Character Design
My character designs & illustrations consist of using traditional art materials such as watercolors, paints, markers and inks, as well as digital media. One of my earliest childhood experiences was discovering the love of drawing. In high school I started to think more about how artists give life to their characters. Later at Long Beach State University I refined my skills as an illustrator and developed the styles that has become the work I create today.

Concept Artist
My work focuses on concept design, sculpture, and illustration. I love working in collaborative environments to visualize project concepts. My work includes Animation, Books, Comics, Murals, Posters, Video Games and more. My style is precise, energetic, and expressive. I enjoy drawing in different styles. In my spare time I love to sketch characters and story concepts, sculpt figures, play video games, and visit aquariums.

Tattoo Artist
My creative work includes designing and sketching. I draw my inspiration from Japanese traditional style, mainly from the edo period with my own twist. The art that I create consist of symbolic creatures, elements, and public figures that emit a strong bold statement. The reason I create tattoo art is because of the thought of how an individual will carry my art piece to their grave. Something that will be permanent throughout someone’s life is a big honor for me.

Painter
I choose to be an artist because I love the process and the work to create a piece. I’m fascinated by how different values can create illusions of form and contrast. By how a pile of mud can create different values. By how a burnt piece of wood can capture a person’s essence. When I paint portraits I try to capture my subject’s likeness. But I also develop emotion in the work. I might create a green and blue portrait to express their feelings of boredom and discontent. Every portrait I paint is both a unique aesthetic and emotional experience.

Concept Artist
I am a concept artist with a focus on character design. My artwork is a blend of traditional, pencil, ink, watercolor, and digital. I find inspiration in classic horror/fantasy films, family background, and the world around me. I love creating whimsical creatures and characters that people can relate to and enjoy. In my free time I enjoy family, being outdoors, and playing with makeup.

Documentary + Portrait Photographer
who: flora
what: photographer
why: the love i have for this world and the living things in it prompts me to document the good — but especially the bad — and hopefully make a difference

​When I received my first point-and-shoot camera it seemed the world had opened up to me and I could finally understand it, and interpret it, on my own terms. James Nachtwey’s War Photographer triggered something in me. For the first time, I saw photography’s potential to initiate, and ignite, change. What I saw as a fun pastime became something much more significant and life-changing, and it was something I wanted to be a part of. As I work towards changing the world, I look forward to seeing how the world changes me.

Graphic Design
I am a freelance graphic designer from Cerritos, California and I specialize in print design. I like to create cool and unique designs with a hint of illustration. After years of studying at California State University, Long Beach, I was able to broaden my skills in Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign. I have a can do attitude and I am open to new ideas along with working hard to make sure everything is done right from start to finish.

Fine Artist
My concentration is on drawing and painting with a focus on watercolor and oil painting. I enjoy working with a variety of subjects, but portraits are my favorite to work with. I am interested in the usage of colors and materials in my work, and that exploration is a foundation of my art. My inspiration comes from music, movies, books, and nature. I started drawing as soon as I was able to hold a pencil, and I’ve dedicated myself to improving and exploring the possibilities of creating art.

Concept Artist
I am a concept artist with a focus on background design. My artwork is a mixture of traditional pencil and digital work. I am inspired by Fantasy and Science-fiction films, as well as real-life cityscapes and architecture. I studied Studio Art at California State University in Long Beach. My time as an art student has given me perspective and the ability to capture the world in my own style.

Metals + Jewelry
I see art as a way of expressing myself and bringing my imagination to life. I draw inspiration from the world around me, though my best work has always come from my cultural background. I like working with different tools and techniques to create something beautiful for other people to enjoy.

Figurative Painter
I’m a figurative painter with extensive experience creating art in all media. I’m dedicated to creating meaningful artwork that promotes cultural appreciation and increases awareness of current issues affecting society. The source of inspiration for many of my art pieces comes from the cultural wealth that I have inherited. I was born in Los Angeles to parents that migrated from rural Mexico. I was fortunate to apprentice with the notable Chicano artist, Gilbert “Magu” Lujan. Working with Lujan taught me a lot about myself, the Chicano Movement, and Chicano art.

The theme that most resonates with my work is movement. In movement I feel that there is life, progress, growth, and learning. I believe strongly that those things that do not move – die. My art represents a lifting and moving of the spirit. The iconography used to depict movement in my current Colibrí Collection is the hummingbird; which is also symbolic of the quintessential need to enjoy life’s nectar despite the fast-paced lifestyle that we live today.

Graphic Design
My work focuses on Graphic Illustration, Package design, Typography, Branding, Logos, and UI/UX. With my experience studying at California State University Long Beach, and working as a Graphic Designer for a design firm, I have developed the skills to solve visual problems for a diverse group of clients. I can adapt to the design style that best suits different clients and projects. I take pleasure in designing to improve visual communication for all audiences.

Photo by Tamara Williams

Sharing our Stories
My favorite part of the LBSU School of Art (SOA) is visiting the SOA Art Gallery Courtyard each week. Every week 5 more student artists share their unique lives, experiences, and aesthetics with the campus community.

My one disappointment is that so many of these engaging artists don’t have websites. I’m fortunate this semester to be teaching Art 490, Artists’ Websites. If the students have learned half as much as I have this semester, then they have learned a lot.

A portfolio is a never-ending part of an artist’s life journey. I feel privileged to have helped these students launch web portfolios. I am excited to see where the sinuous paths of their careers take them in the years and decades to come.