Today we’d like to introduce you to Alfred Trujillo.
Alfred, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I have always had a love for comic books. Growing up, I found they told stories that were in-depth and imaginative, and I found the medium to be a powerful and amazing format. My first attempts at art were not great but I jumped right in, and made my first comic book at 7 years old. A lot of time, people in life try to dissuade you from what you want to do; for example, my art teacher in High School routinely said that comic book art was not real art. I respectfully disagreed, and even though I never stopped making art, it still took me some time to decide that it was something worth pursuing. I loved learning about art by sharing it with people online and also helping them with their art. It was awesome having a community and resources to improve and I took advantage of the ease in which professional critique made itself available and I started to see my art take leaps and bounds towards the direction I wanted. I found myself published within a year of starting my art endeavor and found a lot of support from the fans who love my style. I have had some setbacks, but I’ve never let anything keep me down and keep trying to meet my goals. And to that point, I feel very fortunate to have art on the comic stands this week by a company created by an artist I loved growing up, and next month I have a major cover by one of the most influential comic creators in the industry for over 20 years.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I find that making art is an amazing way to express yourself and bring your vision to life.
My standard process is making thumbnails of what I think the composition should be like. I will usually sculpt it with pencil, creating more depth, defining the negative space, figuring the best way to guide the eye along a page. A lot of the final process involves making sure the piece has enough visual and themed interest to grab the viewer. I know there are a lot of different ways of creating art, all with their pros and cons, I really do love the traditional sense. What I love most about art is how many different types of people it brings together, and how the appreciation of it overlaps groups of people who can often be at odds. I think art can be a very powerful common denominator.
Any advice for aspiring or new artists?
Read Loomis. Its public domain. Also, talk to artists! Show them your art. Develop thick skin. Oh, and the most important: create art every day or as much as possible. Few people talk about the muscle memory that it takes to hone art skills. It’s real, and there are no shortcuts for joining your eyes and hands as one. 15 minutes a day. You can do it. Don’t stop.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
Bookmark my webpage alfredtrujillo.com and check out my store at 183degreestudio.com. Also, follow me on Instagram at @alfred183 or Facebook at fb.com/alfredtrujilloartist And don’t be shy! Make a comment, share some art, order a commission to support original art or prints as gifts/decoration!
Also, I travel the country exhibiting at comic book, anime and sci fi conventions. Find me, see me, and give me a high five! The energy from fans is huge for creators and a great source for strength and inspiration.
Contact Info:
- Website: alfredtrujillo.com
- Email: 183degree@gmail.com
- Instagram: alfred183
- Facebook: fb.com/alfredtrujilloartist
- Twitter: alfred183
- Other: 183degreestudio.com
Image Credit:
Lines: Alfred Trujillo
Colors: Cara Nicole
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
