Today we’d like to introduce you to Marco Rivas-villafuerte.
Hi Marco, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up here in Houston. Been interested in drawing/ crafting pretty much my whole life. Never really thought about a career in the arts until my mid-20s. One day inspiration struck and I registered for an art school in San Francisco. Spent two years in school working towards a BA in illustration but couldn’t afford to complete my studies. I stayed in the city for about another 5 years. Working, struggling with the high rent till I moved back home in 2020. Where now, I have more crafting space to create my art and cosplays, have launched my website, and will occasionally attempt to make sales at an art market.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Not a smooth ride at all. Most my struggles are probably my own fault, lol. Whether it’s optimism and poor planning or just general bad decisions.
Financial struggles are the biggest thing though, I would’ve loved to have stayed in school and finished my degree. I wanted to take a class at a time and assured living in the city but I just couldn’t do it. And feels like I basically “rebooted” my goals when I moved back.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in drawn art and acrylic painting, but dabble in many mediums. However probably most known for my cosplay, which is mostly composed of handmade props. Probably most proud of my traditional art, like charcoal drawings, pen and ink sketches, and my latest attempt at romantic realism. What sets me apart is probably my variety. Also, while most of my artwork features pop culture characters, I try to incorporate some of the traditional techniques I know as the flair in my work. It’s about the subtle details
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I don’t consider myself to be a risk-taker but I have been called one a couple of times. I quit a job I was committed to for 3 years to go halfway across the country, all kinda on a whim. Didn’t quite work out as I wanted or hoped for. But everything’s a learning experience, right?
Contact Info:
- Website: mrv13art.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/marcointhebayou
