Today we’d like to introduce you to David Alvarado.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I graduated from Columbia College Chicago with a BFA in Illustration. As an illustrator and cartoonist I have gone through a few different paths that ultimately lead me to where I am today. I believe that some of the things that have shaped me into the artist that I am today have been shops like Quimbys, organizations/events like CAKE and Chicago Zine Fest and the close community of cartoonists, artists and illustrators in this city. I started out showcasing my self-published comics and prints at the Chicago Zine Fest and have been keeping in touch with other similar shows. Shops like Quimbys provided the outlet for me to create something and have a space for it. But more importantly it was the staff being so receptive to what I was creating and encouraging me as an early cartoonist and illustrator. I also have some amazing friends and instructors that I went to school with at Columbia that I am still in touch with and they have been the most encouraging people to me.
Please tell us about your art.
As an illustrator I have provided illustrations for editorial magazines, covers, comics, products and large scale murals. A lot of the work that I do is a type of visual problem solving where an abstract concept or complicated story will need a graphic image to set the mood or feeling of a particular editorial. Sometimes the project is as simple as just making something incredibly attractive and eye catching. I want people viewing my art to be able to peel away the layers of content with their eyeballs. I enjoy making dense images and filling them with strange characters, food with legs and noses and other random junk. A lot of inspiration came from books like Where’s Waldo, alternative comics, artist from Chicago’s Hairy Who like Roger Brown, Jim Nutt or Karl Wirsum. But more importantly the content of my work is inspired by events happening in my life or the rich city of Chicago. I love to people watch and take in the nose and bustle of the street.
What do you think about conditions for artists today? Has life become easier or harder for artists in recent years? What can cities like ours do to encourage and help art and artists thrive?
I think this is a great city for artist. There is a thriving artistic community here that encompasses a range of mediums and interests. I love all the public art that I see in this city and I just want to see more! But apart from that I just want to see more funding towards arts in schools or after school programs and mentorship programs.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I frequently post on my social media pages, just give them a follow for future art events where I will be selling my work or presenting them!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.hello-david.com
- Email: david.alvrd@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tuffasaurus/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davidalvaradoillustration/
Image Credit:
David Alvarado
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