We had the good fortune of connecting with Hugo Maldonado and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hugo, how do you think about risk?
I’ve always felt if a risk doesn’t scare you, it’s not worth taking. It’s best to be prepared before you take the giant leap. Surround yourself with people and friends who are knowledgeable about what you are trying to achieve. No one succeeds alone.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am currently working on a producing a project that I wrote called “VALLERO!”. It is a Western graphic novel that follows the adventurous life of a Mexican Bandito, Fernando Valle, and his group of Desperados. VALLERO! captures the magic and nostalgia of the Wild West as well as includes factual World Historical Events. This is a limited Latinx comic book series that will be available in English, Spanish, and Italian this Summer of 2021. Follow @Valleroseries, Let’s ride!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’d start our days at my local ‘Gracefully Fed’ in Sherman Oaks for some delicious grab made by Traci Weintraub. Also, stock up on her desserts to-go! Next stop, the ‘Cycling Pigeon’ in Eagle Rock with the amazing Coco & Reno Wilson. Their sessions will charge you up for the day! The BEST burgers in town are ‘Heavy Handed’ in Venice (Forget In n Out.) For Authentic Mexican Food that will blow your mind, ‘Guelaguetza’ on Olympic blvd. For entertainment, there’s always something new going on so we will play it by ear!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
One of the people to motivate me and offer me an opportunity to showcase my creativity was, Melissa McCarthy. My first job in Hollywood was designing the “Mahalo” t-shirt for the movie, Tammy (2014). Another huge support team I owe a lot of gratitude towards is Peter Roth and Jennifer Littlehales at Warner Bros. I’ve always appreciated their words of encouragement and making themselves available for me. This group of inspiring people have had the biggest impact in my life and have taught me that you have to believe in your projects and know you are the right person to achieve it. I’ve kept their words with me throughout my journey and process of bringing “VALLERO!” to light.

Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1261028/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hugomaldonado__/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hugo-maldonado-386775a4/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Hugobosstc

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hugo.maldonado.146

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-mzhLVVgHU&t=8s

Other: Art Directors Guild – Local 800 – Graphic Artist https://adg.org/directory/15525-hugo-maldonado/

Image Credits
Photographer: Richard Sumilang

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