Meet Andrew Chavez | Illustrator | Graphic Designer

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

Hi Andrew, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I come from a long line of creatives and I have always been drawn to creative people or ideas. Honestly, there was never a time when I felt like there could be any other option. When I was a kid, I remember being frustrated over having to do math homework when all I wanted to do was draw in the margins of my school pages! Countless others have felt the same way and I am no exception.

I find myself being inspired every day by things big or small, and all I can think about is getting those ideas out. Whether it be a hastily scribbled note or a fully developed concept.

I think that feeling never really goes away and it’s been that constant drive to visualize and satisfy the creative itch that has pushed me into my career as an artist.

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’ve been influenced by so many great artists that I feel I am always being pulled in many different directions when I approach a concept.

In my graphic designs, I lean heavily into vintage, grungy, or dirty aspects to portray a concept. I try to design images that are evocative with a back story and a physical element to them. My designs are usually layered with rips, tears, textures, glass, scratches, distress, etc. Ideally, I would like someone to feel like you can reach out and take it apart, piece by piece.

For my illustrated works, I try to incorporate ideas that have great contrast. Whether it be interesting color choices, depictions of the subject, or even a comedic aspect. I am an unashamed lover of horror films, so my illustrations tend to stay in the horror-related realm (skeletons, ghosts, zombies, etc.). Comedic elements are a major part of the genre. My love of horror films and comedy easily goes hand in hand with my works. Alongside the contrasting elements, I love trying to find that niche group or an off-beat element that I can reference. and getting a positive reaction from those who can appreciate it. Because of this, I’ve been very fortunate that my works have been noticed by certain audiences or even the people that have influenced me to create them.

While on this road, I’ve encountered the same doubts and fears that have made me question if I was on the right path. Those moments would appear often, but I was incapable of stopping. All I could ever think about was my art. To be where I am today is still crazy to me! I could tell anybody else all the steps I took that brought me to where I am today, and the results are more than likely not able to be replicated. But I also want to stress that I am not a special case. We’re all in the same boat. We all have the same questions. It’s hard work. It’s persistence. There are no shortcuts and there are no easy-way-outs.

However, I would say that my success came after I re-prioritized my mental health and made some risky moves! In addition, it could all go away tomorrow. That has been put into perspective for many people recently. Always keep in mind what is most important at the end of the day. Who or what you are doing this for. It can be a bumpy ride, so you may as well have fun while on it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Millie’s Cafe, Silverlake – One of my favorite breakfast/lunch spots. They have a great selection for anything you could be feeling! They’re also so warm and friendly, every single time. Another positive is their fantastic vegan menu. My wife is vegan so we’re always looking for great spots with options other than a wedge salad. Millie’s is the place to go!

Button Mash, Echo Park – The best retro-arcade and bar in Los Angeles! Where else can you play Twilight Zone pinball, TRON and air-hockey while getting some great drinks?

Fritto Misto, Santa Monica – In my humble opinion, the best Italian food in the city. They also have an incredible bunch of staff there who always treat us like old friends. I love that place so much, our favorite waiter even came to our wedding. It’s no joke.

Salt & Straw, Larchmont – Incredible ice cream! Nothing like a scoop of sea salted caramel on a warm Summer’s night.

Ennis House, Los Feliz – Since the early 1920’s, this house built on top of a grassy hill by master architect Frank Lloyd Wright has kept watch over Los Feliz and East Hollywood. It is a home built in a Mayan Revival style that seems to be one of the last remnants of the old world in city that has never stopped growing. The surrounding grounds are open for picnics and beautiful views of Los Angeles that are impossible to beat. Fans of House On Haunted Hill (1959), Blade Runner, Buffy The Vampire Slayer, or Mulholland Drive may recognize the exterior of the home as a stand-in for many locations, fictional or otherwise!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would have to first thank my wife, who has been my biggest cheerleader, greatest motivation, and the best partner I could have ever hoped for in this incredible journey. She’s always been a shining light for me and has pushed me to take chances and not give up even when I had great doubts about what I was capable of.

My family and close friends also continue to be pillars of support for me in my career. They are always the first to know about my fun or interesting projects. They ground me and never let me forget where I’ve come from and what will still be there for me no matter what.

Finally, all of my former team members, colleagues, and co-workers that I’ve had the pleasure of learning from and sharing a professional space with. I truly believe that I’ve collaborated with some of the brightest minds in any industry and I am extremely fortunate to have assisted them in their journey, as well. Whether it’s been a walk in the park or we’re in the trenches. I’ve gained so much from those people and I can attribute a lot of my success to them.

Website: andrewchavezart.com

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

Other: https://linktr.ee/andrewchavezart