Today we’d like to introduce you to Ricardo Guerrero.
Hi Ricardo , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My path as a professional artist started back in 2014 when I obtained my BA in Arts from Texas A&M International University. Although I had always made art throughout my life, that was the time where I began to focus on a more serious direction for my work. I spent many years after trying to figure out what path to take withing my profession. From contemplating a career in animation to working as a part-time graphic designer, I ended up establishing my choice to be an illustrator.
Fast forward to 2022, I had applied, and was accepted to Scholastic’s newest mentorship program that was open to illustrators who wished to enter the field of kid and young adult literature, and have not yet been represented by an agent or agency. After a couple of months, when the program had ended, the mentees were submitted to an illustrator catalog that was available to agents and agencies that were potentially looking for new talent.
In mid 2023, an agency by the name of Shannon Associates inc. had reached out to me, offering representation. I was told that one of the agents was having a meeting from someone in Scholastic and my name was brought up I believe, or had seen me in the catalog. They were very intrigued with the quality of my work and the cultural tones surrounding it. At that point, my career truly began and my level of professionalism had reached a new height.
Additionally, before the events of Shannon Associates on the same year, I had also applied and was accepted to one of the biggest events for artist in California called Light Box Expo. Where my artist coligue Melly Rodriquez and I showcased our work amongst high professionals in the animations industry, such as Disney artists Laura Price, Griz and Norm. An important highlight throughout my journey, as it solidify my status as a professional moving forward, knowing that I was ready to tackle bigger opportunities.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has been a bumpy road. Like many looking for their purpose in life, there were plenty of trials and errors that needed to happen before reaching the destination. During my time before discovering what I actually wanted to do, I took on plenty of creative jobs that weren’t the best. Some were poorly paid and others were just not the right environment for me. The hardest part had to be when I took a year and a half from working anywhere to focus on developing my portfolio. Which paid off in the end!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I mostly specialize in kid and young adult literature. Meaning a lot of my work consist of exuberant imagery filled with plenty of color and textures. It’s also filled with a lot of cultural memories from my childhood living at the border. My illustrations reflect a Mid-Century stylization, carrying inspiration form artist like Mary Blair whose artwork for Disney was prominent with dry brush techniques and heavy on detail.
Though there was a time where my work mostly consisted of paintings done in gouache and watercolor, I have adapted to now work on a digital canvas to better fit industry standards. Though my paintings are now in a different format, I always do my best to still deliver images that closely resembles a traditional feel. Meaning, I incorporate a lot of brush techniques to replicate a real paint stroke. Using a diverse assortment of brushes from program like Procreate and Clip Studio Paint, I was able to achieve the feel I wanted for my art.
(Also, for the record, I am very anti-AI. My process is in no way or will it ever be associated with it.)
Currently what I’m mostly proud of has to be the first book I ever illustrated. A year after I was picked up by Shannon Associates inc. I received an email from an agent notifying that Penguin Random House, the publishers behind the famous “A Little Golden Book” series wanted me to illustrate their newest instalment. “A Little Golden Book: The X-Files: Is the Truth Out There?” was titled tasked upon me to bring to life. I would have never guessed at the start of my career, this series would reach out to me to take care of one of their most beloved franchises. I truly feel blessed and honored that my years of dedication to this craft have reached me to this milestone.
Frankly, I do not really know what sets me apart from others. I think it’s best answered from an outside perspective than from my own. I feel the audience has a better grasp on what makes me different because they’re the ones who hold judgment on their interests and decide what they like mostly about my work from among the rest.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I’m not really good at predicting the future, unfortunately, but I have hopes it stays strong and active. With the current technological situation involving AI, many feel unsure and scared of what is to become of the industry. Despite that, I still hold on to optimism. Getting to know many great fellow artist and creators within my career gives me hope for a better future in the creative space and for literacy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://riggyartwork.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riggyartwork/
- Other: https://bsky.app/profile/riggyartwork.bsky.social
