Meet Victor Zuniga | Art Director

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

Hi Victor, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I wanted to help local businesses, especially mom and pop shops, sell their services better. It was really selfish, I wanted them to succeed so I could have more local shops in my community. I also kept seeing ugly ads around the area. The branding and logos “spoke” with the wrong voice. It bothered me how designers in the area were not helping these businesses. I started with friends that I knew were talented and offered great services. I would design their logos and it became something fun that I really enjoyed. It later evolved into my business.

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 see my art as a way to express complex ideas and imagery and distill them into simple, effective ways to communicate my personal experience.

I started as a graphic designer, focusing on logos, but over time I’ve had to learn illustration, custom lettering, and motion graphics. My job allowed me to create title sequences for films or TV shows, and learn how to storyboard. This translated into my art by allowing me to build those narratives and become part of my growth as an artist.

There have been many moments of doubt — the familiar weight of imposter syndrome. Especially when working on high-profile projects, I don’t always feel like I belong. Rejection is common, and over time that can lead to burnout. Finding balance and self-worth has been one of the hardest challenges. It’s actually the reason I created Tequititzi (you can follow his IG @Tequititzi). I made him blue because at the time I was depressed. The art I created around Tequititzi was always bright and happy because it’s what I wished for myself.

Today, I’ve learned how to separate the work I do commercially from my identity as a person. Someone once told me that my work shouldn’t define me, and that idea stuck. I strive to make the best work I can, leave it at my desk, and return to it when needed. I’ve stopped chasing validation. If I solve the problem, I know I’ve done my job — and no one can take that away from me.

What I want people to know about me is that I try. I do my best, and through my work I aim to show that every problem has a solution. You just have to be willing to put in the effort to find it.

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?
There’s tons, but I would definitely start by supporting local businesses in Inglewood. Asteroid Vinyl is great for records and coffee. They highlight a different local artist every month. The Serving Spoon is a great spot for waffles and a good meal. The Rusty Pot Cafe is a must for their shrimp and grits.

If you’re planning to venture to downtown, I suggest walking around Grand Central Market and walking around the place to try different foods. I always get a carnitas taco. Next door is La Cita which is one of my college haunts. Great for a drink and people watching. Then walk to the L.A. public library. The different art installations are a must. End the day in Little Tokyo for some shops and restaurants. You can also walk over to the Art District from there and check out Manuela for drinks and food. The building also has a bookstore and art gallery which always has a great installation. Bestia is another of my favorite places to take out of towners who want the L.A. experience for dinner.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My mentors Wil and Heather Lemus. They run the creative agency I am a part of here in Los Angeles. It is called Hustle LA Inc. It’s entertainment design. You’ve seen our work on streaming services and movie posters. They aren’t just mentors, they are family. They’ve taught me so much and it’s allowed me to grow as an artist.

Website: https://www.victorgrafico.com/

Instagram: victorz

Image Credits
My picture was taken by Onel Ordaz.