Meet Carlos Santa Cruz | Visual Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Carlos Santa Cruz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carlos, why did you pursue a creative career?
it just feels natural. I’ve always been very expressive growing up, but I never knew how to channel it in the right way. As I got older, I got a better idea of where I could go with creating art. It was just a matter of putting myself out there and honing my skills. I never took any art classes, but I was so fascinated by creating that I sat myself down and learned everything on my own. I just feel like this is what I am meant to do in this lifetime. For myself and everyone I cross paths with.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve been taking photos since high school and I’ve been drawing since I can remember. I can’t even exactly say that I am successful at all to be honest. I am still learning so much about myself and how I want to frame my voice. It has been such a crazy all of the above journey thus far. I am still in development.
I am grateful to say that I am a self taught artist for the more majority of it. I never once took an art class until recently and it was super reassuring in terms of my skills.
Photography is something that comes natural to me. I am obsessed with light and what it does on its own. I like experimenting with it a lot.
A reoccurring theme I want to portray is being free spirited. Emphasizing isolation within maximal or minimal spaces.
In the future, I would like to be shooting editorial and conceptual stuff for big people or brands.

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.
If I would show anyone visiting LA a place to hang out. It would be 2220 Arts + Archives in Westlake. They always have some kind of artsy event, whether its music, art, clubs, and shows of any kind. I’ve discovered very unique artists at that venue. I also have seen some of my favorite music artists there as well. Not to mention, this one time I saw a screening of a super sick local animator Vewn (@vewn_). It was something very intimate and put together by a very tight community of curators, organizers, and artist near and far. Last thing, there is also a vintage photo booth that I recommend checking out.
Don’t forget to look them up on instagram!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I wouldn’t be where I am with myself without my stepmoms. I was always pushed to be myself unapologetically, pursue my passions, and smile.
I also have to shout out all of my friends along the way, they know who they are. Each and everyone one of them taught me something new about myself and reminded me of what it meant to have connection with people who care and see me.

Instagram: @asteroidshooter @shotbycarlos

Image Credits
models in photos:
@miaamix
@z.lou
@miniwastaken