Luis Mendez

I’m Luis Mendez, an illustrator who focuses on accuracy, detail, and bringing ideas to life. Drawing has always been something I do, whether on paper or digitally, and I take pride in capturing what I see exactly how it is. That’s what led me to pursue Illustration and Visual Communication—to sharpen my skills and push my creativity further.

At first, I wanted to go into game design, but the program I looked into only offered a certificate, not a full degree. That’s when I decided to switch paths. I knew I was good at drawing, so I committed to illustration, a field where I could fully use my skills and make a living off what I love to do.

I’ve learned about this field through both school and real-world experience. I’ve taken courses in Illustration, Photoshop, Visual Communication, and Graphic Design, which have helped me refine my skills. Learning digital tools like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator wasn’t hard—I picked them up fast, and now they feel natural to use. Outside of class, I’ve done work for one of my teachers and designed a logo mascot for my uncle’s food truck business, showing how illustration connects with branding and storytelling.

I’ve also worked in construction with my dad and uncle, which taught me how to communicate in a group and negotiate with people. Since they work on their own, I paid attention to how they talked to customers and learned how to make things work in a way that benefits both sides.

Not having the right tools was one of my biggest challenges. For a while, I didn’t have a computer to do my digital art, so I spent long hours on campus from morning until night just to get my work done. I made up for what I didn’t have by staying focused and putting in the time, which only made me more determined.

When it comes to my work, I don’t like saying no. I always find a way to make something happen, whether it’s adjusting an idea, improving a design, or coming up with new solutions. I also like giving people options—I’ll create multiple versions of a finished piece so they can see different directions and choose what works best. At the same time, I know how to take a project and add my own creative spin. One example is when I was assigned a still-life drawing of three objects. I followed the instructions but took it further by having a video game character come out of the TV and hand the controller to the viewer. I do what I’m told, but I also know when to push ideas in a way that makes them stronger.

My goal is to work as a freelance illustrator because I want to manage my own deadlines and have full creative freedom. I don’t want to be locked into an office or a strict schedule—I want to create work people want, whether through commissions or selling my own pieces.

I take my work seriously, and I make sure the final product represents exactly what’s needed. I research, plan, and provide backup ideas to make sure everything is right. At the end of the day, I’m not just creating art—I’m making sure it communicates something, stands out, and leaves an impression.