeps me learning and utilizing agile creative techniques.
What’s your background and what are some of your achievements?
I have no formal training but developed my skills through independent study of graffiti art, comic book art, and graphic art from my teens to mid-20s. In high school I created abstracts in MS Paint inspired by graffiti and I’ve been doing the same instinctual, and habitual creative rituals to manifest a diverse body of work through determination, strong work ethic and guidance from mentors and creative partners.
I ended up winning three Clio awards for my work with Hybrid Studio on The Divergent Series theatrical marketing campaign and an anti-bullying campaign for A Brave Heart: The Lily Velasquez Story in the "Social Good" category. I have been featured in Advanced Photoshop Magazine and an active creative juror for The FWA (IYKYK). My biggest achievement, however, is my family, who inspire me to keep evolving.
Art Director, Graphic Designer, UX Designer, Digital Artist.
How long have you been doing digital art?
I began my art journey in late 1999 with an EPSON scanner/printer combo, scanning my illustrations and creating print prototypes from my bedroom and Kinkos Xerox machines. Since then, I've built a 20+ year career balancing art and graphic design, continually learning from my peers and evolving my skills.
Who /what are your influences?
My influences span various domains. Artistically, I’m influenced by graffiti and street artists like She One, Mode 2, 123 Klan, and Lokiss. From a design perspective, Neil Kellerhouse, David Carson, and Ash Throp have a significant impact on my work.
Contemporary influences include online creators like Hydro 74, My Dead Pony, SoulOff, Pete Harrison, Justin Maller, Kode Abdo, RA, Urban Medium, Hueman, Antigirl, Electric Heat, James White, No Pattern, and Trozo.
Cultural and artistic influences include 90’s hip hop, alternative music, Akira, Appleseed, Voltron, Robotech, Dia de los Muertos, lucha libre, street and stencil art, comic book art, and old Nike ads. Figures like Bruce Lee and Kobe Bryant inspire me, and music often guides my creative process.
Shout out to Moms, Jeff Kelly, Jeff Lin, and Gina who’s individual trust and support shaped my trajectory to this point.
I started my art career in the late 90s, defined it in the 2Ks. I’m a bi-product of 80’s with roots in the 70s, embodying an unapologetically GEN-X ethos.
Do you work with generative A.I.?
Yes, since March 2022, I've worked with MidJourney, Haiper, Runway, and Photoshop. I've been learning to replicate my style, generate assets (including video), and integrate them into my workflow.
This experience has given me a competitive edge and ability to define custom generations by understanding of platform nuances. I believe in transparency, empathy and compassion for creatives in this evolving space.
I do not reference in my prompts. I lean into my skills as a creative director to articulate my vision, and work through results with clear direction.
A key principle that defines my career is "learn and be curious," which I embraced during my time at IMDb Creative Studio. There, I led a highly attended IMDb Learns discussion with Wilson Saloj in mid-2022, moderated by IMDb Founder and CEO, Col Needham on generative AI’s incoming assessment.
This experience deepened my engagement with generative AI, and I haven't looked back.
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