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

Hi FERNANDO, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
When I think back on it, it’s just something that kind of came full circle for me. Because it was just me deciding to do what I had been doing from the start over 20 years ago, just full time. I started making costumes and props since I was a teenager and began selling them on ebay around 2002. So it was always kind of this side-hustle that became my full time job once I got burnt out from working 2 to 3 jobs simultaneously. I was having a hard time fitting in my side-hustle which ironically, what was making me the most money and what I enjoyed doing the most. So it was just a matter of fully committing myself to this and seeing what would happen if I did. After some planning I was finally able to incorporate my business in 2018 and have made this my one and only full-time job ever since.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I think what sets me apart (and I may be wrong here but I’m trying to look at it from an outside perspective) is that first and foremost, I am a fan of the characters I help bring to life. And other fans can recognize that. I only work on things I am very passionate about and people who hire me can tell there is attention to detail but there is also a lot of love in what I do.

Like I mentioned earlier, I started selling my work online in the early 2000s but once cosplay and superhero fandom exploded into what it is today, it’s been keeping me really busy to the point where I can dedicate myself solely to this line of work.

Lessons I’ve learned along the way: early on I think it was very important for me to not compare myself and my skill level to others because everyone starts somewhere and it’s easy to get discouraged if you compare yourself to people who have been doing what you want to do for longer or are or seem to simply be more gifted at it. As long as you don’t quit you will continue to improve in your craft until all of a sudden your work will surpass your initial expectations of yourself and your abilities. But my most important lesson I learned early on in my career was to never overpromise but always try to overdeliver.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
First place I like to take friends and family who visit is the Packing House in Anaheim. Lots of really good food there for every preference and sure to satisfy most cravings! I also love the Blind Rabbit speakeasy located there for some tasty drinks.

If my friend is into collecting we will definitely go to Frank N Sons and other cool little collectible and vintage stores. We’d go to the Icons of Darkness and the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures costumes’ exhibits in LA. Newport Beach for a beach day and lastly, if they’re up for it, Disneyland of course!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Oh man! My shoutout list is long! Firstly, my parents for always encouraging and supporting my career path and more importantly, early on in my childhood for allowing me to be creative and even a little weird without expecting or trying to make me “grow out of it” and instead, applauding me for following my passion every step of the way. And of course my lovely wife and daughter who push and inspire me every single day.

Groups like the 501st Legion, The RPF and the Superherohype forums introduced me to many wonderful artists who have inspired and helped me along the way. Kevin O’ Connor, Larry Mallot, Yuri Schuurkes, Mclean Krieger, Vinnie Lamborn and Jose Arias just to name a few.

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elfett

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/ElFett

Other: I’m on Tiktok too! Just search “el fett”

Image Credits
All pictures taken by myself or my wife, Claudina Peralta

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.