ARTIST INTERVIEWS: Latinx Artists Based in California

Daniel Hermosillo and Samüel Cortez are two artists based in California that create some of the most amazing and thought-provoking artwork I've ever seen. Whenever I come across an illustration I'm blown away by the overall personal aesthetic they each have.
Both artists are uniquely talented and I've been obsessed with their art for a while.
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Read below as they each share their stories, including sources of inspiration and what's planned for the future!
PLUS - See photos of their artwork & check them out on social media! 

Daniel Hermosillo — Long Beach, CA — 24

"As long as I’m creating and telling a story somehow, I am happy."

What inspired you to start creating?
"When I was in preschool, my teacher was huge on arts and crafts. It really awakened my creativity and as time went by, I would spend hours drawing in notebooks and hang my best drawings on my fridge. A few years later, my family went through a rough patch and the only way I could express myself and my emotions was through art. When I was in transitioning into high school, I was able to get accepted into a great art program that helped me develop this passion. I was able to focus on bettering my skill while telling stories and expressing ongoing emotions through art."

Is there a piece of artwork you’re most proud of?
"My senior year of Art School, I created and illustrated a gender fluid + body positive Fall lookbook/survival guide. I spent an entire semester working on that, creating characters, and fun outfits to show how fun it is to express ourselves through fashion, even if it means wearing sweats and a tee. I received great feedback from classmates and professors I respected. I learned so much about myself, others, and gender identity in the process (as well as trends and fashion of course.)" [PHOTOS ABOVE]
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What do you have planned for the future?
"I really want to get back into character design or fashion illustration. I’m still trying to figure things out, but I’m freelancing and doing commissions on my free time to stay busy. I also want to post work that I never posted, for whatever reason, and share some cool illustrations I cherish with others and hopefully inspire at least one person."

Daniel is an ongoing inspiration in my life, both with their creativity and personal integrity. With the use of beautiful color palletes, they have a way of telling stories and bringing them to life through their artwork. My favorites are the self-portraits & fashion illustrations! Not only an amazing artist, but an amazing friend as well.

Follow Daniel's artistic journey on Instagram: @dvnnyarts // @dvnielhermosillo

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Samüel Cortez — San Jose, CA — 23

"I had these visions in my head and I wanted to draw them out... Now it’s just second nature for me to draw something."

What is your go-to medium to express your creativity?
"Originally it was always a classic paper and pencil. Never really went too far from it. Although at the moment its been a while since I’ve touched either of those. Now you’ll always find me with my iPad. I use the program Procreate and I can safely say it changed my whole world."

Who is a creative that you admire?
"This is such hard question. I admire so many people! I will say that two major influences in my work at the moment are Francisco Goya and Norman Rockwell. I’ve been working on some stuff that is heavily influenced by them both. I love the style of Rockwell and the profound depth of Goya’s work. If I were to describe my current self right now in my work I would have to say that I am located in a purgatory between these two." 

Is there a piece of artwork you’re most proud of?
"I would definitely say there’s a specific group of illustrations that have a lot of meaning to me. Back in August I drew a set of 3 illustrations. To me these were made in a very dark time. Although to me they are the 3 that stick out from what I have done before. They all have this energy to them. Most of that energy is anguish, yet to me it’s a symbol of progress. Palm trees are my favorites, I have them tattooed on me. I absolutely have this attachment to them, I don’t know why or how but it’s been like that since I was a child. 2 of these 3 works show palm trees up flames. I poured a lot out of myself on to these and I feel that to me they’re some of my best work. It’s my grief but I’ll hold it up proud knowing that I’ve survived that time." ​[PHOTOS ABOVE]

I came across Samüel's page about 11 months ago and instantly fell in love with his artistry. Definitely one of my favorite portrait artists, with an IG feed FULL of them! (I LIVE for his Gaga drawings.) Each illustration conveys it's own message, all while sticking to Samüel's brand. He constantly amazes me with his work and I'm so glad I'm able to witness it.

Follow Samüel's creative journey on Instagram: @samuhwell