Latino Digitals Artists You Should Know.
The world of illustrators is vast, but if you look closely, you'll find the indelible mark of Latinx talent. Here are some of my favourite ones. Ready to be inspired?
smugmorenita aka Gabriela Alemán
Rooted in the heart of San Francisco, Gabriela Alemán, artistically recognized as Smug Morenita, intertwines her Nicaraguan and Salvadoran heritage into vibrant narratives of protest, culture, and unity. Beyond her artistry, her commitment to community shines through in the Mission Meals Coalition, an initiative she pioneered during the COVID-19 crisis, ensuring equitable food distribution across Northern California.
Soni Lopez-Chavez
Hailing from Cuitzeo de Abasolo in Mexico and later embracing San Diego's border culture, Soni Lopez-Chavez transitioned from an acrylic painter and muralist to a digital illustrator driven by the isolation of the pandemic. Operating the once-bustling La Bodega gallery, her art, rooted in her Chichimeca heritage, magnifies voices from marginalized communities. Through vibrant digital strokes, Soni challenges stereotypes and champions empowerment, making her one of the rising talents in today's art scene.
Sam Kirk
Sam Kirk was recognized one of Chicago's top 50 Artists in 2020 by New City Magazine. Her work is found in galleries and museums across the US. She's collaborated with a diverse range of global brands like United Airlines, Disney, Chicago Cubs, Netflix, and more. Rooted in her art is an intersectional call, urging us to celebrate our diversity and drive transformative change. Rooted in her childhood, where frequent relocations across Chicago's mosaic of neighborhoods fueled her cultural exploration, Kirk's art is a personal reflection of her experiences as a bi-racial, queer woman.
Jordi Labanda for Park Hyatt Milano - Milan Fashion Week
Jordi Labanda's illustrations radiate a blend of old Hollywood glamour and contemporary chic, utilizing bold colors and keen observations of life to craft narratives that mirror his love for the cinema. Born in Uruguay and raised in Barcelona, Labanda’s high-fashion creations uniquely embed a touch of irony and humour — an intentional move on his part. Although Labanda believes an illustrator’s role is to communicate a message, especially when working for luxury brands like Manolo Blahnik, Dior, Moncler, and Louis Vuitton, he ensures his voice is heard through his work. He explains, 'I love to include a line of text in my work because it allows me to have a voice, which I think is the most vital thing for artists today.'
Camila Rosa
Camila Rosa, began her career in Industrial Design in her native Brazil and found her true calling in art when she joined a female street art collective. Today, her portfolio spans from magazine to book covers, collaborating with high-profile clients like Nike, Spotify, Adidas, and Apple. Rosa draws inspiration from, “The women’s universe and also the diversity that exists between us.” Through her illustrations, she aims to address political themes, educate, and advocate for social change.
Carlos Pérez David may have drawn the original Apple logo - yet he keeps a short hoe in his art studio to remember his teen years working the farms in the San Joaquin Valley.
Carlos Pérez David was integral in the creation of the iconic Apple logo. Raised in El Chante, just outside Guadalajara, by his aunts while his mother sought work in the U.S. to secure a brighter future for him, Pérez David was perpetually buoyed by the assurance that he was destined for greatness - "Vas a hacer cosas grandes." This constant encouragement gave him "permission to dream and the confidence to know that what I dreamed could be a reality,” he shared with CBS.
His career-defining moment unfolded in 1977 while serving as a junior graphic illustrator at Regis McKenna and working alongside Rob Janoff. Though Janoff conceptualized the initial apple design, complete with its distinctive 'bite,' it was Pérez David who brought it vibrantly to life, executing the artwork freehand using French curves, circle templates, and T-squares.
Beyond Apple, Pérez David carved out an illustrious career, collaborating with tech giants like IBM and Hewlett Packard, and leading projects that not only defined new product lines but also elevated brand visuals.
Today, Pérez David channels his creativity into crafting a line of products inspired by his Latino/Chicano roots and is also in the process of authoring a book.